LEYSNEWS113_DEC2013

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@leysnewseditor 

ISSUE 113 | December 2013–January 2014 

THE COMING OF 

CHRISTMAS ! 

FESTIVE celebrations started 

in The Leys with a very special 

community art project at The 

Church of the Holy Family. 

Children from The Mabel 

Pritchard School helped to place a 

plaque on a huge advent calendar 

that has been created by local artists 

and members of the community. 

The children were at the church for 

their production of the nativity and 

added the picture on their way home. 

The advent calendar has been 

painted by Debbie Scrivener with 

help from Joey Philips and Poly 

Smart. For every day of advent,a 

wooden plaque has been created 

and a member of the community 

has been selected to place it on the 

mural. Reverend Heather Carter was 

so impressed with the reaction to 

a similar mural celebrating Easter, 

that the church decided to create a 

similar mural for Christmas. 

Among those who are taking part 

are local MP and councillor Andrew 

Smith and The Bishop of Oxford. 

The church is also the venue 

for this year's community theatrical 

production. Rock Nativity combines 

traditional carols with gospel 

and rock music and singing and 

has a cast of 30 from across the 

community. 

Written by David Wood, Jackie 

Trent and Tony Hatch, it will be 

performed at the church for three 

nights from December 12. 

Leys News' Chairman Sasha East 

is among those taking part in the 

performance which follows the 

huge success of Joseph and his 

Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in 

February. 

• You can follow the progress 

of the advent calendar mural by 

following the church on Twitter 

@bblholyfamily 

MAKING CHRISTMAS TASTE SWEETER! 

Visit the Christmas Community Market on 

Saturday 14 December to claim 50p off the 

price of a jar of honey when you tell us why you 

like Leys News! See page 3 for the full story. 

Voucher worth 50p off a jar of honey on sale 

at Blackbird Leys Community Market at The Barn, 

Saturday 14 December. To be valid, complete this 

statement in not more than 10 words; I like my Leys 

News each month because. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

THE 

SPIRIT OF 

CHRISTMAS 

see page 3 

Save Money, Stay Well . . . . . 2 

CDI AGM Report . . . . . . . . 7 

Agnes Smith Advice Centre. . 8 

Growing Up Grumpy. . . . . . . . 9 

Festive Fashion. . . . . . . . . . 10 

Christmas Give Away. . . . . 11 

Green Fingers. . . . . . . . . . 7 

Leys Learning. . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Art and Culture Focus . . . . . 15 

Classified ads. . . . . . . . . 18 

What’s on. . . . . . . . . . 18–19

2| Leys News 

Leys News 

Issue 113 

December 2013 

–January 2014 

Leys News is a not-forprofit 

business dedicated 

to providing news and 

information to the whole 

community. We are not 

affiliated to any political 

party, and we operate 

an equal opportunities 

policy. We encourage any 

resident to get involved in 

our work. 

CONTACT 

Address: 

Leys News, 26 Kingfisher 

Green, Greater Leys, Oxford 

OX4 7BX 

(Vehicle access via Jack 

Argent Close) 

Phone: 

01865 711756 

Editor: 

editor@leysnews.co.uk 

Advertising: 

advertising@leysnews.co.uk 

Website: 

www.leysnews.co.uk 

WHO’S WHO 

Board of Directors: 

Sasha East (chair), Teresa 

Fieldwick, Sam Linton, 

David Potter, Alex Solaja 

Editor: 

Sarah Edwards 


Business Manager: 

John Charlton 

Design: 

Julian Dourado 

Distribution Manager: 

Lorraine Heritage 

Volunteers: 

Janet Pavelin, Nindi Devi, 

Trio Watson 

Contributions by: 

Ross Arrowsmith, Helena 

Clennett, Mia Flores- 

Borquez, Jai Hooshmand, 

Lorraine Jackson, Wendy 

Markham, Natalie Wallace, 

Alan Witton, Jane Yates 

Published by Leys News Ltd. 

Printed by Newbury Weekly 

News (Printers) Ltd, Newspaper 

House, Faraday Road, 

Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2DW 

ISSN 2046-2948 

LEYS NEWS acknowledges 

financial assistance from: 

A2 Dominion, Catalyst 

Communities Housing 

Association, GreenSquare, 

Oxford Brookes University, 

Oxford City Council and the 

Blackbird Leys Parish Council. 

Leys News is a company limited 

by guarantee No. 3591512 

Dear Editor, 

I am 8 years old and love reading 

and writing. Mummy sometimes 

picks a copy of Leys News from 

the community centre where 

she does her voluntary work and 

then I can do the colouring in it. 

The colouring competition is my 

favourite part but my brother is 

better at it than me and he won 

first time he entered it! 

I love making up stories and 

poems and wondered if you 

would like to print one I wrote last 

year about Christmas as it will be 

Christmas soon and it may bring 

a smile to people's faces as the 

cold weather draws in. 

Letter from the Editor 

Hello! 

Well here it is—the final issue of Leys News for 2013 and 

what a year it has been! 

If you take a quick look back through the papers during 

the last 12 months, it is clear that the Leys is a busy, 

thriving community with plenty of great stuff going on. 

I feel confident that 2014 will be just as busy-it certainly 

will be for the staff at Leys News as we now produce 

nine different papers for communities across Oxford and 

Reading with more coming soon. 

We have been able to expand our work thanks to the 

huge support from all sorts of incredible people—not least 

our funders, advertisers and you our readers. 

We would all like to wish everyone on the Leys, 

everyone who has volunteered with us, advertised with 

us, written for us, taken photos, delivered our papers and 

supported us with funding a very merry Christmas and a 

happy, healthy and successful New Year! 

With best wishes from 

Sarah Edwards—Editor 

John Charlton—Business and 

Community Development Manager 

Julian Dourado—Page designer 

LETTERS 

Sparkling tinsel on the tree 

Underneath, lots of presents for 

me! 

Flashing lights shiny and bright, 

We're waiting for Santa to race 

through the night! 

Mulled wine and yummy mince 

pies 

For santa's snack when he 

comes down from the skies 

Bringing even more presents for 

me and for you 

I should go to bed now and you 

must go too! 

By Kalonice Berry 

Competition Winners 

LAST month's colouring competition winner's are Lanabelle, 

age 11, of Greater Leys (top) and Lola, age 7, of Blackbird Leys 

(bottom). For this month's colouring competition turn to page 17. 

Winner of the Leys News November issue Laser Kombat 

competition was Jessica Cooper. Jessica wins an Ultimate Force 

Party for 12 children. The winning answer was Ozone Leisure Park 

AS WE get ever nearer to Christmas, 

inevitably many of us will be spending 

more than usual and looking for ways 

to get the best deals. 

Oxford Citizens' Advice Bureau is 

offering Energy Best Deal sessions for 

groups of ten people or more. 

It's an interactive two hours 

discussing how to reduce energy 

bills, including switching providers 

and energy saving ideas, plus info on 

grants and help for people sturggling 

to pay their bills. 

Anyone who organises gettogethers 

in Blackbird Leys can 

contact deputy director Glynis 

Newton, glynis@cab-oxford.org.uk, 

01865 304111. 

PRESENT BUYING PRESSURE 

IF you are feeling the pinch this year 

but still really want to buy presents for 

your nearest and dearest then don’t 

forget the humble charity shop or Leys 

Community Christmas Market! Charity 

shops are not all about clothes and 

many have fabulous trinkets, china, 

books and other items that make for 

truly original gifting. 

With the vintage theme still 

remaining so on trend, any friend 

or relative would love to receive 

December 2013 

SAVE MONEY STAY 

WELL THIS WINTER 

SAVE 

MONEY 

& STAY 

WELL 

Leys News Winter 2013 Campaign 

something that is pre-loved with a 

bit of an interesting story so don’t 

discount your local charity emporiumwho 

knows what you might find! 

KEEP WARM 

If we are truly going to be subject to a 

polar plunge then now is the time to 

get prepared! Make a draft excluder 

for your doors and invest in some 

heavy curtains too. 

Hunt them down in charity shops 

or if you are feeling crafty, make them 

yourself. Nobody wants to be cold but 

nobody wants to be in debt to energy 

companies either so use your heating 

wisely to make sure you Save Money 

and Stay Well this winter. 

LEYS NEWS WINS 

SANTANDER AWARD 

LEYS NEWS has won a Santander 

Social Enterprise Development 

Award. The award will help us to 

further expand our business and 

provide an even better community 

newspaper for the Leys and 

beyond. 

The Santander award will allow 

for additional staff resource, 

enabling key members of the team 

to spend time training more local 

areas on how to run a community 

newspaper. 

Carlos Portela, Divisional 

Managing Director, Santander, said: 

“We are delighted to be supporting 

such a worthwhile organisation that 

provides a much-valued service to 

those living in and around Oxford. 

We hope that the award will enable 

the business to expand further by supporting small businesses in 

connecting with more communities the UK. Social enterprises play 

that will benefit from its services.” a vital role in local communities 

John Charlton, Business and by helping to deliver social 

Community Manager, Leys News, regeneration and the SEDA scheme 

said: “The work we do plays a vital aims to help those with potential to 

role in helping individuals feel part expand their work. 

of a social group as they are able Winning social enterprises 

to keep abreast of local news and receive access to support from 

events. We are delighted to have Santander including mentoring 

won the Santander award and are programmes, funding for 

looking forward to being able to internships and bespoke training. 

share our knowledge with other Winning organisations will also 

groups looking to launch their own receive valuable input from The 

local newspapers.” 

London Community Foundation 

Santander’s 2013 Social 

which will work with them to 

Enterprise Development Awards assess the social impact of their 

saw a further 15 awards given to business. 

social enterprises across the South 

East. 

The awards are part of 

Santander’s commitment to

ail@leysnews.co.uk | phone: 01865 711756 Leys News |3 

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS 

LOCAL budding entrepreneur Dominic 

Walls-Jones aged nine and a half has 

been busy making Christmas decorations 

and selling them to friends and 

neighbours on the Leys. 

Dominic, has a seven year old brother 

Dylan and a two year old sister Gabriella. 

Dominic and his siblings were all born 

in the Leys after his mother and father 

moved into the area over ten years ago. 

With Christmas approaching, Dominic 

asked his mother Rebecca not to give 

him his usual pocket money. Instead, 

Dominic started to make hand made 

decorations: stuffed Christmas tree 

decorations filled with lavender, small 

christmas pillows and ribboned hearts 

made out of beautiful christmas' themed 

materials and adorned with satin ribbons. 

As Dominic's sewing confidence grew 

and his hand made creations multiplied, 

he started thinking about selling his 

creations to buy presents for his 

mother, his brother and sister, his father, 

grandparents and his extended family. 

As he loves outdoor pursuits, he 

would also like to buy extra fittings for 

the BMX bike that he might get this 

Christmas. 

If all goes well, Dominic also hopes to 

join the Scouts in the New Year. 

Getting the 

wheels in motion 

in Greater Leys! 

WHETHER you fancy yourself as the next Tony 

Hawk, or you’re so bad on a board you are slipping 

and sliding all over the place, the Oxford Wheels 

Project (OWP) will be delivering skateboard 

coaching sessions for 14–17 year olds in Greater 

Leys. 

Learn to skateboard with experienced 

coaches who will take you through the basics of 

skateboarding up to intermediate and advanced 

tricks. 

Sessions will take place at Fry’s Hill Skate Park 

(behind the Kassam Stadium) every Sunday from 

11am–1pm, or within an indoor venue if the weather 

is bad (check the website for updates). 

To help decide if skateboarding is for you, you 

will get your first two sessions free. Sessions will 

cost £2.50 thereafter. 

Bring a board if you can, but if you don’t have 

one don’t panic, just drop OWP an email and they 

will let you borrow one on the day. 

By turning up at the sessions you will also 

receive Bounts reward points. All you need to do 

is collect a free key tag from the instructors, get it 

scanned at every session you attend and watch 

your points tot up! These points can be redeemed 

against a number of rewards including high-street 

shopping vouchers, days out and much more! 

These sessions are brought to you through a 

partnership between Oxford City Council and the 

OWP and contribute to the Council’s wider Youth 

Ambition project. The sessions have been funded 

through StreetGames Doorstep Sports Club 

funding. 

Councillor Steve Curran, Board Member for 

Youth and Communities, said: “This is a great 

opportunity for young people to try skateboarding. 

We have teamed up with the best in Oxford and 

they will be able to teach young people from the 

city the skills they need to skateboard.” 

This session is delivered through Oxford City 

Council’s Youth Ambition Programme. 

Oxford City Council is committed to helping 

young people reach their potential and enjoy the 

opportunities we are able to provide. Their views 

on our provision are important to us and decision 

making will be shared between us and young 

people. Through our Youth Ambition programme 

we aim to improve the lives of young people and 

aid the transition to employment and adulthood. 

• For more information on these sessions 

please visit www.owp.org.uk/lessons 

or call 01865 252729 

The taste of honey 

RUSSELL Price of Pegasus Road has kept 

bees on and off for about 50 years. When he 

and Sue Price moved to Blackbird Leys six 

years ago they brought empty hives and left 

them in their back garden. Their plan was to 

take up bee-keeping some day. 

To their surprise and delight in September 

2012 thousands of bees flew into the garden 

and moved into an empty hive. Russell fed 

them and made them comfortable. 

This year they have gathered nectar from 

flowers in gardens across Blackbird Leys and 

from the trees in the parks and from further 

a field. The bees worked flat out during the 

long hot summer and by end of the summer 

the bees filled dozens of frames with honey. 

The caps of each cell that was full of honey 

was sliced off with a sharp knife and the 

honey extracted in a hand- cranked centrifuge 

extractor. 

Russell said: “In the run up to Christmas 

when residents are looking for special presents 

I want to offer a discount to readers who shop 

at the Community Market. I’m cutting the price 

of honey in return for a completed voucher.” 

The price of the honey reflects the cost of 

equipment and materials and is higher than 

honey bought in a supermarket. A 1lb jar 

normally sells for £4.25 and a hexagonal ½ lb 

jar costs £2.75. 

You can help next summer by being careful 

when spraying garden plants and keeping an 

eye out for any swarms of honey bees and 

letting Russell know on 07773848837. 

Far left: Russell 

watching the first 

honey flow from the 

tap at the bottom of 

the centrifuge. 

Left: De-capping a 

frame of honey

4| Leys News 

December 2013 

at templars square 

Come and have some fun in our Snow Globe! 

supporting 

SNOW GLOBE 

OPENING HOURS 

10.00am – 4.00pm 

30th Nov - 24th Dec 

Entry: FREE OF CHARGE 

129 Pound Way, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 3XH 

Tel: 01865 748864 

For further updates or information: 

www.templarssquare.com


Thanks to the Blackbird Leys Parish Council for sponsoring this page 

For Parish Council information please call 01865 716943 or go to www.leysonline.net 

NEW YEAR – 

NEW PROSPECTS 

ON THE LEYS 

A NEW service to help young people on the Leys has 

launched. Prospects Services has teamed up with The 

Littlemore Early Intervention Hub to offer young people 

an information and guidance drop in service to help 

them with their next steps in terms of further education 

and careers. 

The BBL Job Shop opened at the beginning of 

December and it will be held at the Blackbird Leys 

Young People’s Early Intervention Service Satellite every 

Wednesday afternoon 1.30–3pm. 

There will be staff on hand at each drop in from the 

Hub, as well as Youth Contract Mentor and Specialist 

NEET Service. The team will meet with young people to 

discover what support they need and offer appropriate 

options for them. 

The Youth Contract and Specialist NEET Service offer 

vulnerable young people one-to-one intensive mentoring 

support. If a young person meets the criteria for either 

of these services, they will be offered the opportunity 

to get involved with the service. If they would like to 

get involved they will receive support to help them find 

further education places, suitable apprenticeships or 

traineeships. On offer will be advice and guidance on 

CV writing, application and interview skills, as well as 

improving their knowledge of the local job market. 

Young people are encouraged to visit the centre to 

ask any questions they have about their next steps. They 

will have access to computers to use for job hunting and 

applications. 

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 

THE Leys has a new locality officer 

and he is looking forward to getting 

to know the area and the people who 

live here. 

David Growcott has just started 

his Oxford City Council job and is 

already finding his feet in the Leys. 

He said: “I worked in Wiltshire for 

11 years and partnership work has 

always been important to me. In 

my previous job I was involved in 

environmental quality and did lots 

of work with housing associations, 

community groups and charities.” 

David has wanted to work more 

with community groups for a while, 

and is delighted with his new role in 

the Leys. He added: “This opportunity 

really was a gift when it came up and 

the job is bringing me back to the 

kind of work I love. I think the Leys 

is a great place to work, there is so 

much going on here. In fact I am not 

sure I have ever been to a community 

that is as active as the Leys. There 

is a lot of really good stuff going on 

here, and I am looking forward to 

getting to know everyone and find out 

more.” 

He added: “The Leys really seems 

to have a personality and I really 

want to spend some time absorbing 

the area and finding out what the 

community wants. I would like to 

get people talking to each other and 

working together to create an even 

better community.” 

BLACKBIRD LEYS 

PARISH COUNCIL 

Require a Parish Clerk/Responsible Financial 

Officer with effect from 1 February 2014. 

Five hours a week – flexible with evening/occasional weekend work. 

The candidate should: 

• be able to demonstrate knowledge of local government, qualified 

to CILCA standard or willing to gain within 12 months. 

• have good communication skills and able to manage a small team 

• be computer literate and have access to the internet 

• be able to work from home 

• facilitate the monthly meetings of the full Council 

and additional committee meetings. 

• as Responsible Financial Officer have accounts and audit experience. 

Salary is in accordance with the Local Government pay scales SO1 point 29 

- 31 (pro-rata) at a point commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Further information and an application form can be obtained from: 

Malcolm Anderson, 

13 Bailey Road, Oxford, 

OX4 3HU 

or bblparishcouncil@gmail.com 

Closing date for applications is 19 December 2013 and 

interviews will be held in early January 2014. 

Blackbird Leys Parish Council 

NEXT MEETINGS 

Tuesday 21 January 2014, 7.00pm (not the usual week) 

Tuesday 25 February 2014, 7.00pm 

For further details of Parish Council news, meetings, minutes and other activities in 

Blackbird Leys please go to the community website 

www.leysonline.net

6| Leys News 

December 2013


Leys Community Development Initiative (CDI) AGM 

Across the 

generations 

By Mia Flores-Bórquez 

MORE than 100 people 

took part in this year's CDI 

AGM at The Glow Hall 

last month. Users, friends, 

volunteers, and residents 

attended the two-hour event 

showcasing talent from 

different generations: young 

and old, and an exhibition of 

an intergenerational creative 

writing project which reflected 

some of the interesting inhouse 

and out reach activities 

held throughout the year by 

the Leys CDI. The Singing for 

Fun group treated those who 

attended the event to lively well 

known songs that encouraged 

spontaneous participation. 

Projects undertaken across 

the CDI, reflect a connection 

with broad issues relating to 

local history and social justice, 

among others. Inspired by the 

50th anniversary of the March 

for Freedom where Dr Martin 

Luther King Jr. made his most 

memorable speech, the youth 

project undertook various 

activities under the Catching a 

Dream project. An archaeology 

group was formed for the over 

50s during the excavation of 

a site close to the Leys which 

met at the Clockhouse to clean 

and sort archaeological finds 

uncovered at the site from 

Roman times onwards. 

The project, which started 

as a Youth Project in 1995 

and runs on a four year 

Lottery funded programme, 

focuses on youth participation 

and diversionary prevention 

work with children and young 

people aged from nine to 25 

all year round. Participants 

have transitioned to occupying 

other roles within the project 

as well as participating in the 

decision making process of 

the organisation. Participants, 

users, friends and leaders 

were on hand throughout the 

event to welcome guests, 

distribute copies of the annual 

report, offer a variety of freshly 

prepared refreshments, and 

also document the event 

in-house. 

Have your say on 

health services 

OXFORDSHIRE Clinical Commissioning 

Group (OCCG) is calling on young people, 

parents and people that live and work in 

Oxfordshire to have a say in how NHS 

services can be improved for the future. 

Events are being held to encourage 

people to come and share with local NHS 

leaders their ideas on how NHS services in 

Oxfordshire can meet the growing demands 

of the county. The NHS locally cannot 

continue as it has been, and OCCG needs 

your help and thoughts to change the NHS 

locally so it can continue to provide services 

of a high quality, closer to home, and that are 

financial sustainable. 

The events will focus on the financial 

health challenges within Oxfordshire, and 

how with the development of OCCG’s five 

year strategy the health service, Oxfordshire 

residents and local businesses can help to 

ensure that OCCG has an NHS to be proud 

of in the future. 

Stephen Richards, Chief Executive of 

OCCG, said: “We have already held events 

in Wantage, Witney and Oxford but we still 

want to hear from more people that live in 

Oxfordshire. We want to hear from parents, 

teenagers and people that work in the 

county about what they think is good about 

our local NHS. We can no longer continue 

providing services in the way we have done 

in the past. We need new ideas from our 

young people on what they want from their 

local NHS so we can change and adapt to 

our growing population.” 

• Further events are being held 

on: Thursday 19 December at the 

council offices in Crowmarsh Gifford, 

Wallingford Tuesday 7 January 2014, at 

the Town Hall in Oxford. 

• If you would like more information 

about these events, please contact: 

Julia Stackhouse on 01865 334638 

THAMES Valley Police in Oxford 

are reminding residents to remain 

vigilant in the build up to Christmas. 

Police Community Support 

Officer (PCSO) Ehab Shahab, said: 

“We know it’s still a little bit early but 

with the build up to Christmas about 

to start, we know that criminals 

will also be starting to plan a list of 

things they are planning to steal this 

year. 

“So it is vitally important that 

residents are aware of their home 

security, as well as their personal 

safety and vehicle security. 

“For example, going shopping 

WHO’S ON THE THIEF’S 

CHRISTMAS LIST THIS YEAR? 

and then leaving your shopping 

on display in your car, will attract 

criminals. Make sure you know 

where your personal belongings, 

such as wallets, purses, mobile 

phones are at all times. 

“Also with the evenings getting 

darker opportunist burglars will 

target homes with little or no 

security, so make sure you check 

your home security. If you have any 

concerns or just want some advice 

and information, approach your 

local neighbourhood officers by 

calling 101. 

“I would urge all residents 

celebrating Christmas to dispose 

of boxes and rubbish discreetly. 

Although Christmas will come and 

go, the opportunities for burglars’ 

are still available. By leaving the 

empty boxes or packaging outside 

your house, it will provide a burglar 

with the opportunity to see the fact 

you have new valuable items in the 

house and this may make you a 

target. 

“Also be cautious when using 

social media such as Facebook or 

Twitter. You don’t want to be telling 

potential burglars what you have 

received nor when your home will 

be empty, by letting everyone know 

that you are going on holiday. 

“Finally follow us on Twitter @ 

TVP_Oxford or sign up to receive 

free crime updates and safety 

messages for your area by visiting 

www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk and 

visit our website www.thamesvalley. 

police.uk for crime prevention 

advice.”

8| Leys News 

December 2013 

Thanks to Ruskin College for sponsoring this page. If you are 

interested in studying at Ruskin College please call 01865 759600 

or visit www.ruskin.ac.uk 

FEELING GREAT WITH FIVE 

FESTIVE CHALLENGES! 

IN THE lead up to Christmas this 

year Oxford City Council and 

Fusion Lifestyle have teamed up to 

add some festive fun into getting 

active. 

Many of us would like to lose 

a few pounds and feel a little 

fitter in time for those Christmas 

parties and family get togethers, 

but finding the motivation in these 

darker, colder months can be 

difficult. 

If you are new to exercise it can 

also be daunting to know where to 

start. 

The five challenges to 

Christmas is a fun way to start or 

stay active over the festive period. 

You can also try out some new 

activities, burn a few calories and 

football also included. 

Each challenge completed 

burns off the same amount of 

calories as are found in some of 

our favourite Christmas treats. 

The idea is that the challenges 

will help people enjoy all the 

Christmas festivities without 

feeling too guilty. 

For example 30 minutes of 

gliding (or perhaps stumbling) 

around the ice rink earns the 

equivalent of a glass of mulled 

wine! 

Or you could pull on some 

trainers, head out for a gentle jog 

and earn yourself that delicious 

slice of Christmas pudding! 

Anyone who ticks off more than 

one challenge will receive a free 

there is a chance to win a month's 

ice skating or a leisure pass and a 

brand new iPod shuffle! 

With activities available at all of 

the City Council's leisure centres, 

swimming pools, Oxford Ice Rink 

and various community venues 

through the GO Active and Active 

Women projects, there really is no 

excuse to not give it a try. 

Councillor Mark Lygo, Board 

Member for Sports, Parks and 

Events, said: "Christmas and the 

lead up to it can be a stressful time 

for many people. 

"Taking some time out to get 

active, even just for half an hour, 

can offer many benefits. Whether 

it is as a family, with friends or on 

your own, it can help us feel more 

even win some prizes! 

2 for 1 ice rink pass or three day confident, less stressed and of 

from the GO Active website or of November. The challenge will 

The challenges range from leisure pass to be used at any of course it leads to a happier and 

picked up from any Oxford City finish on Friday 10 January 2014. 

swimming and ice skating to the City Council's leisure centres. healthier life." 

Council leisure centre and most 

dancing and jogging with sports For those who manage to tick 5 Challenges to Christmas 

Community Centres from the end 

such as badminton, tennis and off four or five of the challenges, flyers can either be downloaded 

No need to be alone at Christmas 

HELP is needed from people across the 

Leys to make sure that nobody is alone this 

Christmas. 

The Leys CDI is organising a Community 

Christmas Dinner from 1–6pm on Christmas 

Day at The Glow Hall. 

Marsha Jackson from the CDI said: 

“Nobody should be alone at Christmas and we 

are organising a community Christmas dinner 

to make sure that everyone has somewhere to 

go and some friends to spend the day with.” 

Marsha added that she is calling on the 

whole community to help out and make sure 

the event is a huge success. She added: “We 

are also in need of a cooker or portable ovens. 

One of the cookers has gone past its sell 

by date and we are down to to one catering 

cooker.We are also hoping to raise funds to 

hire a minibus so that we can pick up and drop 

off people where mobility is a problem. 

“CDI has identified that for some people this 

time of year can be very stressful, for many it 

maybe the loneliest day of the year and we feel 

that no one should spend it alone. Christmas 

is meant to be a time of happiness and sharing 

and CDI would like to bring a little of that festive 

cheer to those who don't have anyone to share 

Christmas with. 

Putting on the CDI Community Christmas 

Dinner is a way of letting people know there 

are people out there who care. We are 

aiming to create a space for people to make a 

celebration of their own. We will be reaching 

out to young people and the elderly, the 

community. Community events that see the 

community young and old come together is 

significant. It builds community spirit.” 

• Would you like to help? Are you able to 

prepare part of the meal, deliver meals, 

help set up/clean up, serve or greet people 

at the door? If you would like to volunteer 

or contribute in some way, please call 

Marsha on 01865 395927. 

• Dine-in, and home delivery (for the 

elderly) are available. To place an order for 

home delivery please call Marsha. 

Fantastic 

FREE January at 

Waterperry Gardens!  

FOR the first time every visit to 

Waterperry Gardens is free throughout 

January. With no garden entrance fee 

it really is the time to enjoy winter walks 

around the gardens. See the gardens 

turn into a spectacular vision as the 

frost spread across the grasses and 

trees and the mist winds around the 

garden and the Riverside Walk. With 

free garden tours every Wednesday 

at 11.30am during January and the 

massive winter sale in the Garden 

Centre, Gift Barn and Gallery there is 

only one place to be in January. 

HELPFUL HINTS 

Agnes Smith Advice Centre 

Managing your Money 

this Christmas 

It’s that time of year again when it 

is all too easy to overspend. 

• Have a realistic budget 

and stick to it! 

• Remember everyday 

bills still have to be paide.g. 

rent, gas, electricity, 

council tax... 

• Make a list and stick to 

it—impulse shopping is 

dangerous! 

• Shop around to find 

the best price. Be wary of 

extended warranties as 

most are a waste of 

money; the cost of repair 

could be less than the cost 

of the warranty. 

• If possible pay by cash 

or debit card, most forms 

of credit are expensive 

unless you can pay the 

whole debt within the 

interest free period. 

• If you feel credit is 

the only way to afford 

Christmas, shop around 

for the best deals and 

check for any hidden 

extras. 

• Don’t run up an 

overdraft without arranging 

it with your bank first; the 

charges and interest will 

cost you much more. 

• Don’t be tempted to 

borrow from unauthorised 

lenders or ‘loan sharks’ as 

they will want repayment 

at a very high rate. 

• If you are a member 

of a credit union you can 

usually borrow up to two or 

three times your savings 

and the interest is very 

low. Consider joining one 

for next year. 

HOW TO SAVE 

EVEN MORE: 

• Make a ‘no present pact’ 

with friends or extended 

family; they may thank you 

for suggesting it! 

• Suggest a Secret Santa 

or agree a spending limit 

• Suggest home-made 

gifts only. If you aren’t 

crafty try making a jar of 

jam, a fancy cake, biscuits, 

fudge etc. 

• What about a personal 

voucher? For example 

offering to make a free 

meal, or spend an evening 

babysitting for free. 

• Be creative—get your 

kids making cards and 

wrapping paper with 

colourful magazines etc 

• Deliver cards personally 

or send them by 2nd 

class post. What about an 

e-card instead? 

Have a very Happy 

Christmas. If you are 

struggling to manage 

your debts in the New 

Year, our advisers are 

here to help. 

• Agnes Smith Advice Centre, 96 Blackbird Leys Road, Blackbird Leys, OX4 6HS. 

Telephone: 01865 770206 Email: asac.reception@blackbirdleysnss.co.uk


SWIMMING 

POOL 

UPDATE 

By Councillor Mike 

Rowley, Board Member 

for Leisure Services 

AS YOU will have noticed, 

we have started work 

on the new swimming 

pool complex in your 

community. 

The proposed pool 

is programmed to be 

completed in December 

2014 and will cost 

approximately 9.23 million 

pounds to build. This is 

the next step in the City 

Council’s modernisation 

and improvement of 

public leisure facilities, 

following on from the 

improvements at Barton, at 

the Ice Rink and at Ferry 

Leisure Centre, and here 

in Blackbird Leys with 

previous improvements to 

the Leisure Centre. 

Contractor Willmott 

Dixon is carrying out the 

construction and they have 

been busy digging the hole 

ready for the foundations 

and main swimming pool 

tank. To dig and line a 

hole big enough for a 

competition standard pool 

to the very high standards 

required takes a long time, 

and this work will continue 

during December and 

January. 

The contractor will also 

start to demolish one of 

the downstairs community 

halls and replace it in the 

former bar area upstairs. 

A temporary reception 

area will be put in place 

so that the whole Leisure 

Centre remains fully open 

to the public while the new 

pool is being built. 

Local school children 

and students from the 

Blackbird Leys college 

campus have visited 

the site. The tour was 

organised by Willmott 

Dixon in partnership with 

the Council as part of our 

commitment to engage 

with the local community 

during the building project. 

When the new facility 

is complete it will adjoin 

NELSON MANDELA 

By Mia Flores-Bórquez 

AS THIS year draws to a close the world 

has lost a towering figure, a symbol that 

has inspired countless individuals all 

around the globe. 

As a newly arrived political refugee 

in the mid 1970s, I learned about Nelson 

Mandela and the politics of oppression 

in South Africa in the UK and as we lived 

captive in the memory of exile, we found 

others who also longed for liberation and 

social justice. 

I vividly remember the day in 1976 

when we heard about the masacre in 

Soweto, South Africa: we stood stunned 

and equally united in solidarity with the 

victims and the people of South Africa. I 

looked at black and white photographs of 

the brutal masacre at an exhibition held at 

Transport House, the TUC, in London and I 

the existing Blackbird 

Leys Leisure Centre and 

once open it will be the 

replacement for both 

Temple Cowley Pool 

and the existing small 

Blackbird Leys Pool. 

It will have an eight 

lane, 25 metre pool with 

moveable floor, a teaching 

pool, as well as a fun 

water area for children 

with jets and sprays, a soft 

play area, new changing 

facilities, and a new café 

area. We want to develop 

an excellent facility for 

casual swimming that can 

be enjoyed by people of 

all ages, which also meets 

Councillor Mike Rowley 

was reminded about the brutality of military 

dictatorships which oppressed its people in 

equal measures. Later, as the world awoke 

to the plight of Nelson Mandela, in our 

minds he became a symbol and a banner 

for others who had also been imprisoned 

for their views so as to be silenced. I 

have never forgotten the moment when in 

February 1990 I watched the live television 

broadcast of Nelson Mandela walking free 

after his imprisonment of twenty seven 

years at Robin Island. The emotion of the 

moment has since seldom been matched 

and was a defining moment in my life. 

I am certain that his strength, resolve, 

humbleness, grace, immense clarity and 

the forgivenes about which he spoke 

touched and influenced many who found 

themselves captive in both real and also in 

symbolic ways. 

Nelson Mandela has been a beacon 

of inspiration for me and a shinning light 

that has lit my life during difficult times. 

Nelson Mandela's presence reminded me 

about the strength and dignity displayed by 

victims of crimes of lesser humanity from 

around the world. 

Nevertheless, and most importantly 

of all, the example of Nelson Mandela 

is something that transcends defining 

characteristics like politics, race, gender 

and class. I am grateful to have been a 

witness to this man: a great historical figure 

whose presence had such a profound 

impact in the cause of social justice and 

beyond. With his example, Nelson Mandela 

changed the discourse of oppression and 

encouraged all of us to think in his image. 

Once again I stand in solidarity, at the 

passing of Nelson Mandela, and celebrate 

his inspiring legacy. 

the needs of the city as a 

competition standard pool. 

Oxford City Council 

run the city's leisure 

centres in partnership 

with Fusion, a registered 

charity whose primary 

objectives are to provide 

facilities and services in 

the interests of the social 

and physical welfare of 

local communities. 

Fusion aims to provide 

a sustainable service 

which enables people of 

all ages and abilities to 

access a healthy lifestyle 

(www.fusion-lifestyle.com). 

Let Ruskin College 

GROWING UP 

GRUMPY 

BY ROSS ARROWSMITH 

Is it Christmas 

yet ? 

YES folks, it’s getting to that time of year. Free presents! 

Money! Food! Games! Time off! But did it come too early? 

I noticed, to my disgust, a shop in Oxford selling Christmas 

crackers in August! Now I love Christmas. I really do. But in 

August? Really? Are you mad? 

Most people see it as a commercialised thing that 

businesses can use to make money. Me, well, I see it as an 

excuse to skive off College and watch Elf instead! 

For me Christmas starts mid November-ish. I mean, 

it’s that time of year where the days are shorter than my 

attention span; the weather is colder than a PE teacher’s 

heart and the walk up the road home feels like a 5k 

marathon. 

So it’s definitely worth seeing Christmas as a positive 

thing and using it to chill out in front of the television with 

Auntie Muriel’s home made mince pies. Although, I have to 

say, I’ve gone off them a bit. It’s not Auntie Muriel’s baking; 

it’s just the general thought of mince pies. 

So if Christmas is closing in, so is New Year. Do you 

believe in New Year’s resolutions? I sort of do, I never write 

them down, but there are times when I think, “oops, I keep 

doing that and I should really stop.” 

A perfect example is submitting my column late. Or 

falling asleep in lesson with my mouth wide open and my 

body half slumped in the chair whilst the tutor drones on 

about whatever she drones on about. But minus the New 

Years resolution, I always enjoy coming into a new year. 

“2014” sounds a lot better than “2013”, it kind of rolls off the 

tongue and always means a fresh start, which is what we 

all need some times. Nicer weather will hopefully come by, 

new things will happen, changes will take place. That’s life! 

Changeyourlife 

Ruskin College Oxford offers: 

a second chance in education, even without qualifications 

the opportunity to learn with other adults 

plenty of support from tutors 

a diverse student body committed to equality 

short courses to prepare for work or study 

Want a degree but have no previous qualifications? 

If the answer is YES, then Ruskin College, Oxford is for you! 

For a full list of courses that Ruskin has to offer, visit our website. 

Or to speak to someone, contact: 

T: 01865 759600 E: admissions@ruskin.ac.uk 

For short courses contact: 

T:01865 759625 E: shortcourses@ruskin.ac.uk 

Ruskin College, 

Ruskin Hall, 

Dunstan Road, 

Old Headington, 

Oxford, OX3 9BZ 

Apply now 

for 

October 2014 

www.ruskin.ac.uk 

Ruskin College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer 

higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards. 

Follow us:

8| Leys News mail@leysnews.co.uk | phone: 01865 711756 

Leys News |9 

FESTIVE FASHION 

with Natalie Wallace 

Fa la la la fashion 

IF YOU’VE taken just 

a quick glance at this 

page, you may have 

thought ‘this lot looks like 

it couldn’t be further from 

fashion if it tried’. On the 

contrary, novelty knitwear 

is back this year with a 

vengeance and nobody 

does it better than the 

budget high street stores. 

To mark such a festive 

time of year, it often 

seems appropriate to 

dress up a little and add 

a bit of glitz and sparkle. 

This year, it seems that 

comfort and fun is the key. 

T’is the time to be 

winding down and 

relaxing after all. For me 

it’ll be a fleecy reindeer 

onesie with a warm mince 

pie in one hand and a 

selection box in the other. 

There is a Christmas 

jumper for everyone in 

the family and some 

rather fetching headwear 

for the pet pooch. If 3D 

motifs really are too much 

though, there are plenty of 

far more tasteful options in 

the form of Scandinavian 

style knits. These are not 

so Christmassy that they 

can’t be worn after the 

tinsel and fairy lights get 

taken down but still look 

suitably and traditionally 

festive. They make great 

gifts too! Happy hollydays! 

For the ladies 

1. ‘Kiss me’ mistletoe jumper 

£14 George at Asda 

2. ‘Ho ho ho’ mittens £5 

Florence and Fred at Tesco 

3. Grey polar bear jumper 

£12 Primark 

4. Snowman novelty hat £3 

Primark 

5. Present earrings £1 

Primark 

For the gents 

6. Santa hat £6 Florence and 

Fred at Tesco 

7. Scandinavian style knitted 

sweater £16 Florence and 

Fred at Tesco 

8. Christmas tree socks £2 

Primark 

For the kids 

9. Scandinavian onesie £8 

Florence and Fred at Tesco 

10. Pink sequin reindeer 

jumper £15 M&Co 

11. ‘I am on the good list’ top 

£2.50 George at Asda 

12. Girls elf costume £10 

For the pets 

13. Santa dog coat £12 

Accessorize 

1. 3. 

2. 4. 5. 

6. 

11. 

10. 

have a merry Christmas and a happy new year! 

7. 

9. 

13. 

12. 

8. 

Christmas all 

wrapped up! 

BY THE time you are reading this 

special festive issue of Leys News, 

the Christmas shopping frenzy will 

be in full swing. But if you haven’t 

quite finished your shopping yet, 

don’t panic as we have put together 

our top 20 presents for under a 

tenner that are guaranteed to thrill 

even the most difficult person you 

have to buy for! 

And don’t forget that we have 

some great goodies up for grabs too 

so make sure you enter the Leys 

News Christmas Giveaway on this 

page. 

If you are really stuck and have 

a budget of £20 or more then 

check out the Secret Santa Solver 

at Gumtree.com. The UK’s no.1 

classifieds website, has seen a huge 

A fresh start 

for 2014! 

WITH 2013 almost a distant 

memory, many of us will be 

looking forward to the New 

Year and what opportunities it 

may bring. 

Perhaps you are thinking 

of starting a new course 

or looking for a new job, 

considering taking up a new 

hobby or interest or thinking 

about getting fitter and 

healthier in 2014? 

While New Year 

resolutions are a very 

traditional way to start a 

new year, and many of us 

begin with great and positive 

intentions, the reality is that 

we often lose interest quite 

quickly and find our old habits 

returning! 

January is a tricky time 

of the year, most of us are 

desperately waiting for pay 

day and trying to save money 

where we can, while still doing 

our best to feed our families 

and keep our homes warm. 

The last thing anyone wants 

spike in ads posted in its For Sale 

category priced around the £20 

mark. 

In response to the surge in sellers, 

Gumtree has launched the Secret 

Santa Solver game to make finding 

this year’s Secret Santa gift easy and 

fun. The Facebook game locates 

gifts in your local area priced around 

£20, and lets buyers find the best 

bargains by pulling a magical fruit 

machine. Users can browse almost 

400,000 items in the £20 range, 

making the app perfect for finding a 

reasonably priced present. 

With budgets still tight for many of 

us, the pressure of feeling obligated 

to buy presents for people can 

be overwhelming. Our cheap and 

cheerful gift guide may help, but 

there are alternatives to hitting the 

high street or online retailers. 

Alternative Christmas Gifts: 

1. Why not send a card, or even 

make one yourself if you are feeling 

creative, and include a voucher for 

a chore that you know the recipient 

would really appreciate? Offer to do 

the ironing, gardening or wash their 

car. 

2. Are you a great baker? Stock up 

on basic ingredients and make a 

batch of Christmas biscuits. Ice and 

decorate and give to friends to either 

eat or hang on their tree. 

3. Why not swap a skill with 

to do in the middle of winter is 

anything that involves leaving 

the house and getting cold! So 

this year instead of promising 

yourself that from 1 January 

you will become a dedicated 

athlete, spend the first month 

of the year taking stock and 

looking back over 2013. 

This may sound negative, 

as many people have very 

good reasons for leaving the 

past behind and moving on, 

but if there are things that you 

could have done differently, 

or actions that you solemnly 

promised yourself you would 

do but didn’t, then look at why 

you didn’t make the changes 

you had planned for, and see 

if there is any way you can 

make those changes in the 

new year instead. 

Perhaps you have 

changed your mind radically 

about how you want to live 

your life since this time last 

year, and if that is the case 

then now is the time to start 

someone? Perhaps they can teach 

you a new language in return for you 

teaching them how to knit? 

4. Instead of buying presents why not 

organise a bring and share festive 

meal. 

5. Go along to the CDI Community 

Christmas Dinner and offer to help 

out-a gift that will be truly appreciated 

by Marsha and the team! 

6. If you are a keen gardener and 

have saved seeds for your garden or 

allotment then why not put some in 

an envelope and encourage friends 

to grow their own next year. 

7. Everyone loves home grown food 

so offer a friend the promise of a 

hamper of your allotment or garden 

produce for next season. 

8. Get along the the Leys Christmas 

Community Market and pick up your 

bargain jar of honey from Russell 

Price using our voucher on the front 

of Leys News. Tie with a piece of 

ribbon add a tag or card and you 

have the perfect stocking flller! 

9. Feeling crafty? Raid local charity 

shops for some cheap wool and get 

knitting-everyone loves a Christmas 

scarf! 

10. Sometimes the best gift you can 

give to others and yourself is time. 

Go for a walk, have a coffee, home 

made mince pie and a chat with 

someone who you haven’t seen for a 

while and make a promise to keep in 

touch more in 2014. 

planning some real changes, 

but gradual change is often far 

more effective and more likely 

to last, than sudden knee jerk 

reactions. Take January off 

and start again in February! 

By this time Christmas really 

has gone and you may even 

start to see the first signs of 

spring that will hopefully lead 

to plenty of positive planning! 

Here are our top ten ideas 

for making changes in 2014: 

• Buy a diary or notebook and 

start writing down ideas for 

things that you would like to do 

this year. 

• Try and spend a few 

minutes every day thinking 

about what is going on in your 

life and how you can reach 

your goals 

Promise yourself that you will 

recycle and re use more in 

2014 

• If you don’t already cook 

from scratch then start, you 

will save money and be 

healthier! 

• Take up volunteering and 

join our happy team at Leys 

News! 

• Get to know your 

neighbours, you can’t be 

friends with everyone but at 

least give it a go! 

2. 

1. 

• Read more-join the library or 

pick up books from your local 

charity shop. Aim to read at 

least one a month to start with 

• Be kind to yourself, instead 

of looking at your faults, 

celebrate your good bits and 

embrace everything else! 

• Try and get out and about 

more and explore the Leys. 

Pop to the shops, church, 

library, CDI and Community 

Centre and see what’s going 

on where you live. 

WIN! 

If you are single and looking 

for love then take advantage 

of an amazing FREE offer 

with new website www. 

honestlydating.com. 

They have loads of free life 

memberships up for grabs 

and to win one all you have to 

do is email us 


or follow them on Twitter 

@honestlydate 

or like their page on Facebook. 

4. 

1. I love Nail Varnish set: £5 from Wilko 

2. Mr Three Piece kit: £3 from Wilko 

3. Hourglass fragrance set: £6 from Wilko 

4. In ear earphones: £4 from Wilko 

5. Wooden cut up fruit and veg set: £7 from Wilko 

6. Gloves: £3.49 from British Heart Foundation 

7. Beanie hat: £3.99 from British Heart Foundation 

8. Robin jar: £6.99 from British Heart Foundation 

9. Snowman bowl: £2.99 from British Heart Foundation 

10. Snowglobe: £4.99 from British Heart Foundation 

11. Tea pot and cosy: £8 from Sainsbury’s 

12. Amelia doll: £6.99 from Sainsbury’s 

13. Farmer Brown’s tractor and trailer: £6.99 from 

Sainsbury’s 

14. Rodney Reindeer: £7.00 from Sainsbury’s 

15. Taste the Difference espresso set: £10 from Sainsbury’s 

16. Ceramic Owl Candles: £3 each from Primark 

17. Stag print hot water bottle: £5 from Primark 

18. Stag print thermal mug: £3 from Primark 

19. Vintage world map desk tidy: £4.95 from www. 

notonthehighstreet.com 

20. Vintage world map block desk calendar: £9.95 from 

www.notonthehighstreet.com 

Our top 20 Christmas Cracking gifts for under £10 

THE LEYS NEWS GREAT 

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY! 

WELL here it is Merry Christmas, and 

to mark the festive season and to say 

thank you to our loyal readers for all their 

support this year, we have teamed up 

with some lovely people to bring you a 

few Christmas treats. 

We have got a Christmas hamper full of 

goodies that are perfect to get everyone in 

the Christmas mood, and entering our special 

prize draw couldn’t be easier! 

To be in with a chance of winning just 

email us editor@leysnews.co.uk and put in 

the subject line Happy Christmas! In your 

email tell us what you would like to win and 

why and don’t forget to include your name, 

address and daytime phone number. 

Winners will be chosen and prizes 

delivered by December 20. 

Here is what we have in this year’s 

Christmas Hamper: 

• A hamper full of goodies 

from Jules Destrooper 

• A family ticket to Birdland in 

Bourton on the Water 

• £20 of shopping vouchers for Sainsbury’s 

• Two children’s watches from 

the watchshop.com 

• Chocolates from Butlers 

• A cosy thermal beanie hat from Blackspade 

• A Christmas baby bib from Skibz 

• A selection of hair colours 

from Quif Blast Creative 

3. 

7. 

6. 

12. 

A selection of some of the prizes up for grabs in our festive giveaway! 

• A hamper of Nelsons products 

• Delicious Christmas nibbles 

• Christmas lights from LEDhut.com 

• Fabulous Christmas decorations 

from dotcomgiftshop.com 

Get your entries in by 17 December 

to be in with a chance of winning. 

Good luck and Happy Christmas! 

5. 9. 

15. 

13. 

Acknowledgments 

Our Christmas giveaway would not have been 

possible without the exceptionally generous 

8. 

19. 

16. 

11. 

20. 

10. 

14. 

support from the following people: 

Laura Alix at Food Matters 

Christina Michaelides at Cat PR 

Wendy Bull at PR Genie 

Ken Hooper at Cherish PR 

Chloe at Bump PR 

Lizzy Howell at Escapade PR 

Charlotte at Spider PR 

Alison Hunter Pease at Nelsons 

Helen Jones from EcoPRAgency 

Sharon Hulbert at Sainsbury’s Heyford Hill 

Adrian Smith at dotcomgiftshop.com 

17. 

18.

12| Leys News 

December 2013 

What’s On at The Leys Children’s Centre 

January and February 2014 

(see page opposite for what's on in December and early January) 

Cuddesdon 

Corner 

For Mikko Enticknap 

call 01865 773263 

(Linked with Orchard 

Meadow School 

01865 778609) 

For Anne Wells 

and Valerie O’Malley 

call 01865 779615 

For Camille Kalaja 

call 0789 995 8316 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 

Improvers ESOL* 

9.30 – 11.30am 

Stay & Play 

for Babies, dads, 

mums and carers 

1.00–3.00pm. 

Contact Mikko Enticknap. 

The Listening Centre 

12.30– 9.00pm. 

Phone 01865 794794 

PEEP for Babies # 

9.30–10.30am. 

Call 01865 395145 

Stay & Play 

with lunch (small fee) 

11.00am–2.00pm 

including: 

l Speech and Language 

Advice available 

12.00–1.00pm 

and 

l Lone Parent Advisor 

advice and information 

Last Tuesday of month 

12.00–2.00pm 


5.00–9.00pm. 

COURSES COMING SOON 

ESOL 

9.30 – 11.30 am 

NEW! 

Cooking* 

9.30 am – 11.30 am 

Date to be confirmed 

Midwife Clinic 

For pregnant and 

feeding mums. 

For post natal and baby 

checks, support and advice 

12.30–2.00pm 

drop-in or phone 01865 

221696 for an appointment. 

New Baby Group, inc 

The Breastfeeding Cafe 

For parents and children 

birth to 12 months 

1.00–2.30pm 

Contact Mikko Enticknap 

for Baby Group and 

Contact Camille Kalaja 

for Breastfeeding Café 

01865 773263 

Agnes Smith 

Advice Centre 

(for advice on benefits, 

money advice and debt) 

10.00am–1.00pm. 

Contact Jackie Knight 

01865 770206 

Also for details of other 

drop-in sessions 

Paediatric First Aid 

Starting 23 January 

9.00 am – 12.00 pm 

NEW! 

Helping your Children 

With Maths* 

Starting 7 November 

1.00 pm – 3.00 pm 

Maths Skills 

12.45 pm – 2.45 pm 

Date to be confirmed 

Asian Women’s Group 

1.00–2.30pm 

Contact Anne Wells 

Oxford Family 

Mediation Drop-In 

9.30–11.30am 

Stay & Play 

with lunch (small fee) 

11.00am–2.00pm 

Dads Worker available 

Saturday 

Dad’s Zone 

Our Dads zone sessions 

are currently under 

review and not running. 

Please call Glen 

Scrivener for more 

details 07881 311697 

PARENT FORUM 

Date TBC 

Journalism course 

Food Safety 

# For information on other PEEP groups 

in the area contact 01865 395145 


5.00–9.00pm 

Crèche places will be limited for 

courses and single sessions. 

A £5 refundable deposit is required for each course. 

For more info contact Anne Wells on 01865 7779615 

Pegasus 

01865 777175 

Contact Karen Hopkins 

Family Links* 

9.00–11.00am 

Contact Rachel Walding 

Stay and Play 

9.15–11.30am 

Stay and Play 

9–11am 

Saturday 

Maluchy ( Little Ones ) 

10.00–11.30am, Pegasus 

School. 

Call Agata 07874 187 704 

Windale 

01865 777796 

Contact 

Lindsey Hart 

01865 395145 

Leys Health 

Centre 

The 

Dovecote 

Nightingale Avenue 

Stay and Play 

9–11am 

Infant Feeding Talks 

For pregnant women 

11.00am–12.00pm. 

To book an appointment 

Contact Camille Kalaja on 

01865 788688 

PEEP for 1s 

9.30 am – 10.30 am 

Call 01865 395145 

Baby Massage 

Starting 14 January 

For Babies from 8 weeks 

old living on The Leys 

1.00– 2.00 pm 

Contact Linda Picton 

01865 788688 

Sparklers 

14 and 28 January, 

11 and 25 February, 

1.00 – 2.30 pm. 

Contact Ruth Donaldson 

01865 779615 

PEEP for 2s 

9.30–10.30am 

Contact 01865 395145 

Time for Toddlers 

9.30–11 am 

Contact Catherine 

Westbury-Cook 

01865 779615 

Stay and Play 

1.00–3.00 pm 

Baby PEEP 

1.30–2.30pm. 

Call 01865 395145 

For information on registered 

childcare available on The Leys contact 

Oxfordshire Family Information Service 

on 08452 26 26 36 

EVERYONE WELCOME ! 

Find more information on our website: 

www.theleyschildrenscentre.org 

*CHILDCARE AVAILABLE


Thanks to Oxford Brookes University for sponsoring this page. 

If you are interested in studying at Oxford Brookes please call 

Sobia Afridi on 01865 484886 

Leys Learning 

By Natty Mark Samuels 

YOU know it's good to travel. 

Especially when you can move 

as you wish, between eras and 

epochs; the fifth to seventeenth 

centuries. So the 20 sixth form 

students of Isis Academy, took a 

learning excursion, through sub 

Saharan Africa; time travelling, 

via the African School travel 

agency. They went to Tanzania, to 

marvel at the Indian Ocean trade, 

using a human map. Westwards 

into the Congo, visiting the 

Kuba Kingdom, re enacting a 

tribute ceremony. Then east into 

Rwanda, they danced to drum 

accompaniment role playing the 

First Fruits Festival. Going west 

into Mali, miming scenarios; 

depicting the craft lineages, 

of metal working, pottery and 

tanning. 

Finally, after Muslim 

Mali, they went north east to 

Christian Ethiopia – dramatising 

sacred choreography, ancient 

movements of priests and 

pilgrims. This band of travellers, 

celebrated Black History Month 

and each other using interactive 

tools, such as exercises, 

anagrams and quizzes. Eternal 

gratitude goes to Christine 

Hatwell, member of the Isis senior 

management, for introducing 

this travel offer, into the Isis 

Academy. A thank you goes to 

the sixth form teaching assistants 

also, Audrey Woodcock and 

Matteo Nasi for their enthusiastic 

interaction, throughout the tour. 

As well as studying history, 

the students also made history; 

for this is the first African Studies 

accreditation, designed by African 

News from Brookes Bridges 

By Sobia Afridi 

ANOTHER busy month 

again, where does the time 

go! Just to confirm there will 

be an IT level 2/3 course at 

Blitz so go in and find out 

about it. This is great news 

and I am sure the course 

will go well. I will be visiting 

the course so pop in and 

find out when I am there 

and perhaps I can give you 

some advice about higher 

education options. I would 

• Please check out my website http://tinyurl.com/brookesbridges 

or give me a call on 01865 484826 

IT courses still FREE with BLITZ ! 

• Would you like to improve your IT skills ? 

• Would you like to improve your 

work prospects ? 

• Would you like help to get a Job ? 

If yes then phone now to find 

out about our courses. 

FREE 

INTERNET ACCESS 

FOR ALL ADULTS 

Drop in times : Monday: 12.30–3pm 

Friday: 12.30–3pm 

An African Journey 

love to meet you! 

I wanted to ask you if 

anyone would be interested 

in an IETLS course in 

the Leys Area. If this 

qualification is holding you 

back get in touch with me. If 

we have ten learners that I 

could run this in your area. 

Just another reminder 

that Tim Campbell will be 

talking to parents at The 

Oxford Academy school on 

17 December at 6 pm if you 

wish to attend please do 

Do you want to help your 

community ? 

BLITZ is currently looking for voluntary 

teaching assistants with basic IT skills 

School that has been delivered. 

Due to the positivity of their 

journals and diaries, further 

trips are planned; their happy 

trek will continue, along the 

African pathways. Because of 

the continual focus, the general 

contact me. 

I have lots to keep me 

busy for the New Year. I will 

be organising a computer 

course at EMBS which is 

on the Cowley Road as well 

as an IELTS course at Rose 

Hill. 

Have a great Christmas 

and enjoy your New Year, 

and remember that if yo 

are thinking of returning to 

learning in 2014 just give 

me a call. 

Blackbird Leys IT Hub, Leys Linx Centre, Blackbird Leys Community Centre. 

For more information call: 01865 714492 

enthusiasm; those moments of 

wonder, that warm the heart that 

makes someone glad to be a 

teacher. 

Cherishing those moments, 

as well as the applause, at the 

end of the second, third and 

final legs of the tour; African 

School is looking forward to 

other voyages, alongside the Isis 

crew. To sharing new adventures, 

with these young travelling 

companions, throughout their 

African Journey. 

What’s On at 

Leys Children’s Centre 

Cuddesdon Corner, 61-63 Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys OX4 6SB 

Monday 23 December 

• Stay & Play for Babies, dads, mums & carers, 1–3pm 

Contact Mikko Enticknap 01865 773263 

Tuesday 24 December 

• Stay & Play with lunch (small fee) 11am–2pm 

including Speech and Language Advice available 12–1pm 

Wednesday 25 December 

• Centre closed 

Thursday 26 December 


Friday 27 December 


Monday 30 December 

• Stay & Play for Babies, dads, mums & carers, 1pm–3pm 

Contact Mikko Enticknap 01865 773263 

Tuesday 31 December 


Wednesday 1 January 


Thursday 2 January 

• Centre open but no available activities 

Friday 3 January 


#For more information call 01865 773263/779615 

or visit the website www.theleyschildrenscentre.org 

Saturday 

Dad’s Zone 

Our Dadszone 

sessions are 

currently under 

review and not 

running. 

Please call Glen 

Scrivener for more 

details 07881 311697 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas 

and Happy New Year 

from everyone at the Leys Children’s Centre

14| Leys News 

December 2013 

Want to quit 

smoking? 

Use your local NHS Stop Smoking 

Service and you’re up to 4 times 

more likely to succeed. 

Free expert advice 

Prescription stop smoking 

treatments to help beat cravings 

Ongoing support from an NHS 

trained adviser 

Call us today on 0845 40 80 300 

Because life’s better Smokefree. 

Community Development Officer (Job no: 03018) 

Grade 6 - £26,670 with possible progression to £29,066 

Contract: Permanent 37 hours per week 

The post of Community Development Officer is a key role to effectively engage and 

empower local residents and involve partnerorganisations to build strong, active 

communities. We are seeking someone with experience of community development work 

who has a positive, proactive approach to delivering measurable results with 

communities. 

We want our workforce to reflect the diversity of the local community so we welcome 

applicants from all communities. We particularly encourage applications from suitably 

qualified black and minority ethnic candidates as people from these backgrounds are 

currently under represented in our team. Disabled Applicants who meet the essential 

criteria on the Person Specification will be invited to interview. 

For full details of the above post, and how to apply online, please visit www.oxford.gov.uk 

If you are unable to access our website please call 01865 252848 

PLEASE NOTE CV’s WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED 

For information on your local job club: where you can get support and advice on 

completing the application or an informal discussion about the post please 

contact Simon Gabriel, on 01865 252 764 or email sgabriel@oxford.gov.uk 

Oxfordshire Smoking Advice Service 

supporting people through the process of quitting 

Closing Date: 2 nd January 2014 

FREE workshops and open 

days at Leys News 2014 

Are you looking for a new challenge for the New Year ? 

Leys News is always keen to hear 

from anyone who is interested 

in getting involved with our 

community newspapers, and in 

2014 we will be organising a series 

of workshops and open days at 

our offices in Kingfisher Green. 

The first session will be on Thursday 16 

January and will run from 10am–1pm. 

The workshop is open to everyone 

in the community who would like to 

know more about volunteering as a 

community journalist or photographer 

or anyone who is keen to find out 

more about business development 

and office management. 

Refreshments and all 

materials will be provided. 

To find out more and to register for the workshop please email 


We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!


Shopping at the heart of your community 

Visit us at www.templarssquare.com, 

register for our newsletter or join us on Facebook 

Christmas Ice Show 

Top skaters to star in 'Fairy 

Tales on Ice' at Oxford Ice Rink 

FAIRY Tales on Ice, the 2013 

Christmas Ice Show, will take place this 

weekend at Oxford Ice Rink, and will 

feature a star studded cast as well as 

100 local skaters from Oxford. 

The show is a popular part of the 

city's Christmas calendar and this year 

features international, national and 

local skating champions plus a hundred 

local skaters. 

This year's show promises to be the 

best ever and be sure to get everyone 

in the mood for Christmas. 

The star studded cast includes 

David Richardson, the 2010 British 

champion who has represented Great 

Britain at both European and World 

championships. 

Josh Whidbourne and Charlotte 

Aiken were the 2012 British Silver 

medallists. They are members of Team 

GB and the British Olympic team 

ambition programme for Sochi 2014. 

Charlotte and Josh teamed up after 

each had previously won the British 

Solo Ice Dance championships. Oxford 

is Josh’s home rink. 

Tammy Sear-Watkins was the 

1999 British Ladies Champion and has 

competed for Great Britain in European 

and World Championships. After a 

career as principal performer in the 

world famous Hot Ice show, Tammy 

returned to Oxford Ice Rink as a coach. 

Tammy Sear-Watkins started her 

skating career at Oxford Ice Rink when 

she was just eight. 

Professional show skater, Charlotte 

Davis has performed in the world's 

leading ice entertainment show 

'Holiday on Ice'. Oxford ice dance 

partners Leticia Marsh and Elliot Crook 

have just made their debut at the 

CRAFT CORNER 

British Figure Skating Championships 

representing Oxford in the Advanced 

Novice Dance category. 

One hundred talented local skaters 

from Oxford Junior Figure Club and the 

Oxford Ice Rink learn to skate courses 

will also be taking part in the gala. 

The show is produced by Oxford 

Ice Rink and local skate coaches Jane 

de Lange, Sue Hands and Alison 

Morrell with great help from coaches, 

supporters and local skaters and their 

families. 

John Harris, General Manager 

of the Rink, said: "This year's show 

should be the best ever; in addition to 

some great international quality skaters 

we have a hundred of our own skaters. 

"The coaches, ice rink team, 

skaters and families have put a lot 

of work into making this show one of 

THIS makes a great 

present for anyone who 

likes sporty accessories. 

To make the bracelet you will 

need: 

• two lengths of 5ft of 

different colour cord 

• One plastic clasp 

Both available on the internet 

You will also need a pair of 

scissors, a lighter and a tape 

measure. 

First with a lighter, seal 

the premier Christmas events in the 

city and I would encourage everyone 

to come to the show and get in the 

Christmas spirit." 

• Tickets are on sale now 

from Oxford Ice Rink. 

Performances will be held 

twice a day on 14 and 15 

December at 3pm and 6pm. 

Advance ticket prices are: 

Adults £9.50 

Under 16s £7.50 

Family (1+2) £22.50 

Family (2+2) £29.00 

• For more information please 

call 01865 305010 or visit the 

Oxford Ice Rink website 

www.OxfordIceRink.com 

the ends of the cord to stop 

them fraying, then thread 

though both ends of the 

buckle and leave a loop big 

enough to put your hand 

though. 

Undo the buckle, then 

choose which colour you 

would like to make the 

outside of the bracelet. 

I am using silver for my 

outside. So pick up the silver 

and make a loop and lay it on 

top of the orange but under 

the two strands. 

Arts and culture 

Then pick up the orange and 

bring it from behind take it 

though the silver loop and 

pull. 

The silver is now on the 

other side, make a loop with 

it again and then take the 

orange from behind, over and 

through the loop. 

Keep repeating this and 

you will see that this leaves a 

tidy pattern. 

Tip: always make sure 

that the silver cord is in the 

middle when you start to tie 

Book Review 

End's Shadow Caste 

by Meghann Doyle 

Review by Jane Yates 

THIS is a graphic novel aimed at 

adults, but I feel that it would 

cross over to older teenagers. It is 

a modern day fairy tale set in an 

extraordinary post apocalyptic world 

set in Western North America. The 

reality that the characters live in is 

directly affected by all of human life 

that went before it. 

Much of the written history 

in this new world has been lost 

however it appears to haunt the 

present. There is strong echoes of 

the past and references to it, but in a 

sense it is also devoid from the new 

world, which seems at points very separate, so much so that even 

the language has eroded and evolved. 

The main character is a female, with several names, she is a 

skilled hunter and not only catches her pray but also can skin it and 

prepare the meat. She travels through the pages of this story with 

her friend/companion a red tailed hawk. Later she makes friends 

with a wolf. She appears fearless as all around her is death and 

fighting. 

She is instantly likeable, and you are drawn into her world and 

carried along on her adventure. It reminds me how mundane my 

own world is, catching the bus going to work eating dinner in front of 

the TV. Where as in this world by comparison the characters in this 

modern day fairy tale seem more alive, perhaps because they are 

on the edge of death. 

The story is large in that it appears to come off the page. This has 

been achieved by the skillful drawings that almost seem three 

dimensional in places. 

My favourite drawing being the archer drawing back a bow so 

the edge of the arrow appears to come out of the page at you. For a 

nice change the story is left mostly for the reader to interpret. It gives 

the reader a challenge and a chance to use their own imagination. I 

found it hugely enjoyable not to have every detail spelled out to me. 

The illustrations are all hand drawn with ink and must have 

taken a very long time as the detail is poetic. This, Meghann's first 

book, is beautifully drawn and is breathtaking. She has clearly done 

a lot of research on Western North American history and people. 

At the back of her book there are a lot of website addresses and 

more information about the world history images she references 

throughout the book. 

It has been a great experience to escape into another world 

through this book. I am looking forward to the next one. Volume 

two, "End's Shadow Caste: In the Shadow of the Wind Walker" is 

set to release summer 2014. You can subscribe to Meghann's blog 

at www.endsshadowcaste.wordpress.com to stay informed and 

learn more about the creation of the "End's Shadow Caste" series. 

By Jane Yates 

a knot, and that the orange 

cord always is worked from 

the back and though the 

front. 

When you are three 

quarters of the way down, 

fold the other ends behind 

and work over in the same 

way. 

Cut loose end and burn to 

seal. 

Have a Happy and crafty 

Christmas! 

Love from Jane

16| Leys News 

December 2013 

GREEN FINGERS 

By Stuart Mabbutt 

Hibernation places 

BY READING these wildlife 

gardening articles on an 

ongoing basis I hope you 

are all beginning to realise 

that wildlife gardening isn’t 

about doing nothing, a 

popular misconception. It’s 

about managing a garden 

sympathetically. 

It doesn’t have to be untidy 

and often wildlife gardening isn’t 

that far removed from traditional 

gardening. It’s as much about 

breaking age old habitats of 

us gardeners, as it is about 

considering the wildlife. 

It’s a very simple point I want 

to focus on in this article, and 

that’s hibernation areas. 

If you follow my advice, 

year on year, each spring and 

summer you will increase the 

species diversity in your garden. 

Don’t though tidy everything 

away when autumn and winter 

arrives. 

In one swoop you could 

destroy much of what’s been 

achieved. If you attract life 

into your garden, maintain 

hibernation areas, otherwise 

much of what you have attracted 

will be destroyed with little hope 

of returning the following year in 

some cases. 

Take a look and your borders, 

full of perennial plants. By all 

means, cut them down when 

flowering is finished (leaving one 

or two seed heads as a food 

source), but leave at least six 

inches of stem. 

These stems, as they dry 

out and become hollow, are 

great hidey-holes for many little 

beasties. Leaving the stems 

also protects the crowns of your 

prized plants against the cold 

winter and also reminds you 

where they are. 

Then in spring, when all the 

little beasties have emerged, cut 

the remaining stems down to the 

ground. 

So you see, wildlife gardening 

and traditional gardening are 

quite close friends. 

Happy Gardening. 

BLACKBIRDS ON FORM 

OXFORD Blackbirds hosted 

Harwell and Hendred in the Under 

9's Group C Cup Final and from 

early on it looked as if it would be 

an even game. After a lot of end to 

end football, Blackbirds seemed 

to settle and had a slight edge on 

Harwell. 

Alfie Bowles was called into 

action a few times in goal for 

Blackbirds but Kieren Slattery 

and Jack Jennings kept Harwell 

at bay for the majority of the first 

half. Bradley Boaden was causing 

lots of problems upfront for the 

Oxford side and his midfield trio of 

Connor Brennan, Criston Debanks- 

O'Callaghan and Alfie Parsons 

also came close on a number of 

occasions too. Blackbirds were 

beginning to pen Harwell back and 

as the half was coming to an end 

Blackbirds won a corner which 

set piece specialist Debanks- 

O'Callaghan delivered deep to the 

back post which Parsons met and 

headed in to give his side the lead. 

The second half was played 

in the same way and Blackbirds 

bought on Jeuel Harris at the back 

and moved Slattery into midfield 

adding a more defensive edge 

to their game. Despite this they 

continued to attack and were 

unlucky not to add to their lead 

on a number of occasions and 

lucky that Hendred didn't capitalise 

on the space left open for them to 

attack. With two more subs made, 

Jasper Cansell and Jamie Slattery, 

Blackbirds continued to pile forward 

looking for another goal but Harwell 

held out and kept them at bay and 

were unlucky not to equalise. 

The game ended 1-0 and Oxford 

Blackbirds deservedly lifted the 

Group C Cup, their first ever 

competition. 

Manager Stuart Parsons said: 

"I am really pleased for the boys, 

they have done so well to win this 

Cup. They're a great bunch of lads, 

who work hard at training and the 

core of the side have been training 

together since they were four! As 

well as the boys who played in 

the final we have Luke Bellerby, 

Leo Bloomfield, Lennon Byles 

and Nathan Loveridge who play 

for us and who have been just as 

important in the earlier rounds of the 

cup. I really am impressed with the 

team and hope they can build on 

this. All the hard work my assistant, 

Liam Wilkins, and I have done this 

season and all the hard work my 

former co-manager, Dave Kitching, 

put in in previous years has paid 

dividends and I appreciate what 

they have both done for the side. 

I look forward to working with this 

group for many years to come." 

10's side had a great result in in the 

league. 

Oxford Blackbirds under 10's 

excelled in their final game of the 

winter league against East Oxford 

United. The game started with 

a bang with Blackbirds first goal 

scored by Jack Berry. By half 

time Blackbirds were 4-0 up with 

goals from Dearntay Slattery, Billie 

Bough-French and another from 

Berry. 

The goals were supported 

well by some great defending and 

amazing goalkeeping by Mikolaj 

Thompson. 

In the second half East Oxford 

replied but Slattery scored again to 

regain Blackbirds four goal cushion. 

With Summertown scoring a 

last minute winner against Hinksey 

Park Blackbirds narrowly missed 

out on winning their league, a draw 

between the other two sides would 

have meant Blackbirds would have 

won the league. 

"The team has done brilliantly 

coming second, but we only needed 

a draw between Hinksey and 

Summertown to actually win the 

league, which is a bit gutting," says 

manager Aaron Spicer. 

"However, I am still really proud 

of this group. We are constantly 

improving and hope they can do 

well in the Spring League, we still 

playing so openly BBL they Job Shop were Leaflet_Layout also 1 On 12/11/2013 the same 11:16 day Page the Under 1 have our Cup Competition too.” 

16-19? Not in education, 

training or employment? 

Need help with any of the following... 

• Careers guidance? 

• Apprenticeship or job applications? 

• College or training opportunities? 

• CV writing and interview skills? 

• Benefits? 

If you can assemble a group 

of ten or more, Oxford 

Citizens Advice Bureau can 

offer an interactive session 

on how to save money on 

energy bills. 

We’ll discuss how to 

reduce energy bills, including 

switching providers and energy 

saving ideas, plus info on grants 

and help for people struggling 

to pay bills. 

BBL Young People’s Job Shop 

Every Wednesday 

1.30 – 3pm 

Drop in to Blackbird Leys Young People’s 

Centre on Wednesday afternoons to speak to 

an advisor for free one-to-one advice. 

Blackbird Leys Young People’s Early Intervention Service Satellite 

Blackbird Leys Road, OX4 6HW

17| Leys News 

December 2013 

Christmas is coming to Blackbird Leys… 

The Leys Community Market 

is preparing for a warm, welcoming Christmas Market 

and we’re busy looking for local people who 

want to get involved. Would you like to have 

a stall to sell Christmas, gifts or food? 

Have your cake and 

eat it this Christmas! 

Never had a stall before? Come and try it out, share with a friend 

and enjoy the fun of seeing your creations shared and sold! 

For those who are musical, why not come and add some jolly 

tunefulness to this event? We’d love to hear from you! 

For more information to book a stall, 

or bring musical cheer call Katie on: 

01865 395960 

or leyscommunitymarket@yahoo.com 

If you would like to come and help 

on the day, serving in the café 

or behind the scenes, we look 

forward to hearing from you, 

call Christine 01865 712223 

or email leyscommunitymarket@ 

yahoo.com 

Leys Christmas 

Market 

Saturday 14 December, 

11am – 2pm 

TheBarn, 

Nightingale Avenue 

DAWN Baldwin from The Boiler Room Cafe has been busy baking in the run up to 

Christmas. 

Creative cake maker Dawn, has baked and hand decorated a supply of 

Christmas cakes that are available to buy from the cafe. 

Dawn said: "I have really enjoyed making them and decorating them but we 

don't have an unlimited supply so people need to order one as soon as possible." 

The cakes come in two sizes and two shapes and are priced at £15 and £7.50. 

They will be available for collection from December 16. 

Kids’ 

colouring 

competition 

WE ARE looking forward to seeing your amazing 

artwork. The prize for the two best entries 

is a Transformers 87 Piece Art Set! 

Send your entries to: 

Kids’ Colouring Competition, Leys News, 26, 

Kingfisher Green, Greater Leys, Oxford OX4 7BX 

The most creative entry we receive by 15 January wins! 

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Age: . . . . . . . . . 

Name of parent or guardian: 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Phone number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18| Leys News 

December 2013 

WHAT’S ON 

in the Leys 

ADVICE 

• Agnes Smith Advice Centre 

96 Blackbird Leys Rd. Gives free 

independent and impartial debt 

advice and counselling. 

Drop-in sessions: Mondays 

2.00–4.00pm and Fridays 

10.00am–12.00pm. 

Also in the Farmhouse, Tues and 

Thurs, 10am–12pm. 

( 01865 770206 

Leys Job club 

Free one to one support 

for unemployed job 

seekers (you don’t need 

to be receiving benefits). 

Help offered with CV, 

application forms, 

advice about courses, 

apprenticeships and 

volunteering. Also free 

workshops in Food Safety, 

first aid, IT, English, Maths 

and ESOL. 

( Judith, 07769 235 395 

Leysjobclub@gmail.com 

CHILDREN 

BLAP: Afterschool club 

Outdoor and indoor activities 

for yrs 8–13 in a structured 

environment. 3.00–5.30pm. 

£1 per session (5 sessions £4) 

( 07530933690 

and 01865 236646 

blap76@yahoo.co.uk 

• New Baby Group Inc. 

Breastfeeding Café 

Wednesdays, 1pm–2.30pm 

at Leys Children’s Centre, 

Cuddesdon Corner. 

( Contact Mikko Enticknap for 

Baby Group and Camille Kalaja 

for Breastfeeding Café 

01865 773263 

• Blackbird Leys Youth Centre 

Blackbird Leys Road. Variety of 

activities and advice for young 

people. ( 01865 772886. 

• Maluchy group 

for Polish speaking families 

with children ages 0 to 5 years. 

Saturday, 10.00am–11.30am, at 

Pegasus School. 

( Agata, 07874 187 704 

•Brownies: 

Holy Family Church Hall. 

( Jennifer Pleass 07886 757338 

bblbrownies@gmail.com 

• 35th Oxford Scout Group 

( Duncan Bowler, 

0776 6293353 

duncan@35thoxford.com 

• Leys Kiddie Club 

Thursdays, 9.30am–2.30pm, at 

Dovecote Family Drop-in Room. £1. 

Rainbows 

For girls aged 5 to 7. 

Fridays during term time, 

5.30 – 6.30pm, at the Holy 

Family Church Hall on 

Cuddesdon Way. 

(Alexandra, 07804 500313 

A quick guide to what’s 

available locally. If you 

have a service or event 

you’d like to include, 

please ring 01865 711756 

Dovecote Afterschool Club 

Tuesdays–Thursdays, 3.15– 

5.00pm, £1.30 per session. 

( 01865 712299 & 

07974234661 

• Oxfordshire (The Rifles) 

Battalion Army Cadet Force 

Thursdays, 7.30–9.30p at Sandy 

Lane West. Boys and girls ages 

13 to 18. 

( 01869 259681 

• Mother and Toddler 

Bounce 

Trampoline Sessions suitable 

for mothers and toddlers held 

on Thursdays, 10.30 – 11.30 am. 

Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre. 

( Fiona, 07891 419793 

• Strawbery Fayre 

Majorettes 

Training every Wednesday at 

the Barn in Nightingale Avenue, 

Greater Leys, 7.00 – 9.15 pm. 

( Eleen Filer 01865 717781 

• Tiny Tots Majorettes 

(for ages 4–7yrs) At the Barn in 

Nightingale Avenue, Wednesdays, 

from 6–6.45pm. £3. 

New members welcome. 

( Eleen Filer 01865 717781 

• Teenage Rounders Class 

Tuesdays, 4.00–5.00pm 

£1.20. For 14–18 year olds 

Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre 

EDUCATION 

• Able Centre 

Cuddesdon Way. Free courses in 

Maths and English. 

( Nicky, 01865 728688 

• Blitz IT Courses 

IT for beginners, internet, 

email, file management, PC 

maintenance and more. 

( 01865 714492 

Blackbird Leys Library 

Cuddesdon Way. 

Books, DVDs, audio books, 

use of computers for adults and 

children, photocopying etc. 

Opening times: 

Mon, Wed, Thur: 9 am – 12 pm 

and 1.30 – 5 pm 

Tue: 9am – 12 pm 

Sat: 9.30am – 12.30 pm 

Friday Closed 

( 01865 770403 

LEISURE 

• Irish dancing. 

Sacred Heart Hall. Weds and 

Thurs, 5pm. 

• Boxing Club. 

Tues and Thurs 7.30–9.00pm, 

at Youth Centre, Blackbird Leys Rd. 

( Tony Gibson, 01865 432995 

• The Oxford Community 

Choir. All welcome. 

( Hannah, 07512 364367 

hannahsings@gmail.com 

Blackbird Leys 

Swimming Pool 

Blackbird Leys Road. 

General swimming times are: 

Mon & Fri, 5.45 – 6.45pm; 

Sat & Sun, 11.15am – 1.00pm, & 

1.30 – 2.30pm 

Prime Time for over 50s: 

Mon, 12 – 1.00pm; 

Wed, 11.30 – 12.30pm 

Water Workout: 

Tue and Fri, 12 – 1.00pm 

Slimming World 

Thurs, 12 – 1.00pm 

( 01865 467040 

BBL Leisure Centre 

Zumba: 

Mondays, 10.30–11.30am 

Body Balance: 

Tuesdays, 11.00–12.00pm 

Legs, Bums, Tums: 

Wednesdays, 10.15–11.15am 

Body Pump: 

Thursdays, 9.30–10.30am 

Pilates: 

Thursdays, 10.30–11.30am 

Boxercise: 

Fridays, 10.30–11.30am 

Overs 50s indoor cycling: 

Mondays, 11.30–12.15pm 

( 01865 467020 

Blackbird Leys 

Bowls Club 

Cuddesdon Way 

The Club is looking for new 

members. Open night every 

Thursday from 6.00pm 

For further details contact: 

( David Buckwell, 01865 881735 

or Gordon Roper, 01865 361047 

OLDER PEOPLE 

• Prime Time Over 50s 

group 

Wednesdays, 10.30am-3.30pm, 

at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, 

Pegasus Road (£1.50). Keep fit, 

bingo, indoor bowls, speakers, 

activities and trips. 

( 07534 740589 

• Golden Circle 

( Mrs S Williams, 01865 770626 

and 07748 999522 

• Silver Circle 

( 435954 (Blackbird Leys 

Community Centre) 

• Monday & Friday Lunch 

Club 

Frys Court, 2 Nightingale Avenue 

OX4 7WJ. 

( Anne Appleton, 422231 

• Leys Community Church 

Over 60s Club 

Wednesday afternoons. 

( Keith Templar, 715815 

• Grandparents’ Stay & Play 

Bring your grandchildren to the 

Leys Childrens Centre drop-in, 

specially for grandparents. Weds 

1–3 pm at the Dovecote. 

The Clockhouse 

see box on 

opposite page 

HEATING 

We supply gas, oil, water and 

commercial heating spares in the 

UK and abroad to customers all 

over the world! 

Tel: 01865 779925 

Fax: 01865 748035 

Mob: 07821530828 

info@hotonheatingspares.co.uk 

www.hotonheatingspares.co.uk 

ELECTRICIANS 

Calvin Pennant 

71 Long Lane, Oxford OX4 3TN 

( 07960 328170 

Hawtin Electrical 

( 07811 401279 

jameshawtin@hawtin-electrical.co.uk 

www.hawtin-electrical.co.uk 

CRAFTS 

WITNEY SEWING AND 

KNITTING CENTRE 

We are a family run business 

whose aim is to provide 

customers with a friendly and 

efficient service for all their sewing 

and knitting needs. 

We have an extensive range of 

haberdashery and provide repair 

and maintenance services. 

61 High St, Witney OX28 6JA 

( 01993 702772 

COMPUTERS 

Friendly Computer Support 

( 01865 469069 

& 07884 318 464 

efaria@gmx.co.uk 

CLASSIFIEDS 

CLEANING 

Solo Assist Domestic Cleaning 

Services 

(including end of tenancy). 

( Marilyn on 01865 308067 

or 07990 630332 

CARERS 

Acquire Care 

Oxford Science Park, OX4 4GP 

Tel: 01865 338050 

CHILDMINDING 

Arar Childminding 

ararchildminding@gmail.com 

( 07417 439520 

GARSINGTON BABY AND 

TODDLER GROUP 

Needs new children to come and 

join the fun! 

Wednesdays 9.30–11.30am(term 

time only) 

@ Garsington sports &social 

club(on Denton Lane) 

£1.50per family(includes drinks 

and snacks) 

Everyone is welcome 

( Jess 07930957654 

OTHER 

Writing, editing & proofing 

Experienced freelance writer 

and editor offers professional, 

confidential and reliable service 

for writing, editing, and proofreading.CVs, 

formal letters, 

thesis, manuscripts, brochures, 

invitations, etc. 

Can produce work overnight. 

Highly competitive prices. 

Contact Leys News office. 

Tel. 01865 711756. 

FAST/TAKEAWAY FOOD 

Chillies Indian Cuisine 

Dunnock Way, OX4 7EX 

( 01865 775849 

Dominos Pizza 

57 Between Towns Rd, OX4 3LR 

( 01865 777137 

Papa John’s Pizza 

80 Rose Hill, Oxford, OX4 4HS 

( 01865 402050 

Pizza Hut 

3 Courtlands Rd, Rose Hill, 

OX4 4HS 

( 01865 236116 

Pizza Polo 

34 Cowley Rd, Littlemore 

OX4 4LD 

( 01865 425630 

FLORISTS 

Joe Austin 

174 Cowley Road, OX4 6NQ 

( 01865 792037 

GARDENS 

The Garden 

99–100 The Market, OX1 3YD 

( 01865 240709 

Acorn Nursery 

Stadhampton, Oxford 

( 01865 891663 

Oxford Garden Centres 

South Hinksey, OX1 5AR 

( 01865 326066 

Pathway Workshop 

Dunnock Way, OX4 7EF 

( 01865 714111 

Wyevale Garden Centre 

Suthern-By-Pass, Oxford 

( 01865 326066 

PETE'S GARDENING SERVICES 

RHS qualified. For help 

in your garden 

please call:01865 429166 

Email: petedalton2000@ 

googlemail.com 

FOR SALE 

LITTLE STEPS CLOTHING 

Children / babies fashion 

clothing at low prices. 

Littlestepsclothing.co.uk 

Full set of Golf Clubs with trolley 

plus pair of golf shoes size 9. 

( Dave, 01865 775365 

Elap invalid car seat for easy/ 

exit. Fits medium four door car. 

Cost new £500 sell nearest £150. 

Possible to deliver. 

( 01865 774526 or 07570 894483 

JOBS 

Start your own business 

with Neals Yard Remedies. 

For more info call Katie 395960 

kches2001@yahoo.com 

HAIRDRESSERS 

Hair & Body Shop 

Ozone Park, Grenoble Rd, 

OX4 4XP 

( 01865 775817 

PERSIA HAIR DESIGN 

Professional, experienced in 

threading eyebrow/full face. 

Beauty treatments, holistic 

therapy and hairdressing 

20 Florence Park Rd, Cowley, 

Oxford OX4 3PH 

( 01865 777059 

www.persiahairdesign.co.uk 

MOBILE HAIRDRESSER 

Qualified, Professional, 

Experienced. Great Results 

Ladies cut & blow dry . . . £15.00 

Men’s cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8.00 

Chilldren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £6.00 

Perms ( including cut ) . . . . . £38.00 

Highlights . . . . . . . from £38.00 

( including cut ) 

( Jenny, 01865 776777 

& 07501 787 123 

Beyond Hair & Beauty 

94 Blackbird Leys Rd, OX4 6HS 

( 01865 778709 

Spirit Hair Design 

Tel: 01865 777515 

spirithairdesign@gmail.com 

HEALTH & BEAUTY 

ZUMBA FITNESS PARTY 

Wiggle & Giggle yourself fit! 

Tuesdays, 6.30–7.30pm at The 

Oxford Academy School, Sandy 

Lane West. 

Party Yourself into Shape! 

Latin inspired dance fitness. 

£5 per class (five classes in a 

row for price of four!) 

( 07714 248177 

zumbasarahoxford@gmail.com 

www.zumbasarahoxford.com 

Phyllida Chappell 

Holistic Therapist. 

1 Forget-me-not Way, OX4 7ZD 

( 01865 749220 

phyllidachappell@yahoo.com 

www.holistictherapistoxford.co.uk 

Bathe in Beauty 

The Ozone Health and Fitness 

Club, Kassam Stadium 

( 01865 335300 

www.batheinbeauty.co.uk 

PROPERTY 

PLUMBERS 

Roy Barrett 

154 Herschel Cres, OX4 3TY 

( 01865 242641 

Safe Heating & Plumbing 

37 Druce Way, OX4 6TJ 

( 01865 772303 

TAXIS 

ABC 

70A Hollow Way, OX4 2NH 

( 01865 597029 

Air Link Oxford 

24 Vicarage Close, OX4 2NH 

( 01865 434040 

Oxford Cars 

Regus, 7200 The Quorum, 

OX4 21Z 

( 01865 406070 

WINDOW CLEANERS 

MRF 

37 Green Hill, OX4 7UD 

( 01865 777889 

Taylors Windows 

Greater Leys 

( 01865 773486

19| Leys News 

December 2013 

WELLBEING 

Skiptrix Fitness Class 

et fit, tone and lose weight. 

hursdays, 6.30–7.15pm at the 

rk T Centre, Cowley. 

atudays, 10–10.45am at the 

arn, BBLeys. £4.00 per class. 

Trish, 07957754355 

rishwisdom@yahoo.co.uk 

Yoga For All 

xperienced Yoga teacher. 

Linda Highland, 01865 432570 

ZUMBA Fitness Party 

ues, 6.30–7.30pm at The Oxford 

cademy School, Sandy Lane West. 

07714 248177 

umbasarahoxford@gmail.com 

ww.zumbasarahoxford.com 

he Listening Centre 

ounselling service based at 

uddesdon Corner Family Centre. 

01865 794794 

Survivors 

ridays and Saturdays, Blackbird 

eys Community Centre. 

.30am–3.30pm. A self-help 

roup of people who use or have 

sed Mental Health Services, 

LEYS CDI CHRISTMAS DAY DROP-IN 

Spend Christmas Day in good company. 

1–6 pm in the Glow Hall, Blackbird Leys 

Community Centre, Blackbird Leys Rd. 

Three-course meal. Meet others of all 

ages, have fun with board games, or 

just relax and enjoy yourself! FREE. 

Transport on the Leys available if you are 

over 50 and have mobility difficulties. Tel: 

395908 (till 19 December) or 395927. 

• Over 50s advice 

FREE monthly, confidential, advice on 

benefits, debt, housing and consumer 

issues. Outreach session at the 

Clockhouse, by Agnes Smith Advice 

Centre. To book an appointment please 

tel: 01865 395908. 

Next dates: Monday 27 January 

10am–12.30pm (12–12.30pm is ‘drop-in’ 

working together to get support 

for, to share experiences. Lunch 

available for £1. 

( 07729 581975 

• Oxfordshire Mind 

Short courses, groups and other 

support are available for anyone 

with a mental health problem. 

To find out more drop in to the 

Cowley Wellbeing Centre in St 

James’ Hall, 26 Between Towns 

Road. 

( 01865 247788 

• Tai Chi & Qigong 

Class every Thursday morning 

9.45–10.45am. Ark-T Centre, 

Crowell Road, Cowley. 

£5 & £6. First class half price. 

( 07974185554 

• Rosewood Club 

for people with dementia 

Open weekdays, 9.30am–3pm. 

Providing a stimulating, enjoyable 

and social day while your family 

carer gets a well-earned break. 

£11 per day all inclusive, plus a 

transport charge if used. 

( Graham Hooper, 01865 749349 

www.daybreak-oxford.org.uk 

The Clockhouse Community Centre 

Long Ground, Greater Leys, OX4 7FX ( look for the clocks on the roof ) 

( 01865 395908 E: clockhousecdi@btconnect.com 

Our sessions are either low-cost or free, 

and all Leys over 50s are very welcome ! 

—no appointment needed for this slot.) 

No session in December. 

• Games club for over 50s 

The club is meeting on these Monday 

afternoons: 2 and 16 December, 6, 

20 and 27 January (no sessions over 

Christmas/New Year or on 13 January). 

All sessions 1.30–3.30 pm. £1. 

• Line dancing for over 50s 

Monthly dances. Next one: Mondays 9 

Dec and 13 Jan – Line Dancing style, 

both sessions 1.30–3 pm. £2. 

• City Council—Councillors’ Surgery 

Monthly drop-in session to meet city 

councillors and discuss any concerns. 

No appointment needed. First monday 

of the month (except Bank Holidays 

and Christmas/New Year week) at the 

Clockhouse, 6.30–7.30 pm. 

• Church of the Holy Family 

Eucharist: Each Sunday, 10am, with 

children’s activities. 

Timeout: Reflective worship. Most Sundays, 

6.30pm. 

Church Office Hour: Mondays (except bank 

holidays) at 6.30– 7.30pm. For enquiries, hall 

bookings, wedding arrangements. 

Fellowship for Bible: Study, discussion and 

prayer. Wednesdays at 7.30pm. 

Carol Service: Sunday 22 December, 

6.30pm 

Christmas Eve Crib Service: Tuesday 24 

December, 3pm 

Mid-night mass: Christmas Eve Tuesday 24 

December, 11.45pm 

Christmas Day celebration: Wednesday 25 

December, 10pm 

Junior School services: 

Mabel Pritchard, Orchard Meadow, Pegasus 

and Windale are all holding their carol 

services at the Church of the Holy Family. 

( Revd Heather Carter, 01865 778728 & 

Rev Adam Stevenson, 01865 714163 

www.holyfamilybbl.co.uk 

• Gardening club 

Monthly meeting of SLIGO (Senior Leys 

Independent Gardening Organisation). 

£2 per meeting. Adults of all ages very 

welcome. Next meeting: Thursday 

5 December 2-4 pm. Otmoor Nature 

Reserve (talk with Barry Oxley from 

our local wildlife trust) and Thursday 9 

January 2-4 pm. 

• Yoga for over 50s 

Seated/standing exercise, and relaxation. 

Beginners welcome. Last 2013 session 

on 3 December, restarts 7 January, then 

every Tuesday morning - 10-11 am. £2. 

• Singing for fun for over 50s 

Think you can’t sing?—we bet you can! 

No pressure, or reading music, just relax 

and enjoy singing in good company. 

Aimed primarily at people living in and 

near the Leys. Tuesdays, 1.30–3.30pm. 

Every week till 17 December, then 

restarts 7 January. FREE. 

For details call 395908. 

• Crafts group for over 50s 

Wednesdays 11am–12.30pm (except 25 

LOCAL CHURCHES 

• Redeem Christian Church of God 

Meets at the Leisure Centre, Pegasus Road. 

Sunday Service: 3–6.00pm 

Bible study on Fridays: 7–8pm, except last 

Friday of month. 

( 07825 679044 and 01865 766056 

www.RCCGLighthouse.co.uk 

• Leys Community Church 

Meets on Sunday, 11am at the Oxford 

Academy, Beecroft Room (includes special 

activities for children and young people). 

( Chipper and Anna Betts, 07985 982804 

• Chrisco Ministries 

Meets at Jack Agent Room at the BBL 

Community Centre, Sundays, 11am–2pm 

( 07533 845714 and 07737 564677 

• Sacred Heart Catholic Church 

Balfour Road, Blackbird Leys 

Sunday Masses: 9.30am, with music and 

children’s liturgy; and at 6.00pm. 

( 01865 776903 

• Christian Harvest Ministries 

Meets at the Jack Argent Room at BBL 

Community Centre, Sundays, 3–5.30pm 

( Rev Alice Kinyanjui, 01865 701129 

December and 1 January). Bring your 

knitting, crochet, or sewing and have a 

natter. Beginners very welcome. £1. 

• Tai chi for over 50s 

Seated and standing exercise to help you 

get more supple, and boost your energy. 

Every Thursday, 10-11 am (until 12 

December; restarts 9 January). £2. 

• Computer courses for over-50s 

Learn at your own pace. Complete 

beginners very welcome. Improve your 

digital photography skills, or how to make 

DVDs and calendars. £1 per session. You 

need to book a place. For more info call 

07951149724, or 07962 887379. 

• Evening activities group 

Join the CLANGers (Clockhouse Activity 

Nights Group) at our friendly evening 

socials. Meet others, relax, chat, and 

make new friends. Adults of all ages 

welcome! £2 includes tea/coffee/biscuits. 

Next meeting: BINGO NIGHT on 

Wednesday 29 January 7-9 pm (no 

meeting in December. Tel: 395908 

Seventh Day Adventist Church 

1A Chester St, off Iffley Road, Oxford OX4 1SL. 

Saturday First Service: 9.45am –11am. 

Second Service: 11.15am–12.30pm. 

Bible quiz plus free bible. 

www.freebible.org.uk 

Mount Zion Ministries Oxford 

Glow Hall, Blackbird Leys Community Centre 

Sunday Service: 11am–1.30pm. 

All night prayers: every Friday 7–9pm 

Bible Study: 11am–12pm every Sunday. 

Rev Chris Ugwu, 07877 536406, 07932 

964056 & 07877 054600 

Email: mtzionoxford@yahoo.co.uk 

www.mtzionox.org 

Socialist Party 

Meeting 

Last Tuesday 

of every month 

at Leys Links 

Centre,Blackbird 

Leys Road. Starts 

7.30pm 

( 0208 9888777 

NOTICES 

The Leys WI 

Meets the first 

Wednesday of each 

month, 7.30pm to 

9.30pm, at The 

Clockhouse. 

( Sue 07786158229 

E: theleyswi@yahoo. 

co.uk 

• Recycled jewellery-making 

We hope to run more sessions during 

2014. For details contact Sally, 395908. 

• Community Gardening 

Adult volunteers of any age are 

needed and welcome, to help keep the 

Clockhouse courtyard garden looking 

beautiful. Regular work parties held. 

For details call: 395908. 

• Watercolour painting group 

Both beginners and more experienced 

painters very welcome. No formal tuition 

but others will help you get started! 

FThursdays, 2–4 pm at Potters Court 

(Robin Place, Greater Leys.) (Each week 

until 19 December; restarts 9 January.) 

£2. Tel: 395908 

• OXFORDSHIRE UNLIMITED (OU) 

COFFEE MORNING 

Thursday 12 December ,12 noon to 

2 pm. OU supports and empowers 

people with disabilities. Come and find 

out more! FREE. All welcome. 

YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES 

• Parish Council 

Chairman: Gordon Roper 

Vice Chair: Mrs Ann Booker 

Non-position holders: Tanya 

Prescott, Chris Hatton, Brian 

Lester, Cyril Martin, Mrs Sheila 

Smith, Pat Stannard 

For further details telephone 

01865 716943 during office 

hours of 9am–5pm, Monday 

to Friday. Send mail to Parish 

Council, 13 Bailey Road, 

Oxford, OX4 3HU. 

Also check leysonline.net to 

find out about Parish Council 

Meetings. 

• Oxford City Council 

Blackbird Leys Ward 

• Val Smith —Labour 

4 Flaxfield Road, OX4 6QD 

( 07767 446051 

or cllrvsmith@oxford.gov.uk 

(her city councillor entry) 

• Rae Humberstone 

—Labour 

75 Little Bury, Blackbird Leys. 

( 01865 779678 

cllrhumberstone@oxford.gov.uks 

Val Smith and Rae 

Humberstone will be doing 

street surgeries every other 

week. They can also visit 

people in their homes—ring or 

email to make arrangements. 

Northfield Brook Ward 

• Steve Curran —Labour 

88 Fairacres Road, Oxford, 

OX4 1TG 

( 07941 785538 

StephenCurran55@yahoo. 

co.uk 

• Scott Seamons —Labour 

Flat 14, 113 Oxford Rd, OX4 2GY 

( 07910 595047 

cllrsseamons@oxford.gov.uk 

Steve Curren and Scott 

Seamons have a surgery at 

6.30pm on the first Monday of 

the month at the Clockhouse. 

• Oxfordshire County 

Council 

Leys Division 

• Val Smith —Labour 

4 Flaxfield Road, OX4 6QD 

( 07767 446051 

val.smith@oxfordshire.gov.uk 

• Member of Parliament 

Member of Parliament for 

Oxford East 

• Andrew Smith —Labour 

Unit A, Bishops Mews, 

Transport Way, Oxford OX4 

6HD 

( 01865 595790 

andrewsmith.mp@virgin.net 

Surgery: Every third Friday 

at the Blackbird Leys Leisure 

Centre from 3.00 pm 

Leys Community Market 

COME and enjoy shopping with a dierence! 

Freshly grown and home produced goods... 

from local veg, chutneys, cheeses and bread, 

to jewellery, perfumes, hand crafted gifts and 

more. Enjoy a tasty lunch/brunch in the café. 

Next date at the Barn, Nightingale Avenue: 

Sat 14 December (Christmas Special) 

Open: 11am – 2pm 

leyscommunitymarket@yahoo.com 

The George PH 

Sandford Lane, Littlemore OX4 4PU 

Christmas and New Year Events 

Friday 20 December : Christmas Meat 

Draw, 7pm 

Saturday 21 December: Family Fun Day 

in aid of The Children’s Air Ambulance, 

meet Father Christmas and his Reindeer 

between 4pm and 8pm followed by 

Carol Singing with Littlemore Church 

Choir. 8.30pm adult /children’s Christmas 

raffles then family music to finish. 

Friday 27 December: Mickey Flynn 

Blues & Classic Rock, 9pm 

Saturday 11 January: Ska Faces, 9pm 

Saturday 25 January: Rick Chase, 9pm

20| Leys News 

December 2013 

OVEr 16? 

rEgIstEr tO VOtE* 

SPEAK UP 

HEAR ME OUT 

It’s my rIght 

i would never 

agree to 

that 

Rock 

It’s my right 

It’s my rIght 

but that 

is where 

i live! 

They are 

having a 

laugh 

Enrol! 

WE CAN’T HEAR YOU 

YOUR VOICE IT’S MY RIGHT 

*You must apply to register to vote at www.oxford.gov.uk/youngvoters 

Young people aged 16/17 are able to apply to register to vote if they turn 18 in 2014. 

#OxfordCity www.facebook.com/OxfordCityCouncil

LEYSNEWS113_DEC2013

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