March 2005EDITORIALWe cheered them all to the meet, shared their fruitcake and port, heard their defiant speeches, and cheered them all out on the first post-ban hunt. The great crowd which gathered at the Bibury Court Hotel on 19th February was in no doubt: hunting with hounds has a future as illustrious as its long past. Its time will come again. Long Live Liberty!And now another thing. Every age has its silliness, and ours has the mania for apologizing, which must follow anything which is deemed what the prim disapprovingly call ‘insensitive and inappropriate behaviour’. In the past few weeks, Prince Harry insensitively wore inappropriate fancy dress, The Labour Party behaved insensitively in publishing inappropriate adverts. Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone behaved insensitively to a reporter by comparing him inappropriately, and this morning, I read in the newspaper that steam railway enthusiasts are deemed to behave insensitively with ‘a display of offensive and unsuitable military uniforms and insignia’, when some of them turn up on WW2 re-enactment weekends in German uniforms. Jon Pridmore of the National Railway Museum said ‘It is totally inappropriate for people to dress up as Nazis on our railways.’ Oh really, why?But of course all of these insensitive people are forced to apologise, and are often accused of offering the ‘wrong’ sort of apology. And so the absurd band-wagon of nonsense rumbles on. Equally potty are the apologies for events of long ago. However, when the Pope apologises for the medieval Crusades, or Americans for plantation slavery, at least it does not much impinge on present actions. When accusations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ and the wrong sort of apology are used in argument to question our constitution, our political processes, and even what happens on private railways, then it does matter.

I forget who, but someone terribly famous once said ‘Never apologise, never explain.’ A little hard, but at least let us keep some sense of proportion.This month in PP, you will find all the usual news and views around the parishes, arguments for and against music in church, and on page 31, Part One of a fascinating study of the Filkins Tornado which ripped through the village and beyond last March. This is adapted from a paper given at a Torro (Tornado and Storm Research Organisation) conference and from the web site of the authors. I warn you that a science dictionary may well be required!Lastly, if you enjoy PP, do send your donation for 2005 via your village representative/ correspondent or directly to Ellie Maughan (our Treasurer).

BENEFICE SERVICES

2”a March9.00pm Broadwell

Compline NUWNUWHMEJEJNUWAPHMRMHMHMNUWEJHMEJHMRMNUW

6‘h March - IVth Sunday of Lent, Mothering Sunday8.00am Kencot9.OOam Holwell/Westwell9.OOam Shilton10.00am Filkins10.30am Alvescot10.30am Broadwell10.30am Langford6.OOpm B Bourton6.OOpm Shilton9th March9.OOpm Kencot

Holy CommunionCombined Holy CommunionHoly CommunionFamily CommunionParish CommunionMatinsMothering Sunday ServiceEvensongYouth ServiceCompline

13‘h March - Vth Sunday of Lent9.OOam Shilton10.30am Kencot/Broadwell11.OOam L Faringdon4.00pm Langford6.OOpm Alvescot6.OOpm Westwell16‘h March9.OOpm Westwell

Holy CommunionCombined Parish CommunionMatinsEvensongEvensongEvensongComplineBlessing of the Palms, then procession to...

20‘h March - Palm Sunday10.00am B Poggs10.30am Filkins6.00pm Holwell

Benefice Eucharist ServiceEvensong

HM, EJ & NUWHMHMNUWHMHM, EJ & NUWHM, EJ & NUWNU-WTFHMEJ

21s‘ March - Monday in Holy Week9.00pm L Faringdon Compline22”a March - Tuesday in Holy Week9.OOpm Holwell Compline23‘a March - Wednesday in Holy Week9.OOpm Kelmscott Compline24‘h March - Maundy Thursday7.30pm Shilton25‘h March - Good Friday2.OOpm Langford27t6 March - Easter Sunday9.OOam B Bourton9.OOam Langford9.OOam Shilton9.OOam Westwell/Holwell

Benefice Eucharist ServiceBenefice ServiceHoly CommunionHoly CommunionFamily CommunionCombined Holy Communion3

9.30am Broadwell Parish Communion RM10.00am Filkins Family Communion NUW10.30am Alvescot Family Communion EJ10.30am Kelmscott Family Communion HM11.OOam Kencot Parish Communion GE11.OOam L Faringdon Parish Communion RMThere is a communion service every Wednesday at 10.00am at Black BourtonCombined services will be in the first-named churchSERVICE CELEBRANTS Geoffrey Edwards

Roland MeredithAP Arthur Pont EJ Liz JohnsonHM Harry MacInnes NUW Neville Usher-WilsonTF Tom Farrell

GERM

THE LECTIONARY6’ March - IVth Sunday of Lent, Mothering Sunday (P)Exodus 2.1-10 Psalm 342 Corinthians 1.3-7 Luke 2.33-3513‘h March - Vth Sunday of Lent (P)Ezekiel 37. 1-14 Psalm 130Romans 8.6-11 John 11.1-45

20‘’ March - Palm Sunday ®Matthew 21.1-11 Psalm 118.19-29Isaiah 50.4-9a Philippians 2.5-1121s‘ March -Monday in Holy Week ®Isaiah 42.1-9 Psalm 36.5-11Hebrews 9.11-15 John 12.1-1122”a March - Tuesday in Holy Week ®Isaiah 49.1-7 Psalm 71.1-81 Corinthians 1.18-31 John 12.20-3623‘a March - Wednesday in Holy WeekIsaiah 50.4-9a Psalm 70Hebrews 12.1-3 John 13.21-3224” March - Maundy Thursday (W (HC)R)Exodus 12.1-4, 11-14 Psalm 116.1.10-end1 Corinthians 11.23-26 John 13.1-17, 31b-3525‘h March - Good Friday ®Isaiah 52, 13-53-end Psalm 22Hebrews 10.16-25 John18.1-19.end26‘h MarchJob 14.1-14 Psalm 31.14, 15-161 Peter 4.1-8 Matthew 27.57-6627‘h March - Easter Sunday (W or Gold)Colossians 3.1-4 John 20.1-184

THE RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear FriendsActs of power have always captivated the imagination of people throughout the world. The vivid picture of two airliners bringing down the twin towers of the World Trade centre remains engraved in the memory. Similarly, the terrifying force of the American ‘Shock and Awe’ invasion of Iraq had people mesmerised in front of their TV screens.These were events which brought home in an unforgettable way the extraordinary power which men and women can wield in our modern world. But even more terrifying have been the scenes of the Tsunami sweeping over the South East Asia landscape leaving death and destruction in its wake on a scale we had thought unimaginable. Is there any power to compare with such as we have seen in these last 5 years?

There was a demonstration of power 2000 years ago that the church celebrates at Easter, which is of a different order to anything we have known in the whole of history. We may be able to plumb the depths of the ocean and send Space craft spinning out to Saturn, but once a person has died - really died - past resuscitation of any kind, there is nothing more that we can do. Medical science has progressed beyond the dreams of past generations, but while it can do much, it is as far as ever from overcoming death. Once a person has died, there really is nothing more we can do.It is at this point supremely that human weakness becomes apparent. Nothing expresses our helplessness so vividly. There are all kinds of abilities given to us, but only God can raise the dead. To prove it, he raised Jesus once and for all. In that Resurrection of Jesus lies a universal promise. When we reach the end of our resources, faith has its opportunity. St Paul talks of an experience which caused him to completely despair of life, but he goes on “This happened that we might rely, not on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead”.Despair or faith: that is the choice which faces us continually. We often take it for granted that there is no choice but to be cynical. We say that in certain circumstances we can’t help it. After all we are only human! But God has unleashed a power which can lift us above our human weakness. There is no need to despair about my selfishness, my failures, my circumstances, my future. The discovery of my human weakness is the first step towards experiencing the power of God. As I let myself go to Him, he can raise me above all the things that are beyond me to handle.Perhaps over Holy week and Easter we might be open to acknowledge our own human frailty and weakness and discover that especially in those places of our vulnerability God’s love and power is present. Harry MacInnesDIOCESAN EUCHARIST

Each year on the Tuesday in Holy Week, there is a special service in Christ Church Cathedral at which the Bishops and other clergy and lay people renew their ordination and baptism promises. This takes place during the celebration of the Holy Communion and includes the Blessing of the oils which are used at baptism and Confirmation, and as healing for the sick.This year the service is on Tuesday 22°d March at 11.OOam.The Bishop of Oxford will preside at the service, and the preacher will be the Bishop of Reading. ‘Our’ Bishop of Dorchester will probably also be present. You are all invited to come to this special service, no tickets are needed. Parking is available on Broad Walk (enter by the Meadow Gate next door to the college).It is suggested that you might like to bring a packed lunch to the service, which we normally eat in St Aldates Church Centre just opposite the Cathedral, and where tea and coffee are provided.If you have not been before, do come! It is a most inspiring act of service, and it is good to join together in worship in our own Cathedral, with our own Bishops. Come on your own if you can, but if you need a lift, ask the Vicar if he has room in his car.RMBENEFICE CHOIRWanda ‘Keep a song in your heart’Adams bas retired from the Benefice musical fray,and,writes.•he last years of music ministry in the benefice have been very special in that we started with absolutely zero and have drawn together a very dedicated and committed group of people who have not only grownspiritually, and as a team, but have contributed greatly in joining the variousparishes in worship together.

We have laughed, cried and prayed together and I shall miss them all greatly. I would like to say thank you for the lovely flowers that were given to me in February and for the beautiful set of wine glasses that the choir so kindly gave me. Every blessing to everyone, and (of course!) keep a song in your heart.Wanda AdamsCorinna Rock of Holwell adds. -s A parishioner in one of the smallest, furthest flung corners of the Shill Valley and Broadshire Benefice, the Choir has meant a chance to meet, and sing with, members from all the other parishes and to takepart in the Benefice Service, which are such a contrast to our individualparish services. Wanda got together a disparate group (experienced and inexperienced, confident and out of practice) with whom she worked tirelessly, finding music, cajoling and encouraging and praying so that we might achieve something which would make a worthwhile contribution to the monthly Benefice Service.We owe her so many thanks for her enthusiasm and dedication, for the enjoyment she has given us and for her consequent sense of community with member of the other parishes. It is sad that she now feels she must relinquish the leadership of the choir that she has mustered over the past two years, and we will all miss her.CRMUSIC & WORSHIPThe role of music in worship has long been a contentious one. Some have maintained that anything so eapressive of the human heart must be a Good Thing, and thus fitting with which to glorify God. While others have said that anything one can dance to must the work of the devil and thus has no place in church! Erasmus (1466-1536) puts the case against music in church:

We have brought into our churches certain operatic and theatrical music; such a confused, disorderly chattering of some words as I hardly think was ever in any of the Grecian or Roman theatres. The church rings with the noise of trumpets, pipes, and dulcimers; and human voices strive to bear their part with them.Men run to church as to a theatre, to have their ears tickled. And for this end organ makers are hired with great salaries, and a company of boys, who waste all their time learning these whining tones.Erasmus (from his ‘Commentary on I Cor.’)On the other hand, and much more recently, CS Lewis states the case for music as a legitimate part of Christian worship:J t seems to me that we must define rather carefully the way, or ways, in which music can glorify God. There is a sense in which all natural agents, even inanimate ones, glorify God continually by revealing the powers He has given them. And in that sense we, as natural agents, do the same. On that level our wicked actions, in so far as they exhibit our skill and strength, may be said to glorify Good, as well as our good actions. An excellently performed piece of music, as natural operation which reveals in a very high degree the peculiar powers given to man, will thus always glorify God whatever the intention of the performers may be.But that is a kind of glorifying which we share with the ‘dragons and great deeps’, with the ‘frost and snows’. What is looked for in us, as men, is anotherkind of glorifying, which depends on intention. How easy or how hard it may be for a whole choir to preserve that intention through all the discussions and decisions, all the corrections and the disappointments, all the temptations to pride, rivalry and ambition, which precede the performance of a great work, I (naturally) do not know. But it is on the intention that all depends.

When it succeeds, I think the performers are the most enviable of men; privileged while mortals to honour God like angels and, for a few golden moments, to see spirit and flesh, delight and labour, skill and worship, the natural and the supernatural, all fused into that unity they would have had before the Fall.CS Lewis (from his essay ‘On Church Music)CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIPOur April meeting is on Wednesday 6‘h April at 2.45pm in the Methodist Chapel Schoolroom, Filkins. Major Thornton of The Salvation Army in Oxford will be our speaker. All are welcome to join us for this meeting.MABFROM THE REGISTERSHOLY MARRIAGE8‘h January Filkins Stewart Campbell to Catherine Jane

CampbellHOLY BURIAL8‘h January Shilton Thanksgiving service for the life of

MervynWhitfield aged 69 years215Y January Holwell Burial of Ashes of Reginald Freeman-

Thomas aged96 years4‘h February Filkins Jonathan Neil Hagues aged 51 years8‘h February Filkins Richard Sarjeant aged 62 years.MEDITATION ON DEATHW e seem to give them back to you, 0 God, who gave them to us. Yet as you did not lose them in giving, so we do not lose them by their return. Not as the world gives, do you give, 0 lover of Souls. What you give you do not take away, for what is yours is ours if we are yours. And life is eternal and love immortal, and death is only an horizon, and an horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further; cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; draw us closer to

yourself that we may know ourselves to be nearer to our loved ones who are with you. And while you prepare a place for us, prepare us also for that happy place, that where you are we may be for evermore.Bede Jarrett (1888 -1934), OP and once ‘the best known priest in

the country’ROUND THE VILLAGESALVESCOT St Peter’sAUCTION OF GOODSBelated news of the successful Grand Auction of Goods held in the Village Hall on 8‘h November last year. Despite vicious weather conditions that night, there was a good turnout of bidders, who contributed to splendid netproceeds of £877.My thanks goes in particular to those who kindly contributed; both individuals, local shops and businesses. Many items went for a song as it was something of a buyer’s market that night. In addition, thanks to all of you who helped on the evening, including our auctioneer, Peter.TSUNAMI APPEALThe Tsunami Lunch held at The Old Rectory on 10th February raised £720 to help the survivors of the disaster in Sri Lanka. Many thanks to all who came or sent donations - it is a marvellous result!Diana BagnallEASTER CHURCH DECORATIONEveryone is welcome to come along at 10.00am on Saturday 26‘h March to join together and decorate the church for Easter. We would also like lots of daffodils and other Spring flowers, blossom and foliage so if you are able to bring some they will all be gratefully received.

Lilies for remembrance scheme: If you would like to give a donation for lilies (and who it is for) in memory of someone special, please do so to me before21 S‘ March.The names of those being remembered will be by the lilies in church over Easter. If you would like more details or would like to give flowers or greenery but can’t come on the 26‘h please contact Jayne Lewin on 01993 842435.BRIDGE DRIVEThere will be a Bridge Drive at The Old Rectory on Friday March 4th at 6.30 for 7.OOpm. Tickets are available at £15 (including supper and a glass of wine) from Dee Stoot (01993 842938).ST PETER’S INFANT SCHOOLAs the children arrived back in school after the Christmas holiday they had all heard news of the Earthquake in the Indian Ocean and the consequences of this on the surrounding villages and towns. Some of the older children started__ following the diaries of journalists on the BBC website and decided that they wanted to help. Thechildren decided they would hold a bring and buy sale and a raffle and theywould sell tea and cakes, that they would make themselves.All the children helped, with the support of parents and staff and they managed to raise an incredible £450 in just one hour on the afternoon of 14‘h January. Many thanks to all those who supported the event and helped the children organise it.All the children received Brazilian Soccer Training this term and several attended further training during the February break in Carterton. Some of our youngest children certainly show excellent co-ordination and skill with a football!

Barry Armstrong, the LEA officer responsible for Child Protection, visited the school and provided a very interesting presentation for staff and governors on issues regarding the protection of the children in our care. This highlighted the enormous responsibility of the school in safeguarding our children and the importance of all those who take on that responsibility, in understanding the vulnerability of some children in our society. At St Peter’s we are fortunate to have children who are well cared for and loved but we must not for a moment become complacent towards our responsibility.On a lighter note, the staff and governors enjoyed a skittles evening at The Plough. The good food and great company made for an excellent evening.During January, the Reverend MacInnes, Jenny Kane, Peter Bagnall and Roger Trafford have all taken assemblies and the children have thoroughly enjoyed their visits and the opportunity to talk to them afterwards, particularly the pancake making!All staff attended the launch of the new Cultural Loans Service at St Joseph’s School and were excited by the fascinating boxes of artefacts available for schools to borrow to support the curriculum. We have already had a visit from Peter Killick who provided a‘Soap and Bubbles’ workshop for the Year 1 children all about the history of washday. We look forward to his return to talk about the history of toys and land transport. This is a wonderful resource that our school looks forward to using on a regular basis!World Book Day is just around the corner, on the 3‘d March and our school’s bookweek will be the week beginning the 7th March. There will be a bookfairin school all week, opening at 2.45pm daily which anyone is welcome to visit and James Carter, the children’s poet will be visiting the school to work with the children and read his work on the 8‘” March.

Our annual Easter service will take place on 24‘h March at St Peter’s Church. We will process from the school to the Church at 2.OOpm. If you would like to join us then we would love to see you there.Sandie Morris is holding a jumble sale at the village hall on 2”d April and the Sixties Night will be held on 30‘h April. Tickets will be available from the school office nearer the time but make sure you put the date in your diary now!Sam KingBLACK BOURTON St Mary’sVILLAGE ASSOCIATIONThe Village Association AGM will be held on Tuesday lst‘ March 2005 at Wellstodd’s Cottage Garden, Burford Road from 8.OOpm. Letters inviting every household have now been circulated.Please note that the meeting will provide the forum for discussion about the proposal to hold a Party in the Play Park on Saturday 18‘h June 2005. If anyone has any questions or worries about this proposal, please come to the meeting and talk to us.Also if anyone is interested in joining the Village Association, please contact me on 01993 843746 or email Jackie@evensaul.org.Jackie GarrettPLANT SALEAdvance notice of the 3rd Annual Charity Plant Sale. If you enjoyed the sales in 2002 and 2003 (or if you wondered what you were missing!), I do hope you can come to the 2005 sale on 17‘h September.Liz WelchPARISH COUNCILAre you interested in the future of your village?Do you want to know what is going on in West Oxfordshire? Have you thought of being a Parish Councillor?

Now is your opportunity! Election of Parish Councillors will take place„sometime in May 2005. If you would like to learn more about what is involved and/or register your interest, contact any one of us listed belowFrank Stewart Wood 01993 842397 Steve Dickson 01993 840710 Anne Sherriff 01993 842273 James Wildman 01993 842582Or come to the next Parish Council meeting on Wednesday 23‘d March at 7.30pm in the ChurchBROADWELLSt Peter & St Paul’sHUGH & MARY PESCODI am sure that everybody in the village will wish to wish Hugh & Mary Pescod much happiness in their new life up North. They will be greatly missed by us all; not least for the continuous contributions they have both made to events in the village; the bicycle rides, church flowers, harvest lunches, and for being unobtrusive ‘helping hands’ in so many ways. Be happy, Hugh & Mary, and thank you. We will miss you greatly.JGANNUAL MEETINGSIn April there will be both the Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting, and the Annual Parish Meeting. As these are Annual Meetings, everybody can come and make their points. Please do come; better than grumbling afterwards! The exact dates in April have yet be decided (watch Aprils issue of Parish Pump).BROADSHIRES PRE-SCHOOLDue to demand we are extending our sessions and have afternoon places available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. For further details or to arrange a visit please contact Jackie Overton on 01367 860729 (Tues-Fri).

This term our topic has been ‘Ourselves’ and the children have enjoyed modelling clay skeletons, taking their pulses and making musical instruments to play and listen to. They have also been tasting different foods including pancakes on Pancake Tuesday and a stir-fry to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Next term we will be thinking about ‘Disabilities and we are looking forward to a visit from a lady and her guide dog.Alison RodgerFILKINS & BROUGHTON POGGS St Peter’sNEIL HAGUESYou often heard Neil Hagues before you saw him as he pounded the Broadshire lanes, sprinting when most of us would have plodded at best, his distinctive breathing technique suggestive of a high powered steam engine just getting into its swing. Since student days, running had been one of the great passions of his life, leading him, amongst other places, to a successful completion of the New York Marathon in 1979. He was also an enthusiastic golfer, and his annual pilgrimage to the British Open was always one of the year’s highlights for him. Add to this his unflinching support for Crystal Palace FC, and a picture begins to emerge of a man for whom sport played an important role.There was, of course, a lot more to Neil than that. An able scholar, he went on, unusually, to secure the degrees of BSc, MA and MSc at the universities of Cardiff, Lancaster and Surfing respectively. Highly qualified, he was snapped up by the Royal Military College of Science at Shrivenham. It was here that he met his wife-to-be Julia. They married in 1986, and shortly afterwards moved to Filkins, where they were joined by twins Woody and Jamie and third son Dominic within three years.Neil’s statistical capability took him to an important post in the Assessment Unit at the National Foundation for Educational Research, where he continued to work happily until Christmas 2004. As with so much in the life of this very active man, his approach to work was meticulously planned. He would leave

Filkins just before seven each morning, drive to Didcot Parkway and catch the train to Slough, reversing the journey each evening to get in just after seven. A long working day - but his approach to this, as to everything else he undertook, was unfailingly cheerful and can-do.Nowhere was his strong, generous and optimistic spirit more evident than in his dealings with the illness that eventually claimed him. To his neighbours’ astonishment, he would bounce back from surgery or extended spells of chemotherapy by running the lanes again within weeks, or managing the vast Sunday bonfires for which he had become well known in Hietts Gardens. Less than four weeks before he died, he was sitting in a stand at Craven Cottage, wrapped in the claret and blue scarf his mother had knitted him as a boy, cheering his beloved team on. Palace lost 3-1, but defeat hardly seemed to tarnish his enjoyment of the day, his relish for the moment.Every year Neil would carefully note the date the first daffodil appeared in thelane leading to the family home. This Spring, sadly, he will not be here to do so. Those of us who knew Neil, knew his energy and optimism, or were touched by his gentleness and kindness, are the richer for the experience. He leaves Julia and their three wonderful sons. He leaves, too, his grieving parents, and brother Ian, who delivered the funeral address so well. He will be missed, but never forgotten, and his inspiration, to make the very most of all that life has to offer, whatever hardships we must face, will live on.PLJulia, Jamie, Woody and Dominic add: We would like to thank everyone for their exceptional kindness over the last few weeks. It is fantastic to live in a community where so many people are there for us, ready both to help and support us when needed. Thank you.FILKINS FLOWERS6th,13th & 20,h March Lent (no flowers)

27‘h March Easter flowers - all to helpOH NO IT WASN’T, OH YES IT WAS!January saw Filkins Theatre strutting its stuff in After Cinders: What happened next?’ Our woman-in-the-stalls, Barbara Browne, reveals all..While Cinderella and Prince Charming were away on honeymoon, audiences at the Filkins Village Hall enjoyed a behind-the-schemes glimpse of what happened next. It all happened the last week in January, and the Filkins Theatre group proved itself to be a cast for all ages, with its thespians ranging from a mere 5 years old to a nifty 90!Despite a lot of ‘rhubarb, rhubarb’ and the repeated prediction that ‘We’re all doomed’, to quote the dashing-across-the-stage Mangelworzel (Oliver Choyce), the performance was anything but. While this American reviewer has yet to fully understand the enthusiasm with which Englishmen indulge in crossdressing, bosom-boosting and limp-wristing, Jeremy Irwin-Singer and Paul Molyneaux triggered gales of laughter while oozing harmless scheming from every pore as the ugly social-climbing stepsisters. Complete with cherry cheeks, hyper-pursed lips, and fluorescent pink and green wigs, they were quite irresistible!The stepsisters were joined in their scheming by reverse cross-dressing Sue Ashforth-Smith, who looked and sounded suitably Italian as the wheelingdealing TV executive Signor Dandidi. Making his debut in Filkins but bringing many years of experience treading the boards with the Cotswold Arcadians, Eric Partington was deliciously evil and much hissed at as the baddie Australian Blooper Burdock. Another Arcadian, the skyscraping Jack Hawkes stood firm and intimidating as the Queen’s loyal Lord Chamberpot in a land obsessed with all things great and smelling of rhubarb.Speaking of ‘Queenie’, Pat Scott played the venerable Queen Tarara with her customary skill and bravely balanced what looked like Mont Blanc atop her head in the final scene. Lord Snowball

(Oliver Ashforth-Smith) did his best to get some scintillating photos of her for the Parish Pump, which rumour has it will pay good money! Even Mistress Meg (Rachel Taylor) seemed to think this was a reasonable idea, but later atoned for condoning such a misdeed by endlessly bowing and scraping with much aplomb. More of the same came from Dame Slowly (Vivien Godfrey), who lived up to her character’s name, keeping her pace near a standstill throughout.Annabel Molyneaux as statuesque Signora Stupenda and Juliet Heslewood as the fading Fairy Godmother stole the show in terms of singing. With her usual operatic vigour, Annabel tried valiantly to teach her real-life husband (stepsister Bindweed) to sing. And Juliet worked her magic, despite her dodgy wand, while cleverly singing to the tune of ‘Send in the Clowns’ with ‘feet firmly fixed to the ground, instead of mid-air’.It was a delight to see talented teenagers Sam Greenhalgh and Abigail Schultz playing the romantic young lovers Prince Earnest and Dandelion Burdock. More romance was in the air but required another bit of cross-dressing so that long-suffering Mr Inky Fingers (Liz Ferris) could hook up again with heartpitter-pattering Cookie (Barbara Bristow). However, they were fleetingly foiled by Sir Percy Flage (Lisa Porter), who threw in more rhubarb for good measure.An extremely energetic Hattie the Herald (Anna Savage) kept the audience fully informed of their responsibilities, flashing many a sign and a matching facial expression at the critical moment. She was joined in her youthful enthusiasm by the carol singers, Charlie Brown, Georgina and Lydia Choyce, Eliza Findlay- Wilson, Alex Jobling and Harry Steele. The children in the audience even joined in the fun, leaping onto the stage and into the air in a futile attempt to catch a huge hairy spider causing problems for Dumpling and Beanpole (Teresa Irwin-Singer and Mary Bohm), who provided comic relief (as if we needed any!) as the stepsisters’ hired help and sometime Morris dancers.

The show’s finale was a colourful concoction of frilly lace, feathers, pink sashes and hairy shoulders. The cameo appearance by 90-year-old Chris Harrison as Buttons, including a delightful duet with Queenie, was greeted with great acclamation.And we must not forget the other cameo albeit very brief appearance by a confused Dick Whittington (Jane Martin), who mysteriously wandered into the wrong panto. All in all, a most enjoyable performance, ably directed/produced by Pam Assiter and Pat Scott, expertly accompanied by Sue Cave on piano, and with superb lighting and special effects by Michael Schult2; Andy Hoad and crew.As sung during the finale, ‘Rhubarb for me, it’s glorious’! Barbara BrowneFILKINS THEATREThe AGM is on Friday 4‘h March at 8.OOpm in the Village Hall. This is your chance to have your say on FT afffairs. All members, friends, and would-be thespians are urged to attend. The meeting will be followed by wine and nibbles kindly provided by Pat Scott.SA-SCOFFEE MORNINGEveryone will be very welcome at a coffee morning in aid of church restoration on Saturday 5‘h March 10.30am to Midday, at Stable Cottage, Manor Farm, Broughton Poggs. Do come, but please let me know in advance if possible (Telephone: 01367 860226)Mary PearceSALE AT THE CHARITY SHOPA big thank you to everyone who has supported the shop over the last few months and helped to make it such a success. We hope to open the shop again for a few weeks on Fridays (2.00-4.OOpm) and Saturdays (10.00amMidday), and possibly other days too.

The last day of the shop will be Saturday, 19”’ March. We need to dispose of all our stock, so take advantage of the fantastic prices on offer and catch up with your friends over a cup of tea or coffee.BBPAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCILThe Annual General Meeting of the PCC will be held on Thursday 215‘ April at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. For more information, telephone 01367 860195.BCWI NEWSWe started the year with a very enjoyable talk in January by Mr Adrian Thornton entitled ‘National Parks - Not ours but ours to look after’. Illustrated with slides from all the parks around the country we learned what a National Park really is and had fun trying to identify the different parks from the pictures.These beautiful areas must be kept for future generations to enjoy and our speaker was keen to pass on his knowledge. As this was an open meeting we enjoyed the company of visitors, including a few brave men - we hope they all enjoyed the meeting. Mr Thornton was an excellent speaker and well worth hearing and was warmly thanked for talking to us.On March 16‘h we will be having our AGM, and hope all members will be able to attend to vote in the committee for the coming year. The newprogramme for the rest of the year should be available soon so watch this space for forthcoming events.HWSWINFORD MUSEUMIt is that time of year again when the Trustees of the Swinford Museum consider the forthcoming exhibitions. The topic to be covered next season will be Filkins during World War II. If you

have any stories or items of interest relating to this please contact me on 01367 860504, or Ann Cripps on 01367 860209, and let us know.We are already learning about the exploits of the ‘pathfinder’ resident of Filkins. Where were you during the war? Please let us know. Thank you.Diane BlackettHOLWELL St Mary’s

No news this monthKELMSCOTT St George’sCHURCH BRASS AND FLOWERS Anne StephensWELCOME!A belated but warm welcome to Graham and Christine who have come to live in 4 New Houses, Kelmscott. We hope your stay will be long and happy!JEAN DUFTYOn February 7‘” we said farewell to Jean Dufty. Jean first moved to Kelmscott in the late 1970’s but it was in 1987 that she bought Church Cottage, moving in after completing alterations in 1989. Jean became a member of St George’s PCC in 1984 and ten years later became Churchwarden.We have much to thank Jean for - she has been responsible for the daily locking and unlocking of the Church, she organised the conservation of the original Morris wall hangings by the altar, the kneelers were her idea - Jean worked on several of them and encouraged villagers, friends and family to dothe same. However it was the conservation of the wall paintings that were important to Jean - she raised enough money, not only to do the wall paintings in memory of her husband, Dick, but to also rewire and upgrade the heating in the church. A remarkable feat!

We thank you, Jean, for your dedication to and your love of St George’s Church and we wish you well in your new home in Bampton.EMKENCOT St George’sJUMBLE SALEThere will be a jumble Sale in aid of Kencot Village Hall Funds in the Hall on Saturday 12‘” March at 2.OOpm. All contributions and donations for the rummage (only good quality items please and in a clean condition), white elephant and tombola stalls will be gratefully received. There will be a raffle!The Hall will be open from 2.00 to 4.00pm on Friday 11‘” March, and from 10.00am on Saturday to receive contributions, or these may be left with the Secretary, David Portergill at De Rougement on Thursday or Friday morning.GARDENS OPEN ON EASTER MONDAYSix gardens and the allotments will be open from 2.00 to 6.OOpm on Monday 28‘” April under The National Gardens Scheme. Could everyone in the village who can make a cake please take it (them!) to the Village Hall on themorning.Susan Portergill (Tel 01367 860217) could make use of some more volunteers to help with teas in The Village Hall in the afternoon. Please ring her if you have an hour to spare that afternoon. The gate money will go as usual to Macmillan Cancer Research and other medical charities and profits from the teas will be split between the Village Hall and the Church.LITTER PICKINGIt is customary every Spring to go round the roadside verges in the Parish to pick up all the litter which has accumulated over the winter. This is best done before the grass begins to grow long.

Pickers normally work in pairs and the job takes a maximum of two hours, at a time chosen by the pickers.It would be nice if we had some younger pickers as the present ones are mostly getting a bit old. Could volunteers please telephone the Chairman on (01367 860312)?LANGFORDSt Matthew’sCHURCH FLOWERSMarch 27‘h Easter Festival DecorationLANGFORD LADIESOur meeting on Thursday 10‘h March at 7.30pm in Langford Village Hall will be an open meeting entitled “Reminiscing”. We will be remembering Langford in times gone by. You are most welcome to bring along old photos, memorabilia and most of all your stories. This may be an interesting night for the newer members of the community or older ones that may have moved away. Raffle and refreshments available. Enquiries to Chrissy (01367 860514) or Beryl (01367 860294).KEEP FITWe have a new teacher called Sue for our lively aerobics class in Langford Village hall. The class consists of approx. 30 minutes of Aerobic exercise followed by 30 minutes of Body Toning. Sue already runs a class in Bradwell Village hall on Tuesday evenings and now comes to Langford on Wednesday evenings. The class begins at 7.OOpm and costs £3.50 per session. New members welcome, our age range goes from the young to OAP’s - just turn up on the night - or ring Sue on 01993 822781.WHIST EVENINGSThe first Tuesday in each month sees the Whist evening in Langford Village Hall beginning at 7.30pm. The entry fee of £1 includes tea/coffee and biscuits and there is a raffle, proceeds to Langford Village hall. The atmosphere is friendly; all are welcome to join us beginners or experts alike.

LITTLE FARINGDONSt Margaret’sCHURCH FLOWERSPlease help with the flowers for Easter Sunday (27‘h March) in the

usual way.ANNUAL PCMThe Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place on Wednesday 13‘h April, at 6.30pm at Langford House.

SHILTON Holy RoodBURNS NIGHTOur Burns Night Supper and auction on 22°d January was very well attended and everyone enjoyed traditional Scottish dishes such as Scotch Broth, Smoked Salmon, Haggis, Forfar Bridles, Chappit Neeps and Tattles, Athol Brose, Tipsy Laird etc. etc. Thanks to your generosity we managed to raise the magnificent sum of £492 for the Tsunami disaster fund. Thank you all.Rather than donating more money to the general pot we have sent £500 to The Louise Willgrass Tsunami Fund. This fund has been set up by the family of a mother of four who was killed in the Tsunami and its aim is to help rebuild the area of Phuket destroyed on 26“’ December. More details can be found on the Internet.QUIZ NIGHTOn Saturday 5’h March, we will be holding a Quiz Night and buffet supper in the Old School. The cost is £5 per person for entrance to the quiz and supper (bring your own booze).Teams of six preferred, and because of the size of the hall booking in advance is essential. Starts 7.OOp.m. Telephone 01993 842404 or 843079 for more information.MILITARY VEHICLE TRUSTJohn Coghlan, and The Military Vehicle Trust will be returning to the field behind the Rose & Crown for four days over Easter (25‘h to 28‘h March). WWII and post war vehicles welcome, also motor

bikes and militaria. Free stalls so come along and sell those old military bits and pieces, jerricans etc.Free camping (four days) and entertainment on Sunday 27‘h March. Also, if you own a classic car, bus or lorry you will be most welcome. Restaurant bookings essential (01993 842280). For further details contact John Coghlan on 07801 200662.EGGS & DUCKS!Saturday 26‘h March: Our annual Easter event of egg rolling down the hillplus boat and duck races on the pond, followed by a delicious Easter tea in the Old School.1.30pm start at the Old School to buy the painted eggs and secure your entries for the boat and duck races.1.45pm a parade of Easter Bonnets2.OOpm egg rolling and boat/duck racesTea in the Old School -£2.00 per adult, children freeTelephone 01993 842404 or 843079 for more information.DIARY DATESSunday 19‘h June Open GardensSaturday 16‘h July BBQ/Barn Dance - combined eventMAINTENANCE DAYSome time between Easter and Open Gardens we would like to organize a morning’s spring cleaning in and around the Old School and doing a bit of maintenance - generally sprucing it up a bit. We’ll be looking for volunteers to help out, perhaps one Sunday morning, and providing a simple lunch for anyone who does turn up to help. More details later.SHILTON HISTORY GROUPThe next meeting is on Friday March 11‘h at 7.30pm in the Old School when we welcome back a favourite speaker Martin Way. He will talk about the world of an Agincourt Archer and life in Medieval England. Do come and join us.

Lorna WalkerDATES FOR YOUR DIARYSaturday 5‘” March Quiz Night and buffet supper Saturday 26‘h March Easter-egg rolling and teaSunday 19‘” June Open GardensSaturday 16th July BBQ and Barn Dance (combined event)

WESTWELL St Mary’sVESTRY MEETINGThe annual Easter Vestry meeting will be held on Thursday 17‘h March 6.OOpm at 5 Mitford Cottages. At this we elect those to hold office for the coming year. Please come if you can. There will be opportunity to discussanything relevant, this is your opportunity to influence our plans for our Church in the coming year.Chris FoxVILLAGE VIGNETTESIf you like the ‘village vignettes’ drawn for Parish Pump by Patricia Broughton of Broadwell, why not commission her to do a pen and ink sketch of your house? Contact Patricia on 0785 552 8023.WESTMINSTER VIEWThis feature is now suspended until after the election, at which time our new MP will be asked if he or she cares to write about parochial affairs from a Westminster perspective. I would like to thank David Cameron for taking the time and trouble to write his pieces over the last few months. EdPOTTERING IN THE POTTING SHED‘Say it with Flowers’ as the famous advertisement has it. But say what exactly? This month Anne Greenwood translates the the language of flowers...Using flowers to express feelings or to reinforce ritual and tradition can be traced back to the Crusades and before, but what exactly are

we saying? Many bridal traditions have evolved from superstitious beliefs, their true meanings hidden in the mists of time. They hark back to an era when evil spirits and magic charms were believed to rule our day-to-day existence. The bride’s bouquet comes from a tradition that says strong smells would ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.Married couples were showered with flowers, petals, rice or grains to bestow prosperity and fertility. The groom still chooses a flower, which also occurs in the bridal bouquet, for his buttonhole. This is a vestige of a time when a Knight would wear his Lady’s colours to display his love.Orange blossom is a traditional flower at weddings. The Saracens are said to have used it to symbolise chastity and purity. The evergreen leaves being a symbol for everlasting love. The returning soldiers brought both plant and custom back when they returned to this country. Although peonies, avoided by some in bridal bouquets, represent shame azaleas on the other hand represent temperance.Roses symbolise love and snowdrops are associated with hope. However, people from different regions may attach other meanings to the same flower. For example lilies symbolise majesty to some but are thought unlucky by others because of their association with death.Ancient legends tell us the lily sprang from the milk of Hera, mythologicalQueen of Heaven. According to old English folklore, lilies spontaneously grew on the graves of innocents who had been wrongly executed. The lily is also mentioned in the Bible. Often called ‘white-robed apostles of hope’, lilies were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ’s crucifixion. White lilies are said to have sprung up where drops of Christ’s sweat fell to the ground from the cross. In Greek mythology daffodils were sacred to the dead. Daffodil is a corruption of the Greek name, asphodel,

but because of their flowering time their Christian nickname is or Easter or Lent Lily.The word Lent comes from the same root words as ‘to lengthen’ and refers to the hours of daylight that lengthen during the season. Lent also falls during that period of rapid growth, which is a characteristic of early spring. Traditionally, Easter is associated with many flowers. Some wild flowers have strong Easter associations. The stitchwort is known as Easter Bells, and the Scarlet Pimpernel, is said to be spotted with Christ’s blood as he walked to the summit. Speedwell has the country name of Christ’s Eyes, and its botanical name (Veronica chamaedrys) links it with St Veronica, who after wiping Christ’s face, accidentally dropped her kerchief on a clump of blue flowers growing by the roadside. On picking it up she found the flowers carried the impression of Christ’s face on their petals.This year Easter Sunday marks the start of British Summertime with the turning forward of the clocks and a noticeable lengthening of the day at both ends. The March winds will be giving way to the April showers, which together offer the eventual promise of May flowers and many sunny hours in our gardens.Anne GreenwoodNATURE NOTES0 n the 8th January I visited the Cotswold Water Park and you will probably be amazed to learn, like I was, that it is Britain’s largest water park covering over thirty square miles, 50% larger than the Norfolk Broads and is still growing, having at present 132 lakes created by gravel extraction. This wonderful amenity area is right on our doorstep.In April and May the largest population of Snakeshead Fritillaries in Great Britain bloom in North Meadow National Nature Reserve, at the southern boundary of the Water Park near Cricklade. Various species of orchid can be seen in old meadows and around

restored lakes in spring and summer, among the many other wild flowers which bloom and thrive here.My main purpose of visit on this day was to see sinew. These come under a group of diving ducks called ‘sawbills’ and have tooth like cutting edges to their beaks to enable them to grip their main prey, fish. The male is a stunning bird, largely brilliant white with a black eye patch and a few black lines or “cracks” in its body plumage. I was lucky enough to see two males}.and two less striking females. They were displaying and the feathers on their heads were raised in a form of crest as they dived in unison at frequent intervals. These are scarce birds to this country but usually visit the Water Park every winter from their breeding grounds in Iceland and Scandinavia. This is the first time I have been lucky enough to see them.Whereas the smew is the smallest of the “sawbills” showing, close by was a group of the largest “sawbills”, the goosander. The male is vivid white with a dark green head and scarlet bill. They breed in the same area as the smew.The third unusual duck to be seen in the same patch of water was a group of red-crested pochard, an ornamental looking bird which probably spread through breeding escapees from private bird collections but occurs naturally in south and east Europe. The male has a rusty orange “fuzzy” head, bright coral red bill and black chest.Back home I had a visit on a number of days from a beautiful male bullfinch eating voraciously the remaining yellow berries on my sorbus tree. Against the blue sky its rich pink underparts and jet black cap really looked impressive. This is not a bird we get to see very often now but in the orchards of Kent it was once considered a pest, stripping newly formed flower buds from the fruit trees.

The song thrush has been singing well from its perch on the top branches of a neighbour’s tree morning and evening for several weeks and one day a blackbird gave a brief song.The mild winter has led to reports of blackbird, song thrush and robin fledglings during January. The thrushes perished, the robins were all caught by domestic cats but the blackbirds survived. Rooks have been carrying twigs in the last two weeks, blue tits are prospecting nesting holes and I have seen a bumble bee buzzing through the garden, while lady birds are active on some warm days and I have seen two green caterpillars.I am sure you must have seen many signs of “early spring”. Do visit the Cotswold Water Park.David RobertsCARTERTON DAY CARE CENTRE0 As we all know, the benefice has a thriving Day Care Centre in Filkins. But there are others just outside our area. George Cole tells us all about Carterton Day Centre. One of the aims of modern society is to improve the likelihood of theelderly being able to live an active life in their own homes. One way to do this is to provide day centres, where like minded people can meet and enjoy a chat and a hot meal in the company of others. There is such a Day Centre in Carterton, although, because of its somewhat out of the way location, very few seem to know of our existence.IdStarted in the early eighties by a few dedicated volunteers, the centre is situated on the access road to the Edith Moorhouse and St Joseph’s schools, off Lawton Avenue. It opens on four days each week, Monday to Thursday and can accommodate up to 20 people each day. The centre is a registered charity and our accommodation, standing on land leased from the West Oxfordshire District Council, is owned by the charity and used for no other purpose. We have our own minibus, fitted with a hoist for

wheelchairs and those unable to cope with steps. We are able to pick up members from their homes in Alvescot, Bampton, Black Bourton, Broughton Poggs, Clanfield, Filkins, Kencot, Minster Lovell and Shilton and return them there when the centre closes for the day.In its early days, the centre was manned entirely by volunteers, but for some years now the centre has been partially funded by the Social and Health Care Directorate, enabling us to employ a paid manager, deputy manager, cook and assistant carer. All other tasks, including driving the minibus, are carried out by unpaid volunteers. Meals for our members are cooked on the premises, as are meals for the day centres in Filkins and Burford. We have a resident hairdresser, an occasional manicurist and a chiropodist visits every six weeks. From time to time we have an instructor to conduct ‘sitting down’ exercises for any who wish to join in.Each day the centre is open by 9.OOam, although most of our members arrive by minibus rather later than this. On arrival, members are offered tea, coffee or a soft drink with biscuits and are then able to take part in a variety of activities, as they feel inclined. We offer, among other things, a small library, playing cards, dominoes, jigsaws, quizzes or just a chat with other members or one of our volunteers. The midday meal, which caters for diabetics, is served at 12.30pm, two courses with a cup of tea or coffee to follow. After the meal members are free to pursue any activity they wish, with bingo available for those who like it.Outings are arranged occasionally, to garden centres, theatres, river cruises and the like. At the end of the year it is possible to run Christmas shopping trips to Oxford or Swindon. There is a charge for most of these outings, but they are heavily subsidised by the centre.There is a common misconception that you have to have something wrong with you if you are to attend a day centre. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many of our members come because they

are alone, socially isolated and in need of company from time to time. Others come to give their caring relative a short break from routine. There are many ways to become a member. You can be referred to the centre by the Social and Health Care Directorate, though this is becoming increasingly rare, by a doctor, district nurse or by any adult who is responsible for the care of another, or you can apply on your own behalf. We usually offer a trial run, a day or so to see if you like the centre, before you make up your mind to make the arrangementamore permanent. Most of our members attend only one day a week, though it is possible to come more often as some do.Would you or your relative like it? There is only one way to find out. Visitors are welcome, or you can obtain more information by telephoning ourmanager, jenny Hedges at the day centre on 01993 840162. On the other , hand, if you feel you would like to assist in providing these services as a volunteer, we are always in need of help, either to work in the centre, drive our minibus (normal driving licence only required) or to act as escort on the minibus. The work is very rewarding; some of our volunteers have been with the centre for twenty years, since it first opened.George ColeSOBELL HOUSE BEREAVEMENT SERVICEWhy do people need support after bereavement? And bow can Sobell House help? bereavement is something which we all experience. We all react in different ways and whereas many people have relatives, friends orneighbours who support them, others either have no one to turn to or find it difficult to talk to those they know well for fear of distressing them.

The bereavement service was set up in 1984, and it is funded through ORH Charitable Funds. The staff includes two qualified Counsellors and two administrative staff. Between 20-25 volunteers provide bereavement support to those whose relative died in Sobell House or in the care of the Community Macmillan Team or the Palliative Care Support Teams. We are seeking new volunteers to join us who are warm, friendly people, who are not afraid of expressions of distress and grief such as tears, deep sadness and anger.What is it like to work as a Bereavement Volunteer for Sobell House? I can do no better than quote some of our volunteers:‘The satisfaction and privilege of being there for someone at such an j important time in their life.’‘The independence of working one-to-one with people but with the safety net of the team and the support of the supervisors.’ ‘The constant reminder that life is very precious and not to be wasted.’ ‘The personal growth through training and becoming more experienced.’ ‘The surprise and humbling effect of having assumptions about other people challenged.’‘The excitement felt on seeing growth come from grief.’What training is offered?The Bereavement Service Training is provides over 60 hours of preparation. .The training programme includes: -Developing the skills needed to support bereaved people such as listening, ‘responding, relationship building and basic counselling skills. Developing understanding of bereavement. Reflecting on personal experience of loss.If you are interested in finding out more about joining the bereavement service then we would like to hear from you. Please contact Jane Elliott or Di Rivers on Oxford 225878 or email us: SMSH.BereavementService@orh.nhs.uk

JECOOKING WITH KATE

In wet and windy Marcb, Kate invites us into the kitchen for some good old fashioned comfort food...T his is a very adaptable recipe from the USA. The Meat loaf can be served with gravy, mashed potato and vegetables or with a spicy tomato sauce which is how I like it.MEAT LOAF Serves 4 - 62lbs (900g) lean mince beef ½ tsp salt½ tsp pepper 2 eggs4 tbsp fresh bread crumbs4 fluid oz (120 ml) tomato juice 1 small onion, grated 1 tsp chopped parsley ltsp mixed dried herbs 6 slices streaky baconPre heat oven to 375F (190C) or Gas mark 5. Grease a 21b loaf tin, place meat in bowl and work in gently with a fork, blend in all the ingredients except the bacon mixing lightly so the meat loaf will not become dense and tough.Line the loaf tin with streaky bacon leaving the ends hanging free place meat mixture firmly into loaf pan , cover with strips of bacon.Bake for 1 hour until] the loaf shrinks from the side of the tin.As a variation 2 hard boiled eggs can be put in the middle of the loaf or for children two FrankfurtersSPICY TOMATO SAUCETake two 400gm tins of chopped tomatoes (I use juice from these for the tomato juice in the meat loaf), one clove of garlic, one finly chopped Onion. Gently fry the onion and crushed garlic until golden, add tomatoes to saucepan, and simmer until flavours are amalgamated.You can add all sorts of condiments, eg Worcester sauce, tabasco, herbs, spices to provide the flavour you like.The meat loaf can be eaten cold with pickle, or in a sandwich. Kate Morley

WODC & OUR RUBBISHWASTE COLLECTIONUnable to put waste by the kerbside due to infirmity or disability? If you telephone 01993 861020 you will be able to arrange collection from convenient place. Just leave your name and address and details of the location.GARDEN WASTEWODC will collect 4-12 bags of garden waste free of charge and take them for composting. This has to be booked on 01993 861020: leave your name, address, daytime telephone number, and the number of sacks to be collectedTOO BIG FOR THE BIN?There is also a service for collecting bulky household items and unwanted vehicles. There is a charge for this service.SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF IT SO FAR?South East England is an attractive place to live and work, but if we want it to stay that way we need to plan now to make sure our children and grandchildren can enjoy a good quality of life.The South East England Regional Assembly has produced a draft document called the South East Plan - it includes important choices about development in our region to 2026. The Assembly is looking for public opinion on these choices from 24‘h January to 15‘h April 2005.During this period a questionnaire is being sent to every household in the region, so watch out for a leaflet giving you a chance to have ‘Your Shout’ soon. Your council will also be interested in your views and may be holding public events on the plan that you can attend.Over the next 20 years, the region’s population could grow by 900,000 increasing the demand for homes and jobs. Two thirds of this need for homes is expected to come from people already in the

South East, rather than people moving from elsewhere. We need to plan ahead to balance the need for good jobs and successful businesses with the need to maintain a high quality environment. We must also ensure that new development goes hand in hand with infrastructure and services.What’s the Plan about?The key areas the Regional Assembly is seeking views on are jobs, homes,where to build, the countryside, essential services (eg hospitals, transport and schools), sharing success across the whole region, water, education and health.With such a large region and so many topics there are going to be differing views, which is why it is important that people complete and return their questionnaire.We need to reach the right balance for the region. If we have jobs without homes businesses may suffer from lack of staff. Building too few homes could lead to higher house prices and homelessness. However building more homes in areas without jobs may mean unemployment. More development also uses up valuable land and can also add to congestion and our environmental impact.What else does the Plan cover?For three important subjects - transport, waste and energy - the Regional Assembly has already agreed plans to 2016 with Government following earlier consultation.For more information see: southeast-ra.gov.uk/southeastplan, or phone our 24-hour information line on telephone 01483 555 208.Many of us might think these regional quangos are an utterly ghastly way of even further emasculating local government. In the South East, for instance, many of the decisions affecting our local towns and villages in West Oxfordshire are now made in Guilford.! I urge everyone to give the South East Regional Assembly the benefit of your views. Filkins residents (and others)

can get a questionnaire from Filkins Post Office and Cotswold Woollen Weavers. EdLETTERSWe welcome letters on any subject, so do pick up your pens, and let the world (well, this benefice anyway) hear your views about Parish Pump, or anything else. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.Sir: The newly formed Carterton Community Cinema will celebrate its launch with a showing of its first film on Wednesday 16‘h March at Carterton Football Club. We are showing Cold Mountain (15), starting at 7.30pm, and finishing around 9.45pm. Tickets £3.50. There will be a welcome free drink and a bar for interval drinks.For a£5 donation you can become a ‘Friend of the Cinema’ and enjoy certain discounts. We will be inviting audience participation in choosing future films. More information from the Town Hall, Tel: 01993 842156.Malcolm FarleyThere are also regular film screenings in Filkins Village Hall on the second Tuesday of every month. The next is on 8‘h March at 7.30pm, when De-lovely’ (all about Cole Porter) will be shown. Tickets £2.50 on the door. EdIn a letter to Mike Clark, our erstwhile vicar Bill Glazebrook asked to be remembered to us all.•“... Diana and I still miss Filkins and associated villages. We get sent Parish Pump and so know more or less what is going on. We wish we could still be part of it.I can honestly say that the happiest years of my life were spent in Filkins, though I know a lot has changed over the last ten or eleven years. But the ethos seems not to have changed.”

Bill goes on to say, referring both to Mike Clark’s recent Parish Pump article about ‘Football in the Bible; and the absurd DaVinci Code“You have given me a new insight into the game of Football. Could the Palestinian Cup, lost after the Baylonian captivity, be what we now know as The Holy Grail about which there is currently so much speculation? If so, and according to current mythology, it may be found in the local chapel not so many miles from here.”Bill is talking of course, about Rosslyn Chapel not far from the Glazebrooks’ home in Perth. So anyone on the trail of the Holy Grail could combine the trip with a visit to Bill and Diana! I know Bill reads Parish Pump every month, so here’s a warning Bill- I will be ringing you to find out more about how you and Diana are faring for a future Parish Pump article. You have been warned! EdPUMP PRIZE CROSSWORD

Camel Pong and his driver (Patrick Coleman) have swanned off to Australia, so there will be no crossword for a month or two. Apologies to all cruciverbalists: but at least you can not take the hump, since the camel has, of course, taken it with him.In the meanwhile, here is the solution to February’s puzzle:Across: 1 Reputed 8 Another 9 Tsunami 10 Nothing 11 Sedan 13 Skywalker 15 Mussolini 18 Cabal 21 Relates 22 Triplet 23 Immerse 24 Panders Down: 1 Rites 2 (see 14) 3 Trainspotters 4 Dainty 5 Contradiction 6 Shrink 7 Kruger 12 Esau 14,2 Ezra Pound 15 Martin 16 Salome 17 Instep 19 Belle 20 LotusWinner: David Portergill, Kencot. David, your prize awaits you at Cotswold Woollen Weavers, Filkins!On the subject of winners, there was a competition on the back of the After Cinders’ pantomime programme. The answer was: Queen

Tarara, and the winner is... Mark Ashforth-Smith. A small prize awaits at CWW.~Tailpiece: ‘If God had meant me to touch my toes, he would have put chocolate on the floor!’ Jenny SymesTHE BIG BLOW - PART ONEReaders in the Broadshires, and in particular Filkins and Broughton Poggs, will remember the night of what immediately became known as ‘The Filkins T’onado’. Now, one year on, seems a good time to revisit the dramatic events of that evening in March 2004.For us it was an evening of huge hailstones, violent wind, and quite alarming damage. But for those fascinated by the science of weather, our parochial Big Blow very quickly became famous far beyond our parish as a possible ‘Supercell’ storm.What is a Supercell I hear you cry. A simple definition (I think.) is a thunderstorm with a deep persistent rotating updraft (mesocyclone). This rotation of the storm is the major difference between supercells and multicell storms. The important point is that supercells are rare, and to identify one is a prime goal of that esoteric breed.• the stormchaser.Here is the story of that March day from storm-chasers Brendan Jones and Laura Gilchrist. The cocktail of sober Science (you will need a dictionary.) and Hammond Innes-style battling the elements is an intoxicating one! Their story is also interesting because it sets our ‘local disturbance’ in a national setting, and also provides some entertaining outsiders’ comments about us.INTRODUCTION0 n 21s‘ March 2004, a very unstable north-westerly airflow encompassed much of the UK, bringing widespread heavy showers. Many of these produced marked falls of hail, and several developed into thunderstorms. The conditions responsible for producing this convective outbreak were well-forecast in advance,

so we made the decision to spend a day chasing across southern England. Having studied the forecast situation, we decided that the south-west Midlands and central southern England was the place to be - and we weren’t disappointed!During the evening, as we reached the Gloucestershire/West Oxfordshire border, a rapidly intensifying cell produced a violent thunderstorm with sizeable hail and very interesting characteristics. The storm resembled a weak supercell in nature, although we didn’t want to jump to any conclusions.This account offers a personal log of the climax to our day’s storm chasing, and aims to put forward theories as to why this storm was unique. We are not offering sound scientific proof as to why we consider this storm to be supercellular; they are only theories and observations.Low pressure to the north of the UK gave a strong polar maritime flow across the UK. Advecting within this flow were several small upper cold pools, and associated trough disturbances. Many topographical and orographical effects also combined to produce areas of convergence, in particular the Cheshire Gap which, together with extended sea-track moisture intake, permitted large cell development across the Midlands. In addition to the flow characteristics,the late March sunshine promoted convective infill across the country, with individual cell growth during the mid-afternoon period. Countrywide, temperatures ranged from between 7-11’C (45-52’F), with low dewpoints of between 14’C (34-39°F) away from any showery activity.As mentioned earlier, surface temperatures were around 9°C (48’F), with dewpoints no higher than 4°C (39°F) away from rainfall. Midday levels of Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) ranged from between 350450J/kg across England, with around 170 J/kg of this in the lowest 3km of the atmosphere across southern parts of England. Tropopause heights were observed to be

around 7000m, with freezing levels oscillating about 9001000m. Levels of shear through the depth of the troposphere were not anomolously high; however degrees of low-level shear (in the lowest lkm) were quite significant. At surface level, mean wind speeds ranged from 0-20 knots across southern England, but ascents showed wind speeds of almost 40 knots at levels as low as 500-800m. Wind speeds increased linearly, from 40 to 100 knots, from this point up to 10km, across southern England. One final measure of the likelihood of thunderstorm development is the level of helicity, which although not huge through the troposphere as a whole, is significantly high in the lowest kilometre or so.The conditions are not indicative of severe thunderstorm development, although regional variations and local influence must be considered for cells elsewhere across the UK. Simplistically, supercells require many specific ingredients with which to form, including strong vertical wind shear and very high values of CAPE (and, in turn, updraft strength). Neither of these was present in the atmosphere during 21st March.However, in an ever-researched area of science, mini-supercells may well be more common than originally thought. That is, at least, the idea we are subscribing to. The term ‘shallow supercell’ is also known in the USA as a ‘mini-supercell’, which is an accepted term used to describe smaller-scale versions of the large storms which roam the Great Plains during each spring. At a very basic level, the degree of supercell formation is a balance between the updraft strength and the level of shear. For a very strong severe supercell, very high levels of shear combined with explosive updrafts produce the tornadic monsters seen across the Plains. However, considering this notion of updraft strength versus vertical windshear, why can not reduced levels of both shear and updraft strength result in supercells which are weaker, but nevertheless are supercells? If this is the case, then the UK may well have more supercells per year than many would expect.THE CHASE

Now that the scientific overview is out of the way, it’s on to the real reason we all strive hard to understand storms - the simple love of witnessing them! We spent much of the afternoon witnessing many cumulonimbus developments, the majority of which produced moderate showers, some with hail. Our initialtrip took us from London westbound, along the M4.Near the M4/A34 junction at Newbury we drove through a quite lively cell, which produced some very heavy rain for a short time, and also some small hail. Other showers provided very stunning photographic opportunities, such as this narrow but extremely high anvil above Oxford at around 2pm (this image is taken from the Ridgeway).By 1700 GMT we had followed the storm to Taynton, just North of Burford. This photograph was taken looking directly west, into the core of the storm. Note the radiating anvil streaming towards us from the main storm centre. At this point, sharp static was being heard over the AM band of the car radio, and deep grumbles were being heard directly above us (anvil lightning?).It was at this point that the storm began to reach our location, close to Burford, and we could see a solid core of hail approaching from the west through a west-east orientated valley. By 1715 GMT, the main core of the storm had exploded into life. Whilst the cell was moving eastwards, we travelled southwards in an attempt to get in front of the downdraft core. We were caught up in traffic in Burford just as the main downdraft began to arrive. Preceded by sleet, a spell of heavy snow began to fall.1721 GMT - By now just South of Burford, and precipitation consisted of torrential rain and snowflakes. However we were aiming for the brighter skies on the SE side of the main downdraft.1725 GMT - Arrived 3 miles south of Burford, just East of the A361, near the southern edge of the main downdraft as it moved eastwards. In no time at all, hail began falling onto our position. This photograph was taken at 1729 GMT and show

that the hail was between 7 and 13111111 (0.3 and 0.5 inches) at this time.Now would be an appropriate time to discuss the structure of the storm cell, in order to appreciate further images and discussion of this storm.This is a schematic plan-view diagram to roughly simulate what we observed within this individual storm.As discussed earlier, a forward-spreading anvil was observed travelling eastwards from the main core of the storm. The main downdraft of the storm was very evident. Once we punched the core and travelled through to the south side of the main downdraft region, we were presented with a view of an impressive flanking line further to the south, running roughly WSW to ENE. To the far west the flanking-line convection was shallow, becoming progressively deeper as it approached our position. The main rain-free base of a single large updraft was just to our south-east and east, and a clear overshooting top could be seen. Although the sun was low in the sky, thus allowing sunlight to filter to our location, the sky directly above us and to the west was filled with a back-sheared anvil.While we were in the middle of the storm South of Burford, Sam Jowett was viewing it one mile due east of Towcester, Northamptonshire, approximately between 1700 and 1730 GMT. His location was over 40 miles north-east of the cell, which shows just how massive this storm was. It is clear from Sam’s photographs that this storm was indeed comprised of one single cell (comprising of an updraft and a downdraft region). In the UK it is rare for single cell storms to be so persistent and so large without being part of a multicell structure. It is at this point that one has to consider the possibility that this storm may well have been a supercell.However, this is far from the end of the story regarding our rendez-vous with this stunning thunderstorm. Back at ground level, we

were becoming simply overwhelmed with what this storm wanted to show us. As the sun began tofilter into our location, we were on the south-westerly point of the main downdraft region. At around 1735 GMT we had a clear view of the massive shafts of hail hammering out of the westerly region of the downdraft, as clear skies began to show behind it to the north. Powerful CGs pierced down within 700-800m of our location, close enough for the shockwave to be distinguised from the soundwave. Two lightning bolts in particular, literally shook our insides as they nailed fields less than a kilometre away.By 1735 GMT, hail had almost stopped falling on our location, so we were under the impression that the downdraft’s influence had left us. This was indeed the case, although we weren’t prepared for the updraft to display to us one last spectacle. Directly above us at this point the only cloud left was the high, back-sheared anvil. However, in a mechanism common to the forward anvil, strong updrafts can throw large hail up into the anvil, dropping them sporadically vast distances away from the main downdraft.We believe this is a similar mechanism to that which next affected us, but with the hail thrown out into the back-sheared anvil instead. For a period of about two minutes, hail fell heavily from a seemingly precipitation-free sky. These stones were much larger than those which had already moved away; some reached between 20 and 25mm in diameter (nearly one inch, about the size of a 20p piece).For a brief period, as the large hail began to fall, the flanking line to our south-west blocked out the sunlight allowing it to turn alarmingly dark. In this image, the hail is seen falling despite the main downdraft being far in the distant east. As the scene remained superbly dark, the large hail began to cover the small lane that we had chosen as our vantage point.Despite the plummeting temperatures and battering from icy marbles, we still managed to muster a smile. In fact, we were both

thrilled with what we’d just seen; the only downside was that it was over and we had no way over keeping up with the fast-moving storm!STORM ANALYSIS - WAS THIS A SUPERCELL?From the research we have since conducted into this system, our honest answer is ‘yes’! However, there will be vast scepticism about this verdict, particularly as the atmospheric conditions were not alarmingly in favour of such development.However, we would like to put forward some summarising points as to why we believe this was the case. The atmospheric conditions were not perfect, but did have interesting characteristics. Helicity, shear and CAPE were all quite capable of sustaining supercell development, provided other factors were met. There is a wealth of research conducted in the USA into “mini-supercells”, and in many instances even tornadic supercells have formed in atmospheric conditions similar to those seen across the UK on March 20th 2004.So, based on this, could this have been a supercell? Possibly, but unlikely!However, if one were to suggest the atmosphere could not have sustained a supercell, given the ascent data, there is little or no chance of large hail production becoming a reality in any single or multicell storms. Indeed, widespread thunderstorms occurred across Cheshire during the afternoon, but these multicell storms rapidly grew and died, and could not sustain hail larger than 5-8mm in diameter. The cell we encountered was without doubt a singlecell entity. Therefore, we put forward the notion that a single-cell classic thunderstorm in such unfavourable conditions, could not have maintained a long duration (over four hours) nor produced such large hail. Supercell processes must have occurred.Unfortunately, Because the Burford cell was a High Precipitation (HP) thunderstorm, very little structure could be seen through the

curtains of rain and hail. A rotating mesocylone could not be visibly confirmed.Could there have been local influences which allowed this storm to become a , local supercell? The storm really intensified to maturity as it moved over the Cotswolds, and thus the topographic uplift and flow disturbance may have played a part. Also, the location of this area relative to the Bristol Channel may also have been important. The westerly wind may have been funnelledinto a more south-westerly flow as it moved up the channel. When this ‘narrow zone of south-westerly winds exited the Bristol Channel canyon, they ‘ would have collided with the westerly winds crossing South Wales. This may have caused local convergence in the region in which the storm became severe.One startling characteristic of this cell was its eastward velocity, which madethe storm impossible to chase. The single cell travelled across the country at between 45 and 48 knots from birth to death. Although the top of the storm . travelled at comparable velocity to the upper level winds, the base of the storm would have been travelling substantially quicker than the surface winds. Indeed, the surface westerly winds were around 20 knots at most, suggesting that the storm was travelling some 25 knots faster. The result of this would be increased inflow to the front (east) of the storm, with this inflow reaching a speed of 20 knots westward relative to the storm’s movement.Effectively, the inflow at the front of the cell would be the result of the cellitself literally piling into the air infront of it, and consuming it! This interesting factor may well have aided the setting up of rotation within thecell, effectively creating a counter-balance between the westerly winds behind ;the cell, south-westerly winds affecting the southern side of the cell, and now . the relative easterly winds ahead of the cell. It may well be that the speed of the storm therefore played a large part in allowing it to become severe, even super-cellular.So, based on this, could it have been a supercell? The evidence suggests, yes! However, to move towards a definite conclusion we needed to find more evidence.THE FILKINS TORNADO

We had watched the storm from about 3 miles south of Burford, as previously explained. Just over a mile south of our location is the small, sleepy village of Filkins. The small settlement is a traditional Cotswold village; small Cotswold stone cottages always looking immaculate, the small village nursery looking out onto a small green, with an orchard nearby.At the bottom end of the village, the Manor house commands ground comprising towering poplar trees, like sentinals watching over the area. In the centre of the village a small local pub, fashioned out of Cotswold stone, welcomes residents and visitors alike, with walls covered with pictures of the village from days gone by. A Post Office, church and war memorial lead to the top end of the village, where most of its small population live. The scene is quiet, tranquil, and the pace of life seems slow and relaxed.At around 1725 GMT on Sunday March 21s‘ 2004, that peaceful existence was shattered by Mother Nature, cruelly singling out the small settlement for one of her most unforgiving acts - the tornado. The following accounts are based on notes taken when talking directly to residents of Filkins and Broadwell, on Thursday 25” March 2004.The sky was very dark to the north, almost ink black. I took one look at it and thought nothing of it. My wife was in the bath at the time, and my two young children were busy watching their favourite TV show. The local area news was about to start, so I prepared to relax infront of the 7V for half an hour. At that point, I heard a knocking on the window, which quickly became a peppering, as if someone was throwing gravel and small stones at the back windows. I quickly ran over the see what all the commotion was about and to my amazement, it was hailstones. This hail was like nothing I’ve seen before, some were the size of 10 pence pieces. They were bouncing up off the grass, and making a real noise on the roof At that point, my wife came out of the bathroom to ask what on earth was happening, and as I informed

her it was only hail and huge peal of thunder roared out through the house...Meanwhile, next door:I was sitting in the living room, and my wife was in the kitchen. There was very loud thunder outside, and once it had stopped snowing there were some very large hailstones indeed. I decided to bring our two dogs in, as I didn’t think they deserved to be out in such terrible conditions. Just after I came back in, it began to get very windy again. Saturday had seen gales across the area, and I couldn’t get out and about in it. Sunday had been a nice day up until now, and once again that darn wind got up again. It’s beyond a joke this wind, I told my wife, plain silly!At this point, the wind suddenly became stronger than I’ve ever seen it. Hailstones were trying their best to come through the patio doors, and I could hardly see out. Then the wind grew even stronger, so strong that my wife had to shout to be heard from the kitchen. On asking her for a second time, she came into the living room and told methat the dog kennel had just flown past the kitchen window, crashed into the apple tree in the front garden, then took off again over the wall and down the road...Back in the first house:The wind was unbelievable. There was crashing around outside, banging all manner of hell letting loose! My kids tried to go out and see, but I ran over and quickly shut the door they had tried to open. The trouble is, I could hardly shut it again! I pushed with all my strength, and just managed to get the thing shut such was the strength of the wind. Once it all died down, the sun quickly came out and the wind had almost stopped entirely. I decided to venture outside, sliding along on top of the enormous hailstones that had fallen. I stopped dead in my tracks though... where the hell had the kids’ wendy house gone? Someone’s stolen it! I cried out to my wife. Who would steal it? It was a large, solid wooden wendy

house, and it would take more than two fully grown men to even nudge the thing.Just as my wife came outside, I happened to glance into next door’s garden... and there it was! The wendy house was on its side, in next door’s garden, against a tree! How had it got over the 3ft stone wall and landed over there, totally intact? I was about to go around to find out, when I suddenly realised I was walking on roof slates. I looked up, and to my horror the southern side of my house had no roofing tiles left! The garden was covered in them! Some were lying flat, others had been drilled upright into the ground like knives through butter! As I walked into the front garden, I suddenly noticed that was covered in roof slates too, and so was the road outside, and so was the grass verge and hedge on the other side of the road. Hell even the field beyond that was full of our roof tiles!and next door:We rushed out to see what on earth had happened! We looked out into the road, to find the remains of our wood and iron dog kennel lying smashed in the road. Just yards from it, a motorist sat in his car, engine still running his face was as white as snow. Just beside his car, was a tree lying in the road. I had a passing glance at next door’s property - they had a large wooden garage, and that was gone, flattened! We even found the roof of our dog kennel 200 yards away across the fields!”Up to now we had seen many good reasons why this storm could be classified as a supercell: large hail, single persistent updraft and downdraft, huge cloud structure, tell-tale hook echo radar signature. Now however, we’re faced with the prospect that this storm produced a damaging tornado less than a mile from where we had watched the storm, and mere minutes before we arrived.The evidence for supercell activity, it would seem, is growing stronger.

However, after a spectacular yet sobering day wandering around these villages, talking to the residents, surveying the damage, and working out the exact mechanics of the tornado, we feel this event needs a whole analysis of its own.The Big Blow - Part Two in the next issue of Parish Pump: The trail of destruction across Filkins and the Broadshire villages, was it a tornado and was it a supercell?