MAGIC MUSHROOMS

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.

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!"

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.

POTHOLES!

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.

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 bcsparishcouncil@googlemail.com she will report it for you.

WANT 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.

Taking part is easy:

1. Check your internet speed at a site such as  http://www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk This will tell you not only your own broadband speed, but that of anyone else in the neighbourhood who has taken the test.

2. Put in the results on the short survey to be found at  http://www.oxonline.co.uk.

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.

WELCOME BACK TO THE VILLAGE STORES BLOG!

Thanks to Chris Baines for reviving the blog. Check it out at http://brightwellvillagestores.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/the-blog-is-back_9.html

GRAVEL 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.

Check out the website, too, for where to catch the Olympic torch, and for the latest 'In the Frame' portrait of John Rodda.

QUEEN VISITS MOAT

So what was the Queen doing in the moat of Sotwell House? We may not have the answers, but we do have the pictures.... Visit the website's photo gallery to get the full picture.

BRIGHTWELL-CUM-SOTWELL'S JUBILEE SCULPTOR

New 'In the Frame' interview with Bruce Gordon, who has sculpted for Rolls Royce, Brad Pitt and the Queen....http://www.brightwellcumsotwell.co.uk/pwpcontrol.php?pwpID=7221