February - Deddington News

Deddington News February 2008 - 1 

Members of the editorial team (l to r: Jill Cheeseman, Mary Robinson, Christopher Hall, John Sampson, Frank 

Steiner, Ruth Johnson, Molly Neild, Alison Day, Buffy Heywood, Rosemary Clark) enjoy 14 bound volumes of 

the Deddington News, also to be found in the Library. Jill and Mary take over from Christopher Hall as co-editors 

from the next issue. All communications for the editor should now be emailed to editor@deddingtonnews.co.uk 

February 

Mon 4 Monday Morning Club: Coffee Morning, Holly Tree 10.30 am-noon 

Wed 6 Deddington Ladies: Holly Tree, 8-10 pm 

Wed 6 Photographic Society: Studio Lighting Techniques, Adderbury, The Library, 7.30 pm 

Sun 10 PFSU/Nursery: Quiz Night, Holcombe Hotel, 7.30pm >p.4 

Tue 12 Fire Station: Open Evening, 7pm >p.10 

Tue 12 Youth Club: AGM, Windmill Centre, 7pm >p.13 

Tue 12 WI: Heather Ward, Spring Ahead, Holly Tree, 7.30 pm >p.14 

Wed 13 History Society: George Hook, The History of Button Making, Windmill Centre, 7.30 pm >p.14 

Thu 14 Thursday Club: Windmill Centre, open all day from 1.30 pm 

Wed 20 Parish Council: Meeting, Town Hall, 7.45 pm >p.3 

Sat 

Sat 

Sat 

23 

23 

23 

Deddington Farmers' Market: 9am-12.30 pm 

PTA: Craft Market, Holly Tree, 9.30 am-12.30 pm >p.4 

Deddington Festival: Poetic Licence in Devout Coward, Parish Church,7.30pm 

Copies 

of the DN 

are available at 

Tue 26 Beaver Colony meeting for interested parents, Windmill Centre, 6.30 pm 

THE FLOWER SHOP 

Thu 28 Book Club: for venue call Sally Lambert (338094) >p.14 

with a 

March 

Box for donations 

Sat 1 PTA: Quiz Night, Windmill Centre, 7.30 for 8 pm >p.4 

Mon 3 Monday Morning Club: Coffee Morning, Holly Tree, 10.30 am-noon 

Wed 5 Deddington Ladies: Holly Tree, 8-10 pm 

Wed 5 Photographic Society: Photographic Work in the Studio, Adderbury, The Library, 7.30 pm 

Tue 11 WI: AGM, Holly Tree, 7.30 pm >p.14 

Wed 12 History Society: Rob Parkinson, Orthodox Village Surveys, Windmill Centre, 7.30 pm 

Thu 13 Monday Morning Club: Film evening, Holly Tree, 6.30 pm 

Sat 15 Akeman Voices: Pergolesi, Mozart & Jenkins, Parish Church, 8.00 pm 

Wed 19 Parish Council: Meeting, Town Hall, 7.45 pm 

Sat 22 Deddington Farmers' Market: 9am-12.30 pm 

SEE PAGE 2 FOR WEEKLY MEETINGS 

THE DEDDINGTON NEWS - Copy please to the relevant editor by next copy date: 16 Feb 2008 

MANAGING EDITOR: Christopher Hall 338225 

The Knowle, Philcote St editor@deddingtonnews.co.uk 

PARISH AFFAIRS CORRES: Charles Barker 337747 

CLUBS EDITOR: Alison Day 337204 

clubs@deddingtonnews.co.uk 

DIARY EDITOR: Jean Flux 338153 

FEATURES EDITOR: Molly Neild 338521 

CHURCH/CHAPEL ED: Frank Steiner 338264 

LETTERS EDITOR: Kristin Thompson 337052 

letters@deddingtonnews.co.uk 

2008 COVER: Deddington School 

MONTHLY AD & INSERTS: Rosemary Clark 336267 

(Copy Date - 10 Feb ) 4 The Beeches, Earls Lane 

ANNUAL ADVERTS: John Sampson 338739 

Shepherd’s Cottage, The Lane, Hempton 

TREASURER: Buffy Heywood 338212 

Deddington Manor, New Street 

DUPLICATING: Ruth Johnson & Pat Swash 338355 

COLLATING & DISTRIBUTION Pat Brittain 338685 

assisted by Alison Brice, Yvonne Twomey & teams 338950 

FORMATTING: Fay Hand 337151 

DN on line: 

http://www.deddingtonnews.co.uk 

Visit www.deddingtonnews.co.uk & Deddington OnLine www.deddington.org.uk


DEDDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL 

Meeting in Town Hall - 19 December 

Present Cllrs Squires [Chair] Alton, Anderson, Flux, 

Ince, Privett, Spencer, Todd, C/Clr Jeff, D/Clr 

O,Sullivan, the Clerk two members of the public. 

Open Forum: 

Christmas tree: well received, traffic cones 

necessary to prevent cars getting too close. 

Street lighting: in spite of light pollution and cost it 

was necessary for all street lights to be left on all 

night for security. 

Highways 

Finger posts being repaired. 

New Street: two possible crossing points are being 

discussed with OCC. 

School Crossing: warden post still unfilled. 

Postbox: re-sighting still being discussed. 

Parking at school: the idea is accepted in principle 

providing it is on agreed days and supervised. 

Clifton footpath repair: SUSTRANS who recently 

were awarded £50 million lottery funding are to 

be asked for support. 

Hempton traffic speed is to be monitored. 

Gaveston Gardens footpath: repair has been 

authorised. 

A manhole at the Chapel Square end of the Market 

Place has lifted and is being repaired. 

Environment & Recreation 

Windmill Centre play area is waiting for funding for 

repairs and refurbishment; 8 bales of bark are to 

be ordered. 

Teen Scene 'Drop in Centre' under discussion - 

Cricket Club windows which are boarded up, having 

been vandalised, were thought unsightly. Mesh 

screens were suggested, or perhaps the boards 

could be painted. The sight screen was damaged 

and needs repair. 

Special projects 

Fireproof safe required for parish records 

Cemetery: bulbs are being planted, unmarked 

graves to be designated, the damaged gates are 

being repaired. 

Glass re-cycling bins located near the Council depot 

on the Milton Road are inaccessible for those 

without transport and although alternative sites 

have been investigated no better site is available. 

It was suggested that 'Good Neighbours' could 

help dispose of empty bottles for those without 

transport. 

Budget allocation for enhanced CCTV coverage at 

Windmill Centre and to replace the bench in 

Hempton. 

Conflict of Interest dispensation being sought by PC 

for discussion of future of Holly Tree and the 

Town Hall. 

The Parish Plan was welcomed and copies are 

available at the Library. 

Planning 

PC No Objections: [1] Home Farm Cottage, Clifton: 

extension. [2] The Mount, St Thomas St: tree 

trimming. [3] 38 Gaveston Gardens: extension. 

[4] Ash Cottage, Chapel Close, Clifton: revised 

submission of redevelopment. 

CDC Approvals:[5] Holcombe Hotel, High St: roof 

lights. [6] Flats, Grove Court: replacement of 

windows. [7] Plough House, New St: handrails by 

front door. [8] Castle Barns, Castle St: 

replacement windows. [9] Stable Cottage, 

Hempton Rd: tree felling. [10] Gaslight, Earls 

Lane: tree felling. 

CDC Refusals: [11] The Homestead, The Lane, 

Hempton: two story extension. 

Appeal decision: 65 St Johns Way, Hempton. 

Inspector overturned CDC objection. 

Parish Finances 

• Invoices passed for payment £10,747. 

• Investments totalled £547,446 at Bromwich BS, 

Barclays & Birmingham Midshires 

WEEKLY MEETINGS 

Mon: Brownies: Windmill Centre, 6-7.30 pm. 

Mon: Youth Club: Windmill Centre, 7-9 pm 

Mon: Bellringing Practice: Parish Church, 7.30-9 pm 

Tue: Tennis Club: Windmill Centre, 10 am 

Alternate Tues: Hempton Ladies: St Johns Hall, 2~4 pm 

Tue: Craft Group: Holly Tree, 2.00 – 4.30 pm 

Tue: Deddington Guides: Windmill Centre, 7-9 pm. 

Tue: Badminton Club: Seniors, Windmill Centre, 7-10 pm 

Tue: Deddington Youth Group. Parish Church, 7-8.30 pm 

Alternate Wed: Friendship Club: Windmill Centre, 2.30 pm 

Wed: Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys: Windmill Centre, 5 pm 

Wed: Boys’ Brigade Juniors: Windmill Centre, 5.45 pm 

Wed: Boys’ Brigade Company: Parish Church, 7 pm 

Thu: Life and Portrait Art Group: Town Hall,10-12.30 & 1.30- 4 pm 

Thu: 1st Deddington Cubs: Windmill Centre, 6 – 7.30 pm 

Thu: 1st Deddington Scouts: Windmill Centre, 7.30–9 pm 

Fri: Babies & Toddlers’ Group: Windmill Centre, 9.30 – 11 am. 

Fri: Katharine House Coffee Morning: Parish Church,10am-noon. 

Fri: Deddington Friendly Bridge Club: Holly Tree, 2-5 pm. 



Meeting in Town Hall 16 January 

Present Cllrs Squires [Chairman] Alton, Anderson, 

Collins, Flux, Ince, Privett, Rollason, Rudge, 

Todd, Watts, Westbury, Wood, C/Cllr Jeff, D/Cllr 

O’Sullivan, the Clerk, the Minutes Clerk and your 

correspondent. 

Highways 

Reduction of street lights for economy and 

environment: OCC advice being sought. 

Clifton Footpath: SUSTRANS have been contacted 

and have detailed requirements. 

Hempton Pinch Point: OCC have agreed to move 

centre white line subject to resident consultation. 

Bus Concessions: details to be posted on Town Hall 

notice board. 

Flooding in Clifton: Cllr Collins preparing a letter/ 

report with photographs. 

School Crossing: conversations between Highways 

Group, School Governors & OCC Travel Plan 

Liaison Team are continuing and various 

initiatives are being considered. 

A4260 South: remedial work to improve safety, 

including SLOW road markings, buff coloured 

high friction surface on dangerous sections, 

improved road studs and signage in the hands of 

contractors. Further consultation to discuss 

action for A4260 North required with OCC. 

A4260 crossing points: OCC undertaking survey. 

Finger-posts: have not been stolen but removed for 

repair (picture right). 

Parking: The 2001 survey to be revisited and 

reviewed with Environment & Recreation group. 

Finance & General Purposes 

Precept 2008/09: PC decided to restrict precept 

application to 3.5%. Exact expenditure forecast 

not fully agreed for next year but in spite of rising 

costs the PC decided to hold precept at similar 

level to last year because budget is cushioned by 

investment income. 

Members’ allowances: CDC have issued notification 

about members’ allowances but not relevant to 

Deddington PC because members do not take 

allowance. 

Johnson & Gaunt have informed PC that they are 

holding unspecified Deddington deeds. 

Environment & Recreation 

Teen Scene: £20,000 grant approved, contracts 

about to be placed. 

Youth Drop in Centre: projects in Banbury and 

Bicester to be visited to gain operational advice. 

Location needs to be agreed and a consultation 

with 14–18 year-old target group to understand 

facilities required. 

Allotments: interest in setting up a group to run the 

allotments. 

Friends of Daeda's Wood: application for support for 

pruning event and update of the photographic 

display declined. A request for a brown direction 

sign on the A4260 referred to OCC. 

Castle Grounds: working group recommended 

pruning and cutting back around entrance. 

English Heritage need to replace info boards. 

DEDDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL 

Christmas Eve: concern about the amount of 

broken glass after the festivities; hostelries to 

be encouraged to only use plastic glasses at 

such times. 

Windmill Centre: the missing CCTV signs to be 

replaced. 

Blood Service: consultation to assess interest and 

possible site for donation service to make 

regular visit (see insert). 

Planning 

PC no objections [1] Clydesdale, Market Place: 

repair roof. [2] 1 Murdoch Close, two storey 

extension. [3] Old Bakery, Market Place: 

change fascia. [4] Town Hall: pigeon defences. 

[5] Castle End, Castle St: tree pruning. 

CDC approvals [6] Ilbury Farm, Hempton: farm 

building with conditions. [7] Ash Cottage, 

Clifton: development with conditions. [8] 

Applewood, Castle Street: part approved, part 

referred to Secretary of State, [9] Centrepoint, 

Chapel Square: change of use. [10] Tubbs 

Cottage, St Thomas Street. 

Parish Finances 

• Invoices passed for payment £2,351 

• Investments totalled £539,475 at W Brom BS, 

Barclays & Birmingham Midshires BS. 

• 

NEXT MEETING - 

Wednesday 20 February 

7.45 pm Town Hall 

Official minutes of PC meetings may be seen at 

the Clerk’s office and the Library, on parish 

notice boards and the village website: 

www.deddington.org.uk/pcminutes 



W 

et and windy January is here with a 

vengeance and the delights of 

Christmas performances seem 

such a long time ago now. The 

children really did themselves proud. We 

have some lovely photographs to help 

remember them on our photographic digital 

photo frame in the school entrance hall. If 

you have time, do pop in and have a look. 

This term is always a time of hard work especially 

for our older children as they prepare for their SAT 

exams. The other classes also focus on the core 

teaching and learning with lots of trips and visitors. 

This month has lots of very different things 

happening. Year 5 visited the Victoria and Albert 

Museum in London recently as part of their 

Victorians topic. The children as always were 

SCHOOL NEWS 

extremely well behaved and loved the different 

galleries e.g. architecture, artwork, silverware and 

glassware. Year 6 are going to be attending 

Junior Citizen workshops again this year, 

looking at First Aid and emergency responses. 

Our Foundation class have several mini trips 

organised. They are going to be visiting the 

vets and the Chinese Restaurant in 

Deddington. 

The auditions for Oliver! are now complete and 

the cast are ready to start the first rehearsal. The 

children are very excited and the quality of the 

singing was so good it was very difficult to cast the 

roles. The performances will be on 2 & 3 April at 

Deddington Church; as soon as we have details for 

tickets I will let everyone know. 

Judith Tinsley 338430 

PTA 

Thank you so much to everyone who dug deep 

and gave generously to Santa and his elves. We 

managed to break all records by raising the 

fantastic sum of £1133! The Christmas cards 

designed by the children earlier in the term were 

fabulous along with our 2008 calendar. Our thanks 

to all who helped us produce, market and sell the 

cards and calendars. Santa took time out from his 

very hectic schedule to visit our children who had 

eagerly queued to meet him in his Magical Grotto 

during the December Farmers' Market. The air of 

excitement and anticipation added a fantastic 

atmosphere to the morning. Over in the Church the 

PFSU and Village Nursery 

T 

he 

new term has begun well with the 

happy news of the arrival of Jodie's baby 

boy, George, on 8 January. We welcome 

six new children to the nursery and say a 

sad good-bye to some of our PFSU children who 

have moved on to full-time school. 

This term we are learning about animals with the 

children enjoying visits 

from a puppy and 

other pets. During 

February we are also 

planning a story 

afternoon when our 3– 

4 year olds will be 

presented with their 

Bookstart Treasure 

Chests and enjoy fun 

story activities. The 

c o m m i t t e e a r e 

planning a number of fund-raising events, including 

an Easter event on 22 March; more details next 

month. 

We thank Jason Clitherow and John Black who 

repaired the nursery after vandalism last summer, 

and all the parents who have helped us out over the 

last term. 

Lucy Squires 

PTA added to the spirit of the occasion by singing 

popular carols whilst Edward, Lewis and Daniel did 

a wonderful job of keeping us in tune by 

accompanying us on the trumpet! 

We have a full calendar lined up for 2008 starting 

with our ever popular Quiz Night at the Windmill 

Centre on Saturday 1 March. It’s time to dust off 

those books and start brushing up on your general 

knowledge! This is always very popular and tickets 

usually sell fast. For further details or to book your 

place, please contact Mike on 338750 or at 

mikew@cherwell.co.uk 

Dates for your diary: The 4th Deddington Walk, 

Sunday 18 May; School Fête, Saturday 14 June 

Janet Watts, PTA Chair 


CHURCH AND CHAPEL 


PARISH CHURCH OF SS PETER & PAUL 

February 

Sun 3 10.30 am PRESENTATION OF CHRIST All Age Worship 

6.30 pm Combined Choral Evensong 

Wed 6 10.00 am ASH WEDNESDAY Eucharist 

Thur 7 2.00 pm Squeals & Wheels 

Sun 10 10.30 am Sung Eucharist 

Wed 13 10.00 am Eucharist 

Sun 17 10.30 am Sung Eucharist (with Healing Prayer) 

Wed 20 10.00 am Eucharist 

Thur 21 2.00 pm Squeals & Wheels 

Sun 24 8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP) 

10.30 am Morning Worship 

St John Hempton 

Suns 3&17 9.00 am Eucharist 

Sun 24 6.00 pm Evensong 

For Baptisms, Weddings, 

Funerals, hospital or home 

visits in case of illness, 

please contact the Vicar 

the Rev Dr Hugh White, 

28 Duns Tew (349869), 

the Rev John Dane (337403) 

or one of the Church 

wardens, Iain Gillespie 

(338367) 

or Judy Ward (337187). 

FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS: 

Wedding: 24 Nov Clifford Harper & Janet Simpson. 

Funeral: 28 Dec Betty Coates 

Bible Study Groups: Contact Jean Welford 338539, or Liz Dickinson 337050 for dates, times & venues. 

Charity of the Month - February: Li Tim-Oi Foundation - please use the special envelope to put 

donations into the Parish Church chest. 

WESLEYAN REFORM CHURCH, Chapel Square Pastor Isabel Walton 337157 

Sunday Mornings at 10.30 am: Pastor Walton, except 17 Feb - Andy Wilcox; 24 Feb - John Goulder 

Bible Study/Fellowship every Thursday at 3.00 pm at 3 Castle Street 

CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL, New Street Joyce Minnear 338529 

Sunday morning services 10.30 am united with Wesleyan Church 

Sunday afternoon services at 3.00 pm at The Chapel, arranged by Pastor Derek Walker of the Oxford Bible 

Church. Details to be announced from week to week 

R.C. PARISH OF HETHE WITH ADDERBURY The Revd A J Burns 277396 

Masses at Holy Trinity, Hethe: every weekday except Wednesday at 9.30 am, and on Sundays at 10.00 

am. St George's Church, Adderbury: Mass on Wednesday at 7.00 pm and on Sundays at 8.30 am. 

Confessions at Hethe on Saturdays 5.30 to 6.00 pm and at Adderbury before Mass. 6 February is Ash 

Wednesday, a day of both Fasting and Abstinence: healthy adults should take only one meal and two light 

collations; all the faithful should abstain from meat and meat dishes. Mass will be said at Hethe at 9.30 am 

and at Adderbury at 7.00 pm. The Ashes will be distributed before both Masses. 

A fair year for 

Fair Trade 

2007 was a good 

year for smallscale 

producers in developing countries as sales of 

fairly traded products grew in the UK. In Deddington 

the Fair Traders stall in the Church during the 

monthly Farmers’ Market showed a 20% increase 

in turnover compared with the previous year. This 

was in part due to increased Christmas sales and to 

some extent thanks to being able to supply several 

people in nearby villages who sold Traidcraft goods 

at school, church or community events. 

A new Traidcraft catalogue of fashions, crafts, 

toys and foods will be published early this month 

with copies available on the stall, or direct from 

337761 - order any item, postage free. Thank you 

Deddington, for this increased support and so for 

fighting poverty through trade. Hugh Marshall 

Make a mother’s day. 

M 

othering Sunday is on 2 March. The 

Mothers' Union offers an ethical gift to 

support projects in many parts of the 

world. 

If you order before 18 February, they will send you 

a card to give to your mother telling her of the 

Thank-You-Mum gift you have made. Details in a 

leaflet in Deddington Church or go to http:// 

www.makeamothersday.org/. 

What better way to celebrate our own mothers 



Harvest to Hallowe’en 

This ambitious amalgam of spoken word, music 

and visuals was presented in Deddington Parish 

Church on 27 October to raise funds for the 

Deddington Festival. It celebrated the season of 

autumn with poems, songs and piano solos, all 

matched with evocative pictures projected onto 

screens on either side of the chancel. 

The complex production required split 

second timing from the disciplined and 

clearly well-rehearsed group of speakers, 

singers, musicians, and computer geeks, 

to say nothing of the wardrobe mistress-cumdresser. 

This was not the first such evening from 

Donald Lane's fertile imagination: he devised the 

whole entertainment, composing much of the music 

himself, and oversaw its presentation with 

meticulous attention to detail without losing sight of 

the overall effect. 

Elspeth Cox 

Poetic Licence present Devout Coward 

Saturday, 23 February, Parish Church, 7.30 pm 

A captivating evening of typically witty words and 

music celebrating the talents of Noel Coward, a 

man who combined the talents of playwright, poet, 

actor, singer and songwriter. Coward was an icon of 

his times, and the story of his life is the background 

to extracts from his plays and many of his songs, 

together with numerous fond quotes about this 

extraordinary man. When being introduced to 

someone who wished to make his acquaintance, he 

DEDDINGTON FESTIVAL 

would politely shake hands and remark "How 

delighted you must be to meet me!" This evening 

we can all meet him again. Eileen Anderson 

Open Gardens 

Is there anyone else who would like to open his/ 

her garden during the second weekend (5 & 6 July) 

of this year’s Festival There is a 

preliminary meeting at 5 The Leyes, 

Deddington on Monday 4 Feb at 2pm. If 

interested, please ring me on 337052. 

Kristin Thompson 

Time to start writing 

Is there a story or a poem lurking in your head 

waiting to be written If so take a look at the Writing 

Competition, now in its fourth year and part of 

Deddington Festival. Your poem or story on the 

theme of “What if….” could qualify for a cash prize, 

publication in a local magazine, and constructive 

comments from an experienced writer. Younger 

writers have a separate competition with sections 

for those aged up to 16 years and those 11 & under, 

who are invited to write on “The Marvellous 

Machine…” Full details of both competitions are 

a v a i l a b l e a t t h e l i b r a r y , o n 

w w w . d e d d i n g t o n f e s t i v a l . o r g . u k , p h o n e 

337761/338995 or send an sae to DWG 

competition, 7 The Daedings, Deddington OX15 

0RT. 

DEDDINGTON VILLAGE SHOW - 

SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2008 

DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES 

We are attempting to resurrect the Village Show, 

which some years ago was a popular event, so we 

are working towards the above date. It will be held 

in the Parish Church with four main sections - 

something for everyone including children. We need 

your support and entries to make this a success. 

Get planting as soon as the weather warms up - 

even if you only do pots and window boxes. Here 

are the possibilities ... 

Produce: jar of jam, any variety; Victoria sponge; 

fairy cakes (under 10s); shortbread (under 16s); jar 

of marmalade; jar of chutney. 

Flowers: a specimen rose; miniature rose in pot; 4 

different roses; sweet peas; 5 different perennials; 

bunch of annuals (under 10s); 7 different flowers; 2 

sprays of fuchsias; 3 cactus dahlias; 3 pompom 

dahlias; foliage plant in pot; pelargonium (geranium) 

in pot; biggest sunflower (under 12s); miniature 

garden on a dinner plate (under 10s). 

Vegetables & fruit: animal made out of vegetables 

(under 10s); oddest shaped vegetable; 3 onions; 

longest carrot; longest runner bean; largest marrow; 

4 tomatoes; 6 plums; bowl of cress (under 10s); 5 

runner beans; 6 cherry tomatoes; bunch of spinach; 

3 courgettes; 4 leeks. 

Photography, Arts & Crafts: photo of a garden; 

photo of a plant; photo of an animal (under 16s); 

holiday snap (under 16s); holiday snap (adults); 

design for a Christmas card (under 7s); flower/s 

design for a birthday card (under 12s); watercolour 

of a landscape; item of embroidery; decorated 

terracotta flower pot, max 6" diam (under 10s); hand 

knitted article. 

More details with entry forms later. Wendy Burrows 

Treasure Island, the Panto 

This Deddington Players' production put most of 

our well-known and versatile local actors on the 

stage as well as some promising young newcomers. 

There was no gazing at an empty stage wondering 

when something was going to happen, it was 

a c o m p e t e n t l y d i r e c t e d 

and smartly paced production. 

The Dame (our DBE) was cheeky 

and feisty; the two 'funny men' 

were hilarious; Long John Silver 

glowered and threatened 

r e a l i s t i c a l l y ; t h e y o u n g 

l o v e r s l o o k e d a n d 

sounded sweet. Everyone on the stage had fun 

and thus so did the audience. The music and the 

stage sets were professional and delightful, adding 

to the general enjoyment. I cannot resist adding that 

George has worn those elegantly polished riding 

boots in all but one of our seventeen pantomimes! 

MN 



Fuel crisis What fuel crisis 

H 

ow 

do you feel about paying well over 

£1 a litre for your car fuel And does the 

thought of paying 15% more for your 

heating and lighting make you angry 

This is just the start, so read on … 

Back in November a couple of hundred people – 

including three from Deddington – met in Oxford to 

hear Rob Hopkins talk about his ideas for Transition 

Towns (TT). He starts from the now familiar 

message that, not only do we face the challenge of 

global warming, with its need to reduce carbon 

emissions, but 

also that oil and 

gas production 

have peaked 

already. From 

now on, fuel 

prices are going 

up and up as it 

becomes more 

difficult and 

expensive to 

extract oil. You will pay more at the petrol pump and 

more to heat and light your home. In the UK we 

have the third problem of meeting demand for 

electricity in the short term while the government 

gets its act together over power stations in time to 

replace those that are fast clapping out. But already 

in Oxfordshire, TT ideas are taking shape in 

Abingdon, Wallingford, Wantage, Wolvercote and 

Yarnton as well as Oxford City where local people 

are making a start on finding ways to reduce their 

demand for energy. Around here only half-a-dozen 

people have put their heads above the parapet so 

far despite media exposure of the most serious 

challenge to face us in all our lifetimes. Are you up 

to helping to organise things locally What can you 

do meanwhile Go to http://climatex.org/articles/locarb-communities/report-first-transition-townsoxford-event/ 

to follow up the Oxford meeting or check out 

Deddington OnLine: http://www.deddington.org.uk/ 

community/greenenergywater.html. 

Colin Robinson colin.robinson@deddington.net 

WIND AT THE WINDMILL – UPDATE 

Plans for a wind turbine at the Windmill are 

gathering speed. We are looking at two options: 

either a single, horizontal 20kW Westwind turbine 

on an 18m tower on the far side of the playing field 

(see DN November '07); or four 8m high vertical 

5kW Helix Wind turbines between the bowling green 

and the all-weather court. 

We are aware that horizontal wind turbines can be 

noisy. That is why we would propose to install one 

at the far side of the playing field, much further 

away from houses than the recommended minimum 

distance. Vertical axis turbines are very quiet, and 

can therefore be much nearer to houses without 

being noticed; in fact they are often attached to 

buildings. But they are very new on the market and 

their output needs to be verified. 

We will be inviting residents in Mill, Murdoch and 

Wimborn Close, and the houses on Hempton Road 

near to the Windmill, to a meeting to discuss the 

project when we are in a position to make a 

decision. 

The views of environmental bodies such as the 

RSPB, Thames Valley Environmental Records, and 

also Oxford Airport have been sought, and no 

adverse comment has been received. 

An exploratory planning application will shortly be 

submitted to Cherwell DC. In the meantime, if you 

think the project is a good idea and will benefit 

Deddington, please write to us at the Windmill. 

Letters of support from local residents and user 

groups will greatly help further our case with 

Cherwell. 

Mary Robinson 



CONGRATULATIONS ... 

... to Jim Flux on his MBE in the New Year Honours 

for services to the community in 'Banburyshire'. The 

list of his local involvements in 'retirement' is 

impressive: founding the N&W Oxon Carers Centre 

supporting the many people looking after dependent 

relatives, also founding the Thursday Windmill Club 

which provides a day out for the frail and elderly in 

the area; the Banbury & District Council for 

Voluntary Service; the Alzheimers Society in N 

Oxon; chair for 12 years of N 

Oxon Further Education 

College; the Banbury Volunteer 

Bureau, running inter alia a 

furniture recycling centre for 

families in need; Deddington 

Parish Council since 1994, and 

chair for seven years and now 

Vice-Chair; chair and then treasurer of the Windmill 

Centre Management Committee since 1994; trustee 

of the Holly Tree Club; a church bell ringer; 

compère of the Christmas Eve carols ... and where 

would the Deddington Players be without a 

pantomime dame In 2006 and 2007 he led the 

Deddington bid for Village of the Year, winning 

prizes which have funded the watering system for 

the Town Hall hanging baskets, and the much 

appreciated new Christmas tree lights. 

... to John Scott on his 

marriage in Findhorn 

last September to 

Sheila, who composed 

music for their wedding. 

While John was living in 

Philcote Street, he was 

D e d d i n g t o n ' s 

unassuming Tree Man. 

N 

early 500 people gathered around the 

Christmas tree in Deddington Market 

Place on Christmas Eve to sing carols. 

Children enthusiastically played bells 

while the adults enjoyed mulled wine. As usual 

Geoff and Joan Todd played their street organ to 

accompany the carols while Jim Flux acted as MC. 

The evening raised £683.97 for Katharine House 

Hospice. 

As one Christmas visitor remarked: "It's the first 

time my wife and I have been away for Christmas 

and choosing Deddington has proved just right. The 

carols really started Christmas for us and all those 

villagers, families, friends and visitors here this 

evening. It was very special and something we will 

remember". Thanks to all the helpers and sponsors. 

Geoff Todd 

WELL REMEMBERED 

Betty Coates was born in 1924 into the family of 

a retired sea captain who had become a publican. 

The war brought to an end a sheltered childhood; 

Betty became a WREN and participated in the 

planning of the Normandy landings. After the War 

she worked in Germany as a member of the 

Control Commission, which handled the War Trials. 

It was in Germany that she met her husband, 

Wally. They had four daughters, including two 

prematurely born twins, who did not survive. For 

many years, Betty lived in Peaslake, Surrey, where 

she was active socially in the WI, Young Wives, 

Peaslake Players, and the local Save the Children 

group. She also worked as a shorthand typist. 

These were years of socialising, of happiness and 

of friendship within a close community. It was a 

wrench for Betty to leave Peaslake when Wally’s 

work moved to Somerset. After Wally died in 1995, 

Betty became a Visitor for her local church, 

supporting the old and infirm. She came to 

Featherton House three years ago and much 

appreciated the care and friendship she received. 

HW 

George Hiorns was born in Deddington in 1930, 

and the village was his home all his life. One of 

three children, he was indentured by his father to a 

local firm at considerable expense: his first job 

being to make coffins. He went on to do National 

Service with the Ox & Bucks in Germany, driving 

tank-transporters. On leaving the army he began a 

57-year-marriage to Eunice, with whom he had four 

children. George's working life was spent mostly in 

the building trade with Alcocks, Hinkins & Frewin, 

and others, until, following an injury to his back, he 

went to Bibbys as a machine operator. Outside 

work George enjoyed traditional country pursuits; 

he loved to follow the hunt, to fish and to shoot. 

George got on with people of all ages; he liked a 

good chat and to know what was going on in the 

Village - he was an avid DN reader. His passing 

deprives the village of a great character and a true 

countryman. 

HW 

Dot Keyes was born in Sunderland in 1925, the 

sixth of 11 children. Her childhood was difficult, her 

parents both dying when she was young. 

Eventually Dot went to London to look for work and 

ended up sleeping at Kings Cross Station. Thanks 

to the Salvation Army, she was moved on to Oxford 

and a job at the Railway Station canteen. Here she 

met Sam, a shunter at the station. They married in 

1954 and had three children. Their early married 

life was spent in Steeple Aston with Dot working as 

a waitress, a cleaner and a kitchen assistant at the 

then new Dr Radcliffe’s Primary School. In 1979 

Dot and Sam moved to Deddington. Dot's later life 

was marked by serious illness, which she endured 

with extraordinary resilience and courage. Strong in 

spirit, she refused to be denied her pleasures 

entirely, enjoying craft-work and doing jigsaw 

puzzles. She kept in touch with what was going on 

in Deddington through her longstanding 

membership of the Windmill Club. 

HW 



FROM SYLVIE & GEORGE SPENCELEY, THE 

DAEDINGS 

Over the last thirty years living in North 

Oxfordshire, we have regularly enjoyed the Oxford 

Canal: sometimes on it in a canoe, but mostly 

stretching our legs and bird watching along the tow 

path. Until recently we used the parking area near 

the old Aynho railway station and the Great Western 

Arms. Now signs have sprung 

up warning that vehicles will be 

clamped seven days a week and 

at any hour, with a fee of 

£117.50 charged for their 

release. We understand that this 

is at the instigation of a company 

in Deddington. We would like to know more. In 

addition, BWT (whoever they may be) threaten us 

with another fine of £150. Clearly it is a way of 

making a quick buck, but is any of it legal 

E-MAIL FROM JEAN RUDGE 

I am writing to draw residents’ attention to the 

planning application requesting permission to take 

measures to prevent the doves from nesting under 

the Town Hall. Personally, I think they are a visual 

asset. They are fantail doves, not feral pigeons and 

many villages would welcome their presence. They 

are attractive, bring life to the centre of the village 

and are a world-wide symbol of peace. I am aware 

that some think they are inconvenient and a health 

hazard. I would reply that it is a shame we feel 

unable to tolerate other creatures and that Max, our 

village steward and himself a bird lover, has 

pronounced his willingness to keep the Town Hall 

clean. 

If you wish to object to the planning permission, 

you should write as soon as possible to: Shona 

King, Planning, Housing and Economy, CDC, 

Bodicote House, Banbury, OX15 4AA, quoting 

planning application number 07/02590/LB submitted 

by Deddington Charity Estates. You can also e-mail: 

planning@cherwell-dc.gov.uk 

FROM THE EDITOR’S POSTBAG 

Please address all letters to: 

KRISTIN THOMPSON 

5 THE LEYES, DEDDINGTON 

e-mail:letters@deddingtonnews.co.uk 

and include your name and address, 

even if they are not for publication. 

E-MAIL FROM REVD. HUGH WHITE 

Some forthcoming events in the Parish Church 

may be of interest to the village at large. We are 

now offering teas on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of each 

month, 2.30-4.30pm. From time to time these 

occasions will incorporate a talk on a topic of 

general interest. On 10 Feb Commander Rob 

Forsyth who served 18 years in submarines – 

including command of two 

submarines and time in the Polaris 

missile force during the 'Cold War' 

– will talk about his experiences 

and answer questions. The talk 

will begin at about 3pm. 

On 3 Feb there will be an 

Evensong for the Feast of Candlemas led by the 

combined choirs of the Parish Churches of 

Adderbury, Bloxham, Bodicote and Deddington, 

with music by Purcell and Eccard. 

For Lent, and with an eye to the Lambeth 

Conference, we have arranged a series of talks on 

the Church in other parts of the world, given by 

speakers with relevant experience and expertise. 

The February talks on Wednesdays will consider, 

either South or North America (13 Feb), Australia 

(20 Feb) and China (27 Feb). 

Finally, would anyone like to help with b&b 

accommodation for a Swedish Choir visiting 

Deddington after Easter (27~30 March) As part of 

an Oxford Diocesan link programme the Choir will 

give a concert in the Parish Church on 29 March 

and lead the 10.30am service on 30 March. If you 

are able to help, please let me know - 349869, 

vicarhugo@hotmail.com 

PS: TEA-TIME TALK 

Will JACKIE please contact me re: Dundee Cake 

and Discourse as I have mislaid her telephone 

n u m b e r . A p o l o g i e s a n d t h a n k s . 

Kristin Thompson 



On the Farm 

H 

ere 

we are again! The tide came back in 

during the first week of the New Year on 

the Clifton marshes. Although flooding 

in the Cherwell flood plain during the 

winter period is a normal event, what we 

experienced in the last 12 months is far 

from normal and will have far-reaching 

effects on the way we will be able to 

manage the river valley land. The meadow 

land on the farm is part of a nationally 

important breeding wader bird project. 

These birds need wet land, not flooded land, for 

over-wintering and breeding. Last season saw a 

record number of Curlew returning to the Clifton 

valley for the breeding season. We also recorded 

for the first time in over 30 years Lapwing nesting 

and despite the early summer flooding 18 chicks 

were able to fledge. Drumming Snipe (mating 

display) were seen but no evidence of breeding was 

found. The problem with excessive and prolonged 

flooding at this time of the year is that if the 

returning Curlew and Lapwing find their nesting 

sites under water they will move on and not come 

back to breed. Providing and managing the right 

breeding conditions for these endangered birds has 

taken a lot of time and effort and it would be very 

disappointing to see it all washed away. 

It is not just climatic change that is making life 

difficult on the meadows. The flood plain has 

traditionally been grazed by livestock. At Home 

Farm we run the only resident flock in the 

parish. Last year was a cataclysmic year for the 

livestock industry, with almost continuous flooding 

during the summer grazing season, foot and mouth, 

blue tongue, movement restrictions and a 

ban on exports. This resulted in farm gate 

livestock values going through the floor to 

give us an average return of little more than 

70p a kg. for a prime fat lamb (what did you 

pay for lamb in the supermarket ) The ewe 

flock has been reduced by 50% and has 

become little more than a low-cost low-carbon 

method of keeping the grass sward at the right 

height for ground nesting birds. Even the wool clip, 

a commodity that Deddington and many of the 

Cotswold towns were founded on, returned us an 

average of just 24p per ewe, with a shearing cost of 

£l.12p and the cost of packing and transport on top. 

At least the arable section is showing some 

improvement due to adverse weather conditions 

around the world. But the price rise we are getting 

for our crops is not enough to warrant the savage 

price hike for food we are seeing in the shops. Most 

of the wheat from last year's harvest was sold 

before it was cut, for less than £1 a ton, so contrary 

to the comments I heard recently it's not those 

wealthy greedy farmers laughing all the way to the 

bank who are ripping you off. 

George Fenemore 338203 

From the Fire Station 

INCIDENTS: We received 24 call-outs during 

December & January: 7 were road traffic collisions, 

4 car fires, an electrical fire in an office, 2 fires in 

homes (one in a kitchen & 1 caused by an electric 

blanket), a chimney fire, one call to a domestic 

dispute, where one partner set fire to the other’s 

property (in the garden thankfully), several calls to 

stand by at other stations and one false alarm 

caused by rainwater in a fire alarm system. Our total 

calls for 2007 was 139, this was 

40 less than last year; perhaps 

all our hard work in fire safety 

education and home fire risk 

assessment is working. 

Attending incidents involving 

fatalities at anytime is upsetting, 

however at Christmastime it is 

always worse, thinking about 

the families experiencing the loss. One young man, 

21 years old died just 2 days before Christmas in a 

road traffic collision right outside the Fire Station. 

On the same day there were many other collisions, 

entrapments, and another fatality in the area - all 

due to the adverse weather conditions. We are not 

out of the season yet, so please take greater care 

on the roads. Don’t take any chances overtaking, 

and heed the advice given by the agencies on the 

radio and television. 

CREW: Congratulations to Pete Taylor for 

passing his recent Crew Manager's assessment. At 

the end of January we will be saying goodbye to 

Martin Millard and Steve Ward; we will be very sad 

to see them go, but wish them best of luck for the 

future & thank them for the service they have given 

our communities. This will leave us with a crew of 8, 

so we will be recruiting again! We will be leaflet 

dropping and door knocking in Deddington on 9 

Feb, and inviting anyone interested to attend an 

open evening at the station on Tuesday 12 Feb at 7 

pm. Please put the date in your diary. 

Anne Waters Watch Manager 07929 607 363 



News from Hempton 

The Christmas bazaar once again proved to be a 

great success. Everyone enjoyed the wide range of 

stalls and the lunch. £960 was raised for the Friends 

of the Church, who pay for maintenance and repairs 

to St John's. Many thanks to organisers, stallholders 

and customers. 

The carol service on 21 December had a 

congregation of about 60, including the Deddington 

Church Choir and several children who read most of 

the lessons. The service was followed by 

refreshments. 

On alternate Tuesdays, starting 5 February, 

Hempton Ladies meet at the Church Hall, 2~4pm for 

a social afternoon with tea and cakes. New 

members would be most welcome. Details from Dee 

Charles on 338490 or Pam Dodd on 338112. 

The Table Tennis team has reached the halfway 

point in the season. After a poor start they have 

recovered slightly. Their record is P9-W3-D1-L5 pts 

34. They have also reached the third round of the 

cup, defeating Ratley in a close match by 306-302 

pts. 

Everyone in the village should now have received 

a letter about the Hempton 'pinch point'. Anything 

to make this area safer should be considered. 

Please let the Parish Council have your views as 

soon as possible. The next Committee meeting of 

the Friends of the Church is 13 February at 

l0.00am. Les Chappell 338054 

News from Clifton 

Did you see the leggy blonde resident of Clifton 

starring in To the Manor Born on your TVs this 

Christmas Margie was the golden Labrador at 

Penelope Keith’s side. This is yet another star from 

the Stable of Myrtle at Manor Barn beautifully 

trained by fellow Clifton resident Jill Rudding. Oh 

Yes - Clifton is the home to many stars of the 

screen. Who hasn’t seen Well’ard (the coolest name 

ever for a boy’s dog), from Eastenders being walked 

up and down the street 

We would like to welcome Nicola (a native of the 

Isle of Man) & Simon (from Bristol) who have moved 

into the Wesleyan Chapel and have asked 

neighbours to pop round and say hello. We also 

welcome Jean and Jerry, who have moved into 

Christmas Cottage in Walnut Close, who haven’t. 

Welcome one and all to our happy band. 

Larkrise residents are unhappy that Candleford 

seems to rule out coverage of what happens at our 

only village meeting point, as the DN excludes copy 

promoting commercial premises. After 13 years 

Nick Huntington has handed over the licence to his 

son Robert, with Marcus Bond as manager. Live 

music by a quality trio of pianist, violinist and 

clarinet, the Book Club every Thursday, and Quiz 

Night (won on Boxing Day by The Alice Band), raise 

the cultural tone as well the glasses. 

Martin Bryce 



DEDDINGTON 150 YEARS AGO 

The following are extracts from the diaries of the 

Rev. Cotton Risley for the month of January and 

part of February 1858:- 

6th January - We attended a meeting of the 

Church Restoration Committee, a rather 

disgraceful meeting took place with several 

people indulging in the most 

abominable insinuations as to 

doctrine etc. (not founded in 

truth) against Mr. Burgess 

(one of the two curates) 

branding him as a Puseyist 

and Romanist, Mr. Mitchell 

stating that he preached up 

the doctrines of regeneration 

and transubstantiation. More 

than half the time, 3 hours 

and above, was consumed in 

this manner – instead of 

being consumed as it ought to have been in 

deciding on the adoption or not of Mr. Street 

the Diocesan Architect’s plan for the re-seating 

and restoration of the Parish Church, which 

was carried ultimately by a majority of votes of 

15 to 13. 

GLEANINGS FROM THE PAST 

7th January - We filled the Ice House today from the 

ponds at Adderbury. 

23rd January - I buried poor old Hatten by his own 

particular desire – for many years Landlord of 

the Kings Arms. 

25th January - The bells rang in honour of the 

marriage of the Princess Royal with Prince 

Frederic William of Prussia. 

9th February - Poor Finch, the 

gardener, much as he was last 

night – Susan and I both visited 

him – Mr. Turner (the doctor) 

considered him in a precarious 

state. (He visited him 11 more 

times in the next month or so.) 

17th February - I heard a case 

against 6 young fellows from 

Gt.Barford for being drunk and 

disorderly – convicted them in 

5s. fine each and costs – 

payable within a week or 21 

days in the House of Correction 

at Oxford. Mr. H. Churchill our clerk said he 

never remembered hearing such a noise and 

row in Deddington for many years. I bailed one 

boy to appear at the Assizes. 

Buffy Heywood 

DEDDINGTON WOMEN'S INSTITUTE 

1925~2007 

'The foundations of national glory are set in the 

homes of the people' (King George V). 

So proclaims one of the homilies preceding the 

monthly meeting plan of the newly founded 

Deddington W omen's Institute. 

Founded at the end of 1925, affiliated 

to the Oxfordshire Federation of 

Women's Institutes, it was felt to be the 

first social meeting place for all women 

in Deddington, Clifton and Hempton. It 

has kept its object 'For Home and 

Country' sacrosanct from those early 

days to the present. Dedicated 

members of our present day Institute 

spent hours researching and compiling 

a most interesting collection of 

programmes, snippets of minutes and 

photographs to fill a historic scrap 

book, the cover of which boldly 

displays in green and white the logo of 

the National Federation. All this work 

was done in celebration of their 80th 

anniversary in 2005. 

The local Institute's first President 

from 1926 to 1929 was Mrs Muriel Jones. She was 

the daughter of Mary Vane Turner, who won joint 

second place in a Village History competition set by 

the Oxfordshire WI Federation. She published her 

entry The Story of Deddington in 1933 and 

dedicated it to her daughter (a copy is held in our 

Library). Turning the pages of the massive 

Deddington WI scrap book we find a list of 27 

serving Presidents from 1926~2007. Miss Loveday 

set a record 7 years of keeping the chair warm from 

1937 to 1944. Not listed there are the Hon 

Treasurers and Secretaries, who are in the 

collection of well-preserved yearly programmes. 

These were professionally printed on 

thin cardboard, decorated with logo, 

date, year and the name of President, 

Hon Treasurer and Secretary, whose 

responsibility it was to set up a 

programme from month to month. The 

sturdiness of these early programmes 

suggest that they could be hung at the 

beginning of each year in the meeting 

place for all members to peruse. 

Subjects presented varied then, as 

now, from serious educational to 

home-grown entertainment, the crafts, 

singing and dancing, not forgetting 

cookery and gardening. Summer 

meetings, in those early years, were 

held in a member's garden - if wet, in 

the British Legion Club on the first 

Tuesday of the month at 2.30. 

Traditionally Jerusalem was, and still 

is, sung at the opening of each meeting - except for 

that refreshing incident, carefully minuted in 

February 1945 when "in the absence of Miss 

Weaver, resident WI accompanist, Mrs Tucker 

accompanied a hearty singing of God Save the King 

as she considered the piano unworthy of 

Jerusalem!" [to be continued] 

Ruth Johnson 



Windmill Community Centre – Bookings 

Secretary 

The Windmill Management Committee is looking 

for a person initially to shadow Joyce Minnear in her 

admirable work as Bookings Clerk for the 

Community Centre, with a view to taking over the 

job. Joyce has worked in that capacity since the 

Windmill opened in 1986, and reluctantly 

acknowledges she is not as young as she was! The 

post receives an honorarium. If anyone is interested 

in taking on this invaluable work, please contact any 

member of the Windmill Committee. 

The Windmill is almost fully booked at all times . If 

you have an event coming up, please book early to 

avoid disappointment! 

Mary Robinson 

Deddington Art Group 

We were close to tears on the Thursday trying to 

set up the Deddington Art Group exhibition. 

Everyone had to help and by Friday morning it was 

picture perfect by 11 am. We had an amazing lot of 

visitors on preview day and on Farmers’ Market day 

too. Mr Vaughan’s green van was indispensable, Mr 

Parkinson’s skilled help and encouragement was 

great and thanks to Mr Bond from Banbury Art 

Society and all the gang at the Town Hall. The 

exhibition showed artwork not done in club time. Mr 

Frank Palmer, our leader, is an inspiring force. 

Thanks to the Rev Hugh White for the space and 

encouragement. Our group lunch at Otters had 

jokes, presents, fun and laughter. Then it was on to 

my birthday tea - 73 candles and more presents. 

We re-opened on 10 January. 

Ken Wilkinson 

Deddington Youth Club 

We had a great end of term party in December 

with the A team, who brought a fantastic new and 

very challenging activity. We forgot about healthy 

eating for one night and had a chip supper! Now we 

are looking forward to the lighter evenings and 

better weather so that those who wish to can spend 

more time on sports and games outside. We offer 

plenty of indoor activities, too. Come and join us if 

you are aged 10-15 years. We meet at the Windmill 

Centre on Mondays 7~9pm. 

Pam Axten 

Windmill Thursday Club 

2007 was a successful year for the club, and 

proved to be a great help for all the people who 

attended. 

Debbie and her team have done a fine job and we 

thank everyone, especially the volunteers, for their 

help and support. The club provides a meal, 

companionship, and a variety of activities for elderly 

and frail people in the area on Tuesdays and 

Thursdays 

We would welcome anyone who would like to join 

us as we have 2-3 vacancies on both Tuesdays and 

Thursday. If you feel you would like to join us why 

not come along to our open day on Thursday 14 

CALLING ALL CLUBS 

February from 1.30pm onwards for a cup of tea and 

a chat 

If you would like more information, please call 

Debbie on 07737892745 or Jim on 338153. 

Jim Flux Chairman 

1st Deddington Scout Group 

Cubs 

We finished the Christmas term with a Viking 

party. The Cubs spent the previous weeks looking 

at various aspects of Viking life including clothing, 

beliefs, origins and, of course, toilets. The last 

brought to life by the ‘scratch and sniff’ cards from 

Jorvik - my bag still smells like a Nordic midden! 

They also made beautiful shields and helmets 

which, combined with imaginative costumes, made 

them look more fearsome than usual. At the party 

they hunted for a Viking silver hoard by solving the 

runic riddle, told a saga round the campfire and, 

after forming a shield wall, whacked each other with 

rolled up newspapers. Felix Dominicson (Viking 

name) was invested during the party, an event he 

won’t forget for quite a while. 

We are starting this term with several new 

members -Tom, Callum and Olli - and say goodbye 

to Luke and Alex who are on their way to Scouts 

(they were great cubs and will no doubt make 

equally great Scouts. 

Jo Churchyard 338071 jochurchyard@hotmail.com 

Scouts 

The hike to Horley was shortened due to the wet 

weather and we walked from Bodicote instead of 

Deddington. Even so we slithered down banks, 

tramped through fields and negotiated ‘lakes’ in the 

most unlikely places. We didn’t envy the participants 

on the Tour de Trigs which was happening the 

same night. On arrival at Horley we tucked into 

soup and sausages and spent a cosy night in the 

lodge. 

The Scouts spent most of last term writing, 

rehearsing and making props for their Christmas 

performance called The Xmas Factor, a mixture of 

talent show and abusive ‘put downs’. It was very 

funny, from the disgruntled presenter and awful fairy 

to the Santa with criminal tendencies! 

Beavers 

We hope to start a Beaver Colony (children 6 –8 

years) in the parish. Please come to a meeting in 

the lounge at the Windmill Centre on Tuesday 26 

February, 6.30pm – 7.30pm if you are interested in 

your child attending. 

Pete Churchyard 338071 

Deddington Guides 

Our Christmas party also celebrated a very 

special anniversary for Maggie Rampley - her 30 

years in Guiding! This fabulous achievement was 

marked by “This is your life in Guiding” organised by 

Marion and the guides with the help of Maggie’s 

husband Alan and daughter Hazel. There was a 

letter from Jackie Stammers, one of Maggie’s 

Assistant Guiders from the past and various Guiding 



officials turned up to award Maggie with a very 

special badge and congratulate her. We hope 

Maggie enjoyed her evening, which was also a 

thank you for all she does for us. This is what the 

Guides had to say … ‘There was great party food’ 

Maisie. ‘It was fun’ Arabella. 

As is usual we arranged to go and help at 

Maggie’s nursing home with their Christmas party. 

We sang carols to the residents and they didn’t 

seem to mind our less than perfect voices. Maggie 

gave us a tour of the home which was very 

interesting, especially seeing the different 

equipment used to help care for the residents. 

Rachael Winter, Dolphin Patrol 

Christmas post 

Thanks to everyone who supported and used the 

Christmas post, we collected £212 towards the 

Guide/Scout equipment insurance. 

Pete Churchyard & Maggie Rampley 

1st Deddington Brownies 

Brownies re-started after the Christmas break with 

a couple of new girls joining us and others looking 

forward to their enrolment at the end of the month. 

We also welcome Sian as our new Tawny Owl. This 

year the girls are concentrating on two badges. The 

'World Cultures' badge teaches the Brownies about 

different cultures around the world. Brown Owl 

hopes to arrange a very exciting trip to a Hindu 

Temple in London. By contrast, the Brownie 

Traditions badge focuses on the history of Brownies 

and what it means to be a Brownie. The girls are 

busy learning reef knots and the National Anthem. 

To add your daughter to the waiting list for Brownies 

p l e a s e c o n t a c t B r o w n O w l a t 

the1stdeddingtonowls@hotmail.co.uk 

Deddington Town Football Club 

1st Team results:- St John’s (a) Won 1-0 J.Flemming. Fenny 

Compton (a) Lost 0-3. St John’s (h) Won 8-1 J.Flemming (3), 

J.Pearce (3), R.Waddelow, B.Durrant. KEA (h) Lost 2-3 M.Gibbs, 

S.Flemming. Heyford Utd (h) Won 7-0 S.Flemming (2), 

J.Pearce (2), B.Durrant(2), own goal. 

The 1st team are currently in fine form and have 

recorded a couple of emphatic victories. John 

Flemming and Julian Pearce scored hat tricks in the 

demolition of St John’s. There were two goals 

apiece for player manager Steve Flemming, Ben 

Durrant and Julian Pearce. These results have 

moved the team up and away from the lower 

reaches of Division 1. 

Reserve Team results:- Heyford Ath Res (h) Lost 2-7M.Gibbs, 

M.Large. Heyford Utd Res (a) Drew 2-2 S.Rollason (2). Heyford 

Ath Res (a) Lost 0-1. Finmere Res (a) Lost 3-4 M.Garstin, 

T.Spencer, S.Rollason. 

The reserve side found the going tough recently. 

Sam Rollason scored both the goals versus Heyford 

Utd, which helped to earn a draw. The other games 

all ended in defeat, although two were very close. 

The Reserve team currently sit just below half way 

in Division 3. 

Boxing Day Charity Match 

The annual Boxing Day match was a great 

success. Players from past and present took part in 

CALLING MORE CLUBS 

the game, which ended in a draw. Many thanks to 

Andy Shepherd for once again organising the game, 

and to Paul Cox for refereeing the game. 

75 Club Winners: 7/12 A.Perring £50; 14/12 P.Chard £50; 21/12 

Mr C.Smith £50; 28/12 C.Summers £100; 4/01 J.Keys £50; 11/01 

Mr P.Simons £50. 

Steve Plumbe 01295 278258 

Book Club 

At our last meeting we discussed The Inheritance 

of Loss by Kieran Desai: 'a novel set in the North 

Eastern Himalayas in the mid-1980s. Some 

powerful imagery and evocative descriptions of its 

location in India. Too many peripheral characters 

and flashbacks tend to make the story a little hard to 

follow and the main characters are difficult to 

engage with, but this book is beautifully written 

throughout with some wonderful phrasing, insightful 

reflections and a comic touch’. 

The book for February is Tulip Fever by Deborah 

Moggach and the next meeting 28 February. Please 

call for venue. 

Sally Lambert 338094 

WI 

It was a pleasure to welcome Sylvie Spenceley to 

our January meeting to tell us about the background 

to Daeda’s Wood and the beginning of the project; 

some reservations were raised but the general vote 

had been given to the project. After raising funds 

locally with CDC the field through which the River 

Swere flows was purchased in 1996 and was the 

first site of the Woodland Trust’s ‘On your doorstep’ 

project. With the help of many willing hands several 

suitable species were planted and over the next few 

years continued to thrive. It has become an 

important amenity to all who visit it. Many 

community celebrations have taken place there and 

birds, insects, flora and fauna have benefited 

greatly. After taking questions Sylvie was thanked 

by President Beryl Suckling and members. 

12 February ‘Spring Ahead’ with Heather Ward. 

Rene Mahony 338438 

Deddington & District History Society 

On 9 January Martin Way gave an enthusiastically 

received talk on The Golden Age of Coaching. He 

brought with him a remarkable collection of artefacts 

that included Acts of Parliament, maps, rare coins, 

exquisitely detailed model coaches, and a 

blunderbuss to ensure good order. On Wednesday 

13 February George Hook will speak on The History 

of Button Making. George comes to us following a 

warm recommendation by our members Joan and 

Geoff Todd. We expect an instructive evening that 

will throw light on an important but little-known area 

of industrial and social history. On 12 March our 

speaker will be Rob Parkinson, on the subject of 

Oxfordshire Village Surveys. As always, anyone 

wishing to attend our meetings is assured of a warm 

welcome at the Windmill Centre. Just turn up at 

7.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month. 

Chris Day (Chairman) 337204 

Moira Byast (Secretary) 338637

February - Deddington News

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