tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22703567097668272662024-03-13T17:37:27.066+00:00Brightwell-cum-Sotwell Web GroupDiscussion forum for <a href="http://www.brightwellcumsotwell.co.uk">www.brightwellcumsotwell.co.uk</a>, the community website for Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK. This is your virtual parish pump (the rural equivalent of the water cooler). Tell us about the hot topics... Let us know what you like about our site, and what you'd like to see. Problems posting? Read the instructions on the right, or send comments directly through the 'Contact Us' section of the website.editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-64846174619275315702017-08-13T22:30:00.001+01:002017-08-13T22:30:16.667+01:00REFERENDUM ON VILLAGE PLAN. THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 14thDate for your diary: don't forget to vote on the Neighbourhood Plan <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7lxZhcTslk/WZDE3v5ffsI/AAAAAAAAA-k/pEvAOG1Dtj0GwIHe_rveq3JLsvhzc1I9ACLcBGAs/s1600/bcs%2Bnp%2Breferendum%2B14%2Bseptember%2B2017%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7lxZhcTslk/WZDE3v5ffsI/AAAAAAAAA-k/pEvAOG1Dtj0GwIHe_rveq3JLsvhzc1I9ACLcBGAs/s320/bcs%2Bnp%2Breferendum%2B14%2Bseptember%2B2017%2B.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-88633419333385664742017-02-23T22:42:00.000+00:002017-02-23T22:47:54.902+00:00TODDLER GROUPS IN VILLAGE HALL<div style="text-align: left;">
Two new toddler groups have started in the Village Hall. On Mondays, 10 to 11 am, Art Haus offers fun painting and craft activities for under-fives. A trial session is £3.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56C3OWIyJTA/WK9lE9ppBUI/AAAAAAAAA4U/5aO-BN0ZOM02ngDQ3U5OyTlwC5CY-BycwCLcB/s1600/art_club%2Bjpg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56C3OWIyJTA/WK9lE9ppBUI/AAAAAAAAA4U/5aO-BN0ZOM02ngDQ3U5OyTlwC5CY-BycwCLcB/s320/art_club%2Bjpg.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The toddler group that used to meet on Mondays has now re-launched with a Thursday session. See news page for both stories.editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-56072590043935177192016-01-20T11:26:00.002+00:002016-01-28T23:06:07.646+00:00POST OFFICE IN VILLAGE STORES The meeting to discuss proposals to put a Post Office Local into the Village Stores will take place at the Village Hall on Tuesday February 2nd at 7 pm. There will be a chance to debate the issues before voting by secret ballot. The results will be posted on the Brightwell Website later in the evening; they will also be available on the noticeboard outside the Village Hall, and in the shop the next day.<br />
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Meanwhile, check out the website news pages for the latest in the debate...<a href="http://www.brightwellcumsotwell.co.uk/news_item.php?wnID=10436" target="_blank">http://www.brightwellcumsotwell.co.uk/news_item.php?wnID=10436</a>editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-25122440852198857042015-12-09T19:19:00.003+00:002015-12-09T19:19:36.111+00:00VILLAGE STORES - MAKE SURE YOU'RE REGISTERED AS A MEMBER IF YOU WANT TO VOTE<br />
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Celia Collett, Chairman of the Village Stores, has asked for the following statement to be put on the Brightwell Website:</div>
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<i>'Due to the great interest shown at the recent village meeting to discuss the future of the Post Office Service in the village., the <span>shop</span>Management Committee would like to remind all villagers that they can have a vote if they are <span>members</span> of the Village Community <span>Shop</span>.</i></div>
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<i>We would like you to take up this opportunity because early in the New Year we will be delivering a voting form to all <span>members</span>. Also, the<span>shop</span> is run for community benefit and which ever way the vote goes we want to ensure that as many <span>members</span> as possible are involved in ensuring the <span>shop</span> has a sustainable future for all of us to enjoy.</i></div>
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<i>To become a <span>member</span> all you need to do is give a minimum donation of £1, this entitles you to one vote per household. We need your name, address plus e-mail address (only to be used by the <span>shop</span>), we will then issue you a <span>membership</span> certificate. Apply in the <span>shop</span> or e-mail<a href="mailto:brightwellshop@btconnect.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">brightwellshop@<wbr></wbr>btconnect.com</a>'</i></div>
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editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-12925217574876183542015-12-06T16:39:00.000+00:002015-12-06T16:43:41.027+00:00COMMUNITY VILLAGE STORES – JIM SANGER REPLIES
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">May I, as
chairman of the original Shop Committee charged with raising the funds and
building the Village Stores and first chairman of the Management Committee,
correct a statement in the Wallingford Herald of 2 December 2015 and also
comment on Garry McCracken's letter to you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The accounts to
the end of 2014, circulated at the AGM, show that, to date, a total of £225,384
has been raised – not the £150,000 mentioned in the article – largely as the
result of the efforts of a small fundraising group headed by David<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dobbin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also show that the shop is now operating at a level to
just cover its cash outgoings but not sufficient to provide for depreciation,
the replacement of shopfittings nor to put anything aside for a “rainy day”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like Garry, I
welcome the opportunity for a vote by members but they must have the
information on which to make an informed decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, it is a simple calculation to see that it
would cost in wages alone (at the national minimum wage of £6.70 an hour) some
£16,200 a year to pay staff to work the hours quoted at the recent open
meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What commission would the
shop receive on sales to offset this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am told that the Post Office has calculated, on present sales, about
£3,000 to £5,000 a year; clearly it is not commercially sensible to take on a
full service Post Office on these terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We certainly should be pushing hard for a much reduced number of hours,
which is what the village have been used to anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What also would the shop have to pay towards the
alterations?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many
unanswered questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the practical
side, we heard vividly at the open meeting from both Post Office staff and shop
volunteers about the difficulties of operating the Post Office counter next to
the shop counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally, I
was in a line of five at the Post Office on Monday which has only served to
emphasise the points they made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know that a
large number of those who have helped to create, and continue to support the
shop as volunteers, would like to have a Post Office in the village – but not
necessarily in the shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like
them, I would welcome an assurance from the current Management Committee that
it will not enter into any contract with the Post Office which would put the
shop at risk either practically or financially.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It would be
tragic to lose a shop, which is developing so well under Margot and Mandy and
their volunteers and for which we fought so hard, for the sake of retaining in
the shop a full-service Post Office which makes no sense either operationally
or financially.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yours faithfully<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jim Sanger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">PS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about adding a franking machine to
Garry's list of services?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-21426074197148247842015-11-26T12:58:00.003+00:002015-11-26T13:03:38.127+00:00POST OFFICE IN VILLAGE SHOP?Garry McCracken kicked off this discussion after Tuesday's meeting with the post below... Feel free to comment here, or on the BCS Facebook page...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Like most villagers I am strongly in favour of having a village postoffice. I recognise the tremendous effort which the shop committee has made to obtain a fair offer from the PO plc. They thoroughly deserve our thanks both for that and for the success for the shop as it now works. It is therefore with considerable reluctance that I am going to vote against acceptance of the present PO offer. My arguments are;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(i) The addition of a PO counter will seriously overcrowd the shop at busy times. It will make difficulties both for shop staff and customers; It may discourage our present volunteers.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(ii) The PO equipment will take up valuable space which is currently used to display shop goods.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(iii) The hours are unreasonably long for the PO operators and it is unlikely that we will be able to find people (volunteers or employees) who will be prepared to take these positions. At the recent village meeting the PO representatives were asked about these hours which appeared to be determined by a completely arbitrary model about which they are unreasonably inflexible.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(iv) It is unlikely that the movement of the PO a few yards from its present position into the shop will significantly increase shop takings. The PO plc. are offering nothing for salaries of the PO employees and no rent for the space the PO will take up. The estimated commission on PO takings has not been published but is likely to be significantly less than the cost of the extra salaries.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">For all these reasons we should reject the offer. At the same time we should investigate how we could make arrangements to provide at least some of the services which the PO at present provides. Some examples are</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">a. Investigate the the installation of an ATM. As shop takings can be banked in an ATM this makes banking more convenient for the shop and could reduce banking fees.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">b. Arrange to provide a “cash -back” service from the till.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">c. Insist on getting stamps for sale in the shop. This is done in some other shops. Provide padded envelopes. paper etc.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">d. Offer advice to pensioners who wish to withdraw their pension in cash on how to have a simple building society account into which their pension could be paid which then could withdrawn from the ATM. Alternatively provide transport for pensioners to Wallingford to collect pensions once a week.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">More suggestions on how to compensate for the potential loss of the post office are solicited.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Garry McCracken.</span><br />
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<br />editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-92174701248555434922015-08-03T10:10:00.003+01:002015-08-03T10:15:48.019+01:00CHECK OUT CHILDRENS' PICTURES OF ORCHARD AT VILLAGE FETE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2RYgnFyg5k/Vb8xBr51z0I/AAAAAAAAAl4/o86aUg4qwO0/s1600/Optimized-WP_20150711_002%25255B1%25255D-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2RYgnFyg5k/Vb8xBr51z0I/AAAAAAAAAl4/o86aUg4qwO0/s1600/Optimized-WP_20150711_002%25255B1%25255D-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://brightwellorchards.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://brightwellorchards.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-35277857986549143082014-10-21T12:08:00.001+01:002014-10-21T12:08:13.631+01:00COMMUNITY ORCHARD GROUP – SUPPORT NEEDED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ldh0QWorl0I/VEY8kzFZi0I/AAAAAAAAAc8/LZ5vUorO7Fo/s1600/MAP%2B-%2Bcommunity%2Borchard%2B-%2Bplanting-page-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ldh0QWorl0I/VEY8kzFZi0I/AAAAAAAAAc8/LZ5vUorO7Fo/s1600/MAP%2B-%2Bcommunity%2Borchard%2B-%2Bplanting-page-001.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
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Did you offer to support the Community Orchard in your answers to the Community Plan questionnaire? If so, it's time to put your money where your mouth (or rather, pen) is! The Orchard Group is now ready to start planting, and would like donations to help reach its target of over £6,000.<br />
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To find out more about giving, joining or keeping in touch, contact any Orchard Group member: Robert Field 836275, Alison Bloomfield 835408 or Gina Coupar, 838619. For latest news, visit <a href="http://brightwellorchards.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://brightwellorchards.blogspot.co.uk/</a>editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-48532205805563434422014-09-24T10:44:00.002+01:002014-09-24T10:44:16.299+01:00SITE B - COMMENTS BY OCTOBER 9Check out the planning application for land west of Wallingford: 555 houses, a one form entry primary school, associated road works and lots of trees to go.... The deadline for comments to SODC is October 9th, but let the Parish Council know what you think, too - it could be your last chance.<br />
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Here's the link to the SODC application><br />
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<a href="http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P14/S2860/O" target="_blank">www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P14/S2860/O</a><br />
<br />editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-41501373298806802572014-07-28T11:03:00.001+01:002014-07-28T11:03:29.063+01:00WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-28508730" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-28508730</a><br />
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Definitely worth getting up at dawn to watch these grand old ladies coming down.... but why were people abandoning their cars on the lane, when the Earth Trust had provided perfectly good parking?editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-65432540024669126122014-02-18T22:36:00.003+00:002014-02-18T22:36:29.253+00:00BCS - THE PADDLING POOL!Thanks to Eric Dore and Chris Baines for photos of Church Lane, seagulls hovering by Brightwell Barrow, and the War Memorial pool...<div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cm2DfXyOZ1k/UwPffQncOkI/AAAAAAAAAVU/fmz2fL7TO6s/s1600/flood_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cm2DfXyOZ1k/UwPffQncOkI/AAAAAAAAAVU/fmz2fL7TO6s/s1600/flood_3.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-84907254978934865172014-01-16T17:02:00.001+00:002014-01-16T17:02:37.148+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-te3-jinp6jw/UtgQUiTX9yI/AAAAAAAAATo/XRqTQYT1eWs/s1600/Brightwell+Wassail+2014+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-te3-jinp6jw/UtgQUiTX9yI/AAAAAAAAATo/XRqTQYT1eWs/s1600/Brightwell+Wassail+2014+074.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Check out the Twelfth Night Wassailing pictures - on the website, and on the Facebook page now.editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-20880792010113343092013-11-05T09:31:00.002+00:002013-11-05T09:31:26.221+00:00RED LION SIGN COMES OUT FROM ITS SHROUD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2N50aJjVIU/Uni6n-N3CYI/AAAAAAAAARI/p7eHkCaTnHk/s1600/DSC_0672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2N50aJjVIU/Uni6n-N3CYI/AAAAAAAAARI/p7eHkCaTnHk/s320/DSC_0672.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Check out pictures of the unveiling of the new Red Lion sign: in the picture gallery and on the home page now. Thanks to Christian Sinkinson <a href="http://www.morethanimages.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.morethanimages.co.uk</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;"><br /></span>editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-67055681328611212842013-10-16T15:55:00.001+01:002013-10-16T15:56:31.177+01:00VERSE TRIBUTE TO BRIGHTWELL'S DOGGIE STARS (AND THEIR OWNERS)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ynk5btLSjpE/Ul6na7iYOII/AAAAAAAAAQg/Sja8Lbq3eMs/s1600/murphy_digby.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ynk5btLSjpE/Ul6na7iYOII/AAAAAAAAAQg/Sja8Lbq3eMs/s400/murphy_digby.jpeg" width="366" /></a></div>
BBC 2's series, The Wonder of Dogs, led one viewer in Fareham to craft a poetic tribute – which he sent to the Parish Council, with a stamped addressed envelope for reply! Read Jim Sanger's verse on the website now.... and catch a photogallery of Brightfest pictures, together with other memories of a long and sunny summer....<br />
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Thanks to Chris Baines for his lovely picture of labradoodles Murphy and Digby....editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-87494565307757782912013-05-07T09:59:00.001+01:002013-05-07T09:59:28.421+01:00OF SWIMATHONS, TELEPHONE BOXES AND BEATING THE BOUNDS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8Oi47eW7QM/UYjBqg5ZS_I/AAAAAAAAAMM/UIvWfdjTBYk/s1600/Connor.jpg..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8Oi47eW7QM/UYjBqg5ZS_I/AAAAAAAAAMM/UIvWfdjTBYk/s1600/Connor.jpg..jpg" /></a></div>
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New on the website<br />
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<ul>
<li> Brightwell ladies in Swimathon for Marie Curie Cancer Care (above)</li>
<li>How to make your dog a TV star</li>
<li>The Red Telephone Box: Brightwell's Fourth Plinth?</li>
<li>Beating the Bounds details (it's this Sunday, May 12th...)</li>
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editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-43063006400420559712013-03-01T13:24:00.002+00:002013-03-01T13:24:51.794+00:00SPRING LAMBS – AND AN AFRICAN BISHOP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUva24D0l0M/UTCrxu1FySI/AAAAAAAAAL4/mz3COmrEDWA/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUva24D0l0M/UTCrxu1FySI/AAAAAAAAAL4/mz3COmrEDWA/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Check out Rosemary Greasby's pictures of spring lambs – and find out about the bishop from South Sudan who's coming to speak at St Agatha's Church this Sunday.editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-62691907578484030242013-01-28T22:29:00.001+00:002013-01-28T22:29:17.859+00:00WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEBSITE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QjpNbwxZrA/UQb67_S5PPI/AAAAAAAAALo/mwxOs5GvauM/s1600/cheese_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QjpNbwxZrA/UQb67_S5PPI/AAAAAAAAALo/mwxOs5GvauM/s320/cheese_blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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New cheeses at the Village Stores (Wigmore, Waterloo, Rosethorne and Barkham Blue) were so popular they sold out within days, but reinforcements are on their way.... Shop takings were up 20% during the snow days, and a special tasting evening has helped boost sales.<br />
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In other news....an African bishop comes to Brightwell – and village memories from the 1960s, including roller skating down the hall.editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-9471508428078434212012-11-30T15:15:00.002+00:002012-11-30T15:15:35.251+00:00NEW PARISH PLAN WEBSITECheck out the new website for the Community Led Parish Plan – keeps you up to date with progress on Action Plans to take our community up until 2024<br />
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<a href="http://bcscommunityledparishplan.org.uk/" target="_blank">http://bcscommunityledparishplan.org.uk/</a>editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-39342645227035700342012-11-17T13:10:00.002+00:002012-11-17T13:23:02.600+00:00NEW ON THE WEBSITECheck out the news pages for Ann Linton's wreath-making morning, the Brightwell donkey who made headlines – and new faces at the Community Association (including an easier-to-find web page).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRgaXsKEmlE/UKeMusgJYiI/AAAAAAAAALU/FtJytjvq8po/s1600/Eurovision.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRgaXsKEmlE/UKeMusgJYiI/AAAAAAAAALU/FtJytjvq8po/s320/Eurovision.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hugh's last blast....</div>
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Also, visit the Photo Gallery for pictures of the Teddy Bear Parachute Drop and the opening of St Agatha's new meeting room (plus all-important new loos!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.brightwellcumsotwell.co.uk/photo_gallery.php?catID=1283" target="_blank">http://www.brightwellcumsotwell.co.uk/photo_gallery.php?catID=1283</a></div>
<br />editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-41490941023934300672012-10-25T11:51:00.000+01:002012-10-25T11:51:20.252+01:00SITE B GETS GO-AHEAD FOR DEVELOPMENTOver 500 new houses could eventually be built on the Brightwell side of
Wallingford – 'Site B' – after the planning inspector has given the
go-ahead to SODC's core strategy.<br /><br />While the inspector concedes
that there is little to choose between Site B and Site E – on the
Winterbrook side of the town – he has eventually agreed with the
council's choice of Site B as the preferred option.<br /><br />To follow his reasoning, read pages 17 to 24 of the full report on the SODC website.<br />
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<a href="http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/planning-policy/core-strategy-inspectors-report" target="_blank">http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/planning-policy/core-strategy-inspectors-report</a>editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-50055512673457206772012-10-21T23:25:00.001+01:002012-10-21T23:25:23.129+01:00MAGIC MUSHROOMS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZENr3E7LHk0/UIR0lgUcw_I/AAAAAAAAALA/r4z0Yb8AptQ/s1600/IMAG0238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZENr3E7LHk0/UIR0lgUcw_I/AAAAAAAAALA/r4z0Yb8AptQ/s320/IMAG0238.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
Derek Brooker spotted this weird fungus when he was out walking with his grandson in the Millennium Wood, and asked us to find out if anyone knew what it was.<br />
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We put his photo on the website on Sunday afternoon, and by early evening he had the answer. According to Paul Chilton, it's Shaggy Ink Cap. It's said to be edible if you pick it when young and eat within 24 hours – but, says Paul, "If serving, enjoy, but don't bother to invite me!"<br />
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History doesn't repeat whether mushroom tart was on the menu in the Brooker household this weekend – but it certainly shows how quickly the web can provide answers.editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-19510663571653402992012-10-08T12:21:00.003+01:002012-10-21T23:36:00.275+01:00POTHOLES!One unfortunate cyclist contacted the website recently to say he had caught his back wheel in a pothole, irreparably damaging the rim. Most of the big potholes in the village have been filled in, but there are still some lurking ready to catch the unwary.<br />
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Apparently, potholes are the County Council's bag. If you've had a similar experience, you should take a photo of the offending hole (plus any damage it has done) and send it to Oxfordshire County Council Highways Department. Alternatively, if you contact Lucy Dalby, the Parish Council clerk, at <a href="mailto:bcsparishcouncil@googlemail.com" target="_blank">bcsparishcouncil@googlemail.com</a> she will report it for you.editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-57624554669556417612012-09-20T11:27:00.001+01:002012-09-20T11:27:33.100+01:00WANT FASTER BROADBAND?Frustrated at how slowly your village website appears on your screen? A simple speed check could help Oxfordshire County
Council build a case for better broadband – and, in the short term,
could help you decide whether you are getting the best value for money.<br /><br />Taking part is easy: <br /><br />1. Check your internet speed at a site such as <a href="http://www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk</a> This will tell you not only your own broadband speed, but that of anyone else in the neighbourhood who has taken the test.<br /><br />2. Put in the results on the short survey to be found at <a href="http://www.oxonline.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.oxonline.co.uk</a>.<br /><br />The
OxOnline project – set up to take advantage of the government's
Broadband Delivery UK initiative – aims to bring improved broadband
speeds to the area by 2015. As the most rural county in the South East,
there is a danger that Oxfordshire will be left behind as broadband
providers concentrate on more lucrative urban areas. Your survey
contributions will help the council demonstrate a demand for improved
service using evidence not available to them in any other way.editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-16070593503148183272012-08-10T10:46:00.003+01:002012-08-10T10:49:19.504+01:00WELCOME BACK TO THE VILLAGE STORES BLOG!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9SIr0m-6P8/UCTY_AOKgrI/AAAAAAAAAKw/2BjnoS2z46g/s1600/shelf+colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9SIr0m-6P8/UCTY_AOKgrI/AAAAAAAAAKw/2BjnoS2z46g/s320/shelf+colour.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks to Chris Baines for reviving the blog. Check it out at <a href="http://brightwellvillagestores.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/the-blog-is-back_9.html" target="_blank">http://brightwellvillagestores.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/the-blog-is-back_9.html</a>editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270356709766827266.post-17076502408245092202012-07-09T12:09:00.002+01:002012-07-09T12:09:55.019+01:00GRAVEL IS PITS!We try very hard not to take sides when things get political. However, we couldn't resist this wonderful cartoon entered by David Greasby for the Produce Show at this year's Village Fete.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Eo3-zaXosk/T_q72Ezc_iI/AAAAAAAAAKk/n-HQWTR1ClM/s1600/IMG+Greasby+Cartoon.jpg..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Eo3-zaXosk/T_q72Ezc_iI/AAAAAAAAAKk/n-HQWTR1ClM/s320/IMG+Greasby+Cartoon.jpg..jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Check out the website, too, for where to catch the Olympic torch, and for the latest 'In the Frame' portrait of John Rodda.editor@bcshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552932167977010180noreply@blogger.com0