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CONTENTS

Editor’s ColumnAnne Fowler writes...

Volume 21 No 6Published byBenson Bulletin News AssociationPrinted byNP Design & Print Ltd, Wallingford : 01491 824827

Letters to the Editor ------------------------------ 2Millstream Day Centre News ------------------- 4District Councillors Report ---------------------- 6Littleworth Road Planning Public Meeting ---- 8 Old Age Exclusion -------------------------------10Benson Community Health Fair ---------------12St Helen’s Church News ------------------------14 Church Times ------------------------------------19Medical Detection Dogs -----------------------20Public Transprot Update --------------------------22Schools News -------------------------------------26 Local Clubs and Societies ---------------------28Classified Ads -------------------------------------36Diary -----------------------------------------------37

email your letters/articles to bb.editor@hotmail.co.ukor deliver/send them to

Benson Parish Hall

www.bensonbulletin.com

Benson Library Opening Hours Monday 2-6pm Tuesday 9-12.30pm 2-5pm Wednesday Closed all day Thursday 2-7pm Friday 9-12.30pm 2-5pmSaturday 9.30-12.30pm

Benson Outreach Post OfficeBenson Parish Hall Pavilion

Opening Hours:Tuesday 9.30 - 12.30 & 13.00 - 16.00

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9.30 - 12.30

Cover Nobody sent me any photos this month,

so I have had to dig through the archives. This one is of a C47 Dakota at RAF Benson

Families Day in July 2014.

Benson Volunteer Helpline

For assistance with travel to/from medical appointments

Office open Mon-Fri 9-11amCall 01491 825992

to ask for help or to volunteerOut of hours contact:

Elizabeth 01491 838580 Zoe 01491 612813

Spring is springing and I have been admiring the snowdrops in the garden. Delightful.Benson Patients’ Panel would like you to put a note in your diaries for the Benson Community Health Fair on Saturday 25th April which will be held at Benson Parish Hall. More information is on page 12.Two planning related public meetings are being held at Benson Parish Hall this month. One on 6th March at 7.30pm to look at the recently submitted changes to the Littleworth Road development. The changes are significant, so please go along and have your say. There is a Public Inquiry about this on 18th March, but no details are available about this yet.Also on the 9th March between 3–8pm there is an exhibition on the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2031 where they try and explain where 16,500 more homes will go. And one more thing, there is an antiques valuation for a local children’s charity, Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire at Benson Parish Hall on Thursday 26 March between 10.30am-12.30pm. The cost is £5.00 for two items and then £1.50 for each subsequent item. For more information, contact Home-Start on 01235 511152.

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Thank YouLetters to the Editor

Millstream Day Centre Geraldine Gault, writes ...

Dear Editor,I went to a dementia awareness workshop this week and there was a video which was so effective and touched me so much, that I would like to recommend that everyone watch this 6 minute recording and consider becoming a ‘dementia friend’ if you’re not already one.Just Google ‘Dementia Friends – Bookcase analogy’ and go to the dementiapartnerships.com site and watch the video. Then, please recommend it to others.Kind regards,Pam Sandhu-DickensPS. A few months ago, when I left Benson pharmacy, I said that I was going to take portraits of some of my regulars. I have taken nearly fifty so far and I have put a few of the images on my website at www.psdickens.photography if you’d like to see them.

Volunteers Required

The Millstream Day Centre, a registered charity for the over 60s is financed by fundraising and opens Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 09:30 to 2:30. We have around 50 registered Members, a salaried Centre Manager and a Cook. They are ably supported by a team of volunteers who take on various tasks including: preparation of vegetables, setting up the dining room, serving meals, serving teas and coffees, and clearing up. We also have volunteer drivers who collect and return Members who are disabled and have no other means of transport.

In order to maintain service levels and cover opening hours, we need additional volunteers prepared to give some of their free time on a regular basis. If you feel you can help with any of the tasks listed above - on any of the days that the Centre is open – please ring David Perry, Centre Manager, on 01491 834889.

The BB Committee would like to thank Joyce Chinn who has delivered the Benson Bulletin over the last 20 years since its inception. We wish her all the very best in her new home.Ivor Allen (BB Distribution Manager)

BENSON BINGOThe successful 2014 Christmas raffle made possible by the kind donations from local businesses has raised £400.00 which will be given to the Millstream Day Centre.Thank you,Hilary Baker & Sue Dotchin

At the Charity Film showing of ‘Walk the Line’ on Sunday 8th February, organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Sinodun, £366 was raised for the Alzheimer’s Society. Many thanks to all those who attended.Eira E Hoare (President)

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Millstream Day Centre News Rob Jordan, writes ...

B i n g o N i g h t !Every Tuesday in Benson Parish Hall

7.00pm

Book SaleDo come along and support our charity on Saturday 14 March from 10am to 3pm at the Day Centre. Another of our regular sales with free admission and thousands of books, puzzles etc. for sale. Tea, coffee, delicious home-made lunches including soups and cakes are available. Paperbacks 50p, Hardbacks £1-00, Children’s books 30p. All proceeds go towards the running costs of our registered charity. The Millstream Day Centre is located in the Mill Stream cul-de-sac off Benson High Street (near the surgery) postcode OX10 6RL. Modern books in good condition, particularly Children’s books (we sold a lot last year) puzzles, games etc. are always welcome, just bring them along to the Centre on a Monday Wednesday or Friday lunchtime. Email: millstreamdaycentre@btinternet.com Tel: 01491 834889

400 Club DrawLast year’s draw raised over £2,800 of which half was awarded in prizes and half went valuably towards the Day Centre’s running costs, nothing is taken out for expenses. This year we aim to raise even more money and sell over 600 tickets. Sales have started, we have posters in local shops and notice boards and our collectors are out and about visiting members who generously bought tickets last year. If you have not bought tickets before please contact me directly or pop in to the Day Centre before 21st March. For 2015 the draw dates are 15th April, 1st July, 23rd September and 2nd December at the centre with a top prize of £100 each time. A ticket for the 4 draws costs just £5-00.Our draw supports a valuable amenity, and is good value for money; please give it your support.

Millstream Day Centre Membership Geraldine Gault, writes ...

Looking for a bit of company? Like a break from cooking?

Why not come along for a home-cooked, two-course lunch with refreshments at the Millstream Day Centre in Benson, just along from the surgery?

Aimed at the over 60s of Benson, and surrounding villages with no similar facilities, the Millstream Day Centre – a registered charity financed by fundraising – opens Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 for coffee. Lunch is served at 12:30 and Members can stay on for activities such as Scrabble and quizzes until 2:30 when the Centre closes.

A free exercise class, tailored for seniors, is run by a qualified person each Friday at 11am and we are hoping to extend the activities this year to include short, interesting talks following requests from Members. All this at a cost of only £4 per day!

Parking is available but if you have trouble walking and don’t have your own transport, we have volunteer drivers who will collect and return you to your home for a small extra cost.

This is an excellent local facility offering food, companionship, and entertainment. The first visit is free so why not ring David Perry, Centre Manager, on 01491 834889, and come along and give it a go? You’ll be very welcome!

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ANTIQUE & MODERNFURNITURE RESTORATIONTraditional French PolishingSpray Finishing/Colour MatchingStaircases/Doors/Kitchen WorktopsCustom Made WardrobesBookcases and any other units made to fitAny carpentry workundertakenRing James (Chalgrove)Tel: 01865 890436Mob: 07796 966123

SUPER Thursdays sports massage treatment at £35.00

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To take advantage of this fantastic offer, you must book in for an appointment between

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Contact Naomi at RAF Benson on 01491 877365 or book

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District Councillors Report Cllr Felix Bloomfield, writes ...

Council Tax CutAt our Full Council meeting we set our budget for the year and I can report that our 3% Council Tax Cut represents the Biggest Council Tax Cut in the country. This comes with £800,000 of new money for key services (amongst others) Planning Enforcement, Waste, CCTV, Community Safety Partnership, Deep Clean, Neighbourhood Planning and Textile Recycling. This is great news for residents across the district and a testament to our outstanding finance department at South Oxfordshire District Council.

General Election 2015 Key DatesDeadline to register to vote - Mon 20 April.Deadline for receiving new postal vote and postal proxy applications, and for change to existing postal or proxy votes - Tue 21 April.Deadline for receiving new applications to vote by proxy - Tue 28 April.Polling Day - Thur 7 May (7am - 10pm)We have more information and links on our website www.southoxon.gov.uk

Benson Parish CouncilI understand Benson Parish Council will also start a new term in April which, with some members stepping down means there is a chance for YOU to join the council. If you think you can help make a difference and put something back into the community in which you live, get involved. Contact our elections department or speak to the Parish Clerk Pete Eldridge on 01491 825038.

Fire at SODC OfficesWe appreciate that residents of South Oxfordshire now have to go to the Vale offices at Abingdon to visit the council. Where we can, we’re getting out to visit people at a place that’s more convenient to them. We’re in good shape otherwise, we’re meeting all our major deadlines like the budget, the local plans and the elections, and we’re doing pretty well at responding to enquiries. Only half our staff have access to a desk and a phone at any one

time so the best way to contact is via email.

The Future of CrowmarshYou may have seen recent news articles suggesting the council is intending to sell the Crowmarsh building to make way for housing. In fact these conversations haven’t begun yet. The options available to us include rebuilding Crowmarsh and moving back in. Our focus is still very much on getting our medium term temporary accommodation sorted, after which we’ll turn our attention to the Crowmarsh site. The councils are not ruling out any options for Crowmarsh, but nobody has had any proper conversations about it yet. While we’re back on our feet, obviously we won’t be fully up to speed until everyone is under the same roof.

Please do contact me if you have a district related matter you believe I may be able to help with.Email: felixbloomfield@hotmail.com

New Houses in Benson Beryl Guiver (SODC), writes ...

Exhibition on the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2031

Monday 9 March 2015 3 – 8pm at Benson Parish Hall

Your chance to help shape the future of Benson, as South Oxfordshire District Council is asking for views of residents on our latest plans. The council needs to plan for more housing and employment, perhaps up to 16,500 more homes. You have already given us some information and we wish to build on this by seeking further views on our refined options for the amount of housing we should plan for, the type of housing needed and the specific site choices and infrastructure and services needed for Benson. Please come to our exhibition to find out more. If you can’t get to the exhibition you can find more about the consultation at www.southoxon.gov.uk/options. We would like to receive your views by 2nd April.

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Restaurant, Bar and Boutique Bed & Breakfast Meet our new chef, serving only the freshest ingredients which are

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Stylish totally refurbished en-suite guest rooms from £85.00 including a delicious breakfast

Restaurant open from Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm

Best Sunday Roast in the area served from noon to 3pm

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Aldridge Triangle Wild Flowers Cllr Dave Rushton, writes ...

As a trial, the Parish Council has been attempting to encourage a small piece of land on the Aldridge Triangle to develop as a wild flower patch. This encourages various forms of wildlife of course, and increases the biodiversity, as well as hopefully encouraging the native wild flowers.

To do this, the grass cannot be cut in the usual maintenance schedule, and has to be allowed to grow somewhat longer. We are aware that not everyone appreciates this and some may think it looks “untidy” when compared with the rest of the grass on the Triangle. However, others disagree and feel we should try.

The PC would very much like to hear your views, so please let the Parish Office know if you have an opinion on 01491 825038 or via email: bensonparish.council@virgin.net.

Logs for Labour Riki Therivel, writes ...

Would you like free firewood, or do you have a woodland that needs managing?

The Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment’s “Logs for Labour” programme aims to promote sustainable use of woodfuel by running events where volunteers help to manage woodlands in return for logs. The events are 2-3 hours long and could involve coppicing hazel, thinning trees, or piling up brash. Bring sturdy gloves, shoes and a saw (hand tools only allowed)... or let us know if your woodland needs the help of volunteers. Information about forthcoming events is at www.oxonwoodfuel.org.uk

To insert a flier in the BB please contact Ivor Allen

01491 839003

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Old Age Exclusion Janet Burtt, writes ...

We hear a lot these days about inequality in society. I have been becoming increasingly cross about some of the ways in which those of us who are older are being sidelined. The aspect of this I have noticed is caused by the reliance of organisations on electronic communications.Alright! I own a laptop, a Kindle and a mobile phone but although I can use them for some activities (emails, and reading with the size of print I choose on my Kindle) my mobile is not a smart phone with lots of apps (whatever those are) but is for emergency use only.Recently a national charity, for which I have worked for 25 years, has demanded that ‘to claim expenses and register my details’, I must do it on-line. Does this mean that any volunteer without a computer, and without the skill to use one is not welcome? It is pretty clear to me that those most likely to be unfamiliar with all this are the elderly people who grew up without such facilities. Moreover without their retired and elderly volunteers, many charities would be in dire straits and some would have to fold.I have also read that many local authorities and firms are changing from paying the parking fee with cash in their car parks, to using one of the aforesaid apps on a smart phone. Oh Dear!Certain organisations have decided to communicate by text messaging – at which I am absolutely useless. It once took me 20 minutes to text one sentence. Never again!Add to this the constant complaint that old people are taking more than their fair share of health services, and blocking beds. The blame for this should be placed firmly at the door of the authorities who do not provide enough facilities for older people who are ready to leave hospital.I worked for 40 years, contributing National Insurance payments, and I am still paying income Tax, so I consider myself still a contributor to society and not a drain on it. I realise that I sound like the archetypal grumpy old woman, but I do wonder how my fellow “Oldies” feel.

Oxfordshire Advocacy Ralph Painter, writes ...

Most, if not all, of us, will have experienced frustration at the inability and/or unwillingness of organisations, both private and public, to listen to our views when taking decisions that affect our lives.Imagine how much more difficult this is, if we suffer from health problems, physical or mental, that impair our ability to put our thoughts together and then express them in a way that ensures the decision-makers listen and take full account of them.Fortunately there is a local charity, Oxfordshire Advocacy, whose purpose is “Supporting disadvantaged adults in Oxfordshire to get their voices heard on matters that impact their well-being”.Since 2009, when I responded to an advert in the Benson Bulletin, I have worked as a volunteer advocate. In that time I have supported a variety of people from all walks of life, with, for example, terminal multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, and brain injury, on issues as diverse as continuing health care, returning to home from hospital, children at risk of being taken into care, racial abuse, and re-housing. The work is always interesting and can be challenging, but the initial and ongoing training is excellent, and there is always support and advice available. While we do not guarantee the person will get what they want, the satisfaction when they do and when they say “Thank you, but I no longer need an advocate”, far outweighs the time and energy invested in supporting them. Government policy has meant that, like most charities, Oxfordshire Advocacy has seen an enormous increase in demand for its services, while at the same time losing significant funding from the public sector. Consequently the need for additional volunteers and donations is ever increasing.To find out more about becoming a volunteer advocate for Oxfordshire Advocacy please contact 01865 741200 and ask for Pat. Donations can be made via: www.gettingheard.org

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Benson Community Health Fair Maggie Winters, writes ...

What’s in it for you?

The short answer is there’ll be something for everyone at the Community Health Fair at Benson Parish Hall on Saturday 25th April from 10 am to 1 pm.

As spring approaches here is an opportunity to take stock and consider how to get the best out of life. You may be thinking it’s time to take up a new activity, find new friends, take a health check, talk to someone about something that’s been niggling you, find support to help you deal with some difficult problem in your life, or discover how you can improve your health and wellbeing.

You don’t have to be a fitness freak to keep healthy. In Benson there are lots of enjoyable and relaxing ways to keep in good shape, whatever age you are. At the Fair you will be able to sample some of the activities organised by friendly local groups: short walks or runs to gradually build up your stamina, Tai Chi – excellent for balance and mobility, Nordic walking - good whatever your level of fitness and Zumba for sheer fun whilst toning up those muscles. There will be ideas for complementing exercise with a good diet that doesn’t tax your will-power to breaking point.

There will be advice available on everything from pregnancy to old age. Young people often have health worries that they find difficult to share – help is at hand! Parents sometimes feel at a loss about how to help – we’ll have a talk on parenting teenagers. Carers often feel alone and unsupported – you’ll find understanding and practical support. Dread of dementia looms as we get older, but it’s not all gloom and doom - you will be able to get the facts from the experts. Mental health can blight people’s lives – but it doesn’t have to be like that. Diabetes is on the increase – come and find out what the signs are and what can be done about it.

Getting the right help when things do go wrong is crucial. So we will have a talk from one of our GPs on how to choose the right service. There’ll be demonstrations of helpful websites and apps that you can download. Finding your way round the NHS can be confusing – we’ll try to point you in the right direction.

At every stage in our lives we can benefit from good health information and supportive communities and from the services that are available to us to help us through the difficult times.

It will all be there at the Fair. Entry is free. Look out for the children’s posters around the village and for the programme in the next Benson Bulletin. On behalf of the Benson Patients’ Panel.Email: bensonhealthfair@gmail.com

Walk With Me Annie Smith, writes ...

Do you fancy a fundraising challenge in 2015?

If so, come and join us for WalkWithMe 2015, a fundraising 26 mile ‘marathon’ walk being held on Sunday 10th May 2015. We start and finish in the beautiful grounds of Moulsford School, Moulsford-on-Thames. The route winds through some stunning South Oxfordshire countryside, including the banks of the River Thames and a section of the historic Ridgeway. And you can take part for a suggested donation of £45. Following the staggering fundraising efforts of our walkers who raised £110,000 in 2014, for the 2015 event we are once again donating to Action Against Cancer, a charity which supports pioneering cancer treatments and therapies. If you would like any more information please email team@walkwithme2015.com or visit our website www.walkwithme2015.com

Come on, let’s GET TOGETHER, GET FIT, MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

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St Helen’s Church ConcertDavid McGill, writes...

The Passion in Music….A special duet performance of Pergolesi Stabat Mater

Palm Sunday 29th March 2015 at 6.30pm St Helens Church, Benson

Come and take this unusual opportunity to hear a duet performance of Pergolesi’s celebrated Passiontide Cantata. The church, which dates back to the 12th century, provides a fitting backdrop for a performance of this famous composition by the 26 year old master of the Italian Baroque and the most frequently reprinted work of the 18th Century.The Stabat Mater is an emotional retelling of the Passion story from the viewpoint of the grieving mother, the Virgin Mary, in extraordinary harmonic language. The work’s feeling of restrained ‘sacred opera’ is retained this evening, with intercession and readings appropriate to Palm Sunday, attempting to recreate what the composer may have originally intended and will feature the ethereal combination of solo soprano and countertenor voices singing in the same octave.This is a very special event and one not to be missed, irrespective of your religious conviction. The acclaimed soloists, Soprano Anna Shackelton and Countertenor Adrian Boorman, both former students of the Birmingham Conservatoire, will be accompanied by the award-winning pianist and Conservatoire tutor, Jonathan French.There is no charge for admission but a retiring collection will made in aid of Church Funds.

“The opening movement of Pergolesi’s Stabat mater is the most perfect and touching duet to come from the pen of any composer” Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

Sunday by Sunday News & Diary Dates

Available on ‘A Church Near You’ website:

www.achurchnearyou.com/benson-st-helen/

Women’s World Day of Prayer Pandora Huntingford, writes ...

The Women’s World Day of Prayer Service this year will take place at St. Helen’s Church on Friday 6th March at 2pm. All welcome.

Charity Bike Ride Debbie Blake & Tina Trythall, write ...

We have signed up to take part in a cycle challenge in November 2016 to raise funds for the charity ‘Women V Cancer’. The charity raises funds for the important work of Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.It is going to be a real challenge for us to achieve the level of fitness required to tackle the tough and arduous trip, we will be cycling 100’s of miles from Vietnam to Cambodia in the heat and humidity. We know it will not be easy, but we are prepared to put in the effort required! We are hoping to raise £6400 before August 2016 and the funds raised will make a real difference to the valuable and very important work that the three charities do to help fight cancer.No doubt you will see us out and about on our bikes so please give us a wave, but most importantly we would really appreciate your help by supporting our fundraising events over the next 18 months.Our first fundraiser, with the very kind help of Geoff Stock, will be a ‘Penguin Race Night’ with supper at the Parish Hall Benson on Friday 17th April, doors open 7pm. This is a fun interactive alternative to traditional DVD race nights and families are welcome. We will also be running a bar serving wine, beer and soft drinks.Please do come along and support our fundraising event, we would love to see you!If you would just like to donate to our Women v Cancer challenge please visit www.justgiving.com/Debbie-Tina Tickets £8 adults £5 children (inc. supper) available from Derry’s Den and Chiltern Produce in Benson or phone Debbie 07703327695 or Tina 07979694510.

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St Helen’s Church BensonThe Revd John Burrell, writes...

Lent Course for Benson & Ewelme in two parts:Thursday 19th March7.30pm Showing of the film “The Way” at the Ewelme Village HallA father heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while travelling the “El Camino de Santiago,” and decides to take the pilgrimage himself. Through unexpected and oftentimes amusing experiences along “The Way,” he discovers the difference between “the life we live and the life we choose”. Starring Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez and Deborah Kara UngerThursday 26th March7.30pm Discussion about the film “The Way” at St Helen’s Church, Benson.

Saturday 21st March 3.00pm – 5.00pm Messy Church – Mothering Sunday and Preparing for Easter! In the Canons’ Room. Craft activities, celebration and hospitality for all ages. All welcome.Palm Sunday 29th March 9.45am Procession with donkey from the centre of the village to St Helen’s for the 10.00am Palm Sunday Service.6.30pm Evensong for Palm Sunday incorporating Stabat Mater: Pergolesi’s wonderful Passiontide Cantata in a special duet performance to mark the start of Holy Week. Anna Shackleton (Soprano), Adrian Boorman (Countertenor), Jon French (Piano). Retiring collection for St Helen’s. Further information at: www.concert-diary.com

HOLY WEEK (30th March – 5th April):Mon 7.30pm Evening Prayer Tues 7.30pm Evening Prayer Wed 7.30pm Evening Prayer Maundy Thursday 7.30pm EucharistGood Friday 2.00pm – 3.00pm service:Seven Words from the CrossEaster Saturday 8.00pm Vigil serviceEaster Day 8.30am Holy Communion (BCP)10.00am Parish Eucharist followed by an Easter Egg hunt.

St Helen’s Church ConcertDavid McGill, writes...

St James Singers to perform at St Helen’s Church, Benson

Now in their 22nd season, the acclaimed Oxfordshire male voice a capella ensemble St James Singers will be making their first visit to St Helen’s Church, Benson at 7.30pm on Saturday 14 March 2015 and performing a special Gala Concert, entitled ‘Atlantic Bridge’, in aid of Church Funds.

The group’s extensive repertoire covers an eclectic selection of sacred and secular music spanning twelve centuries and the concert celebrates 600 years of song from both sides of ‘the pond’. The programme will include music from composers such as John Dowland, Stephen Foster, Benjamin Britten and Randall Thompson, as well as recently commissioned works from Malcolm Pearce and St Helen’s own Director of Music, Judith Ward.The performance will also feature seasonal readings of classic poetry by some of the world’s greatest writers, including John Clare, William Wordsworth and Walt Whitman.This entertaining show certainly has something for everyone and will be presented in the group’s characteristically energetic and imaginative style.

Complimentary refreshments will be served during the interval, when there will be an opportunity to meet and talk with the artists.

Tickets costing £10 (all concessions £8) will be available from Derry’s Den or by calling 01491 835927.

Canons’ Room HireSt Helen’s Church, Benson

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www.achurchnearyou.com/benson-st-helen/ or Tel: 01491 836172

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Booking SecretaryAnne Critchley — 01491 834403

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St Helen’s Berrick SalomeRevd Ian Cohen, writes...

Simon Sebag Montefiore, in his introduction to “Speeches that Changed the World”, opens with the statement, “A great speech does not just capture the truth of its era; it can also capture the big lie.” He then records speeches made by a great variety of characters from history, such as Ghandi and Nelson Mandela, and also speeches by some people alive today, such as Pope Francis and Malala Yousafzai. Many make interesting and inspiring reading. Those which reflect the big lie, such as Richard Nixon, whose reputation was disintegrating as he proclaimed, “There can be no whitewash at the White House,” reflect human complexity and the desperate attempt to ‘deny’.

It has already started, and over the next weeks, political speechwriters will be seeking to earn their keep as the General Election approaches. Those delivering the speeches, from all parties, will be hoping that a bold delivery will be able to match the bold words which they aim to utter. They will be hoping to capture “the truth” of this era, and draw voters to their analysis of the situation in which we all find ourselves.

Perhaps slightly tongue in cheek, Simon Sebag Montefiore also chooses Jesus of Nazareth as one of his book’s contributors. He selects the Beatitudes as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel eg “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” and the Lord’s Prayer, similarly in Matthew’s version. For someone who still finds Monty Python’s “The Life of Brian” hilarious, thinking of the Beatitudes as a speech creates difficulties - I keep hearing, as if the back of the crowd “Blessed are the cheesemakers….?”

But this also got me wondering what would be the speech or at least utterance of any character in the New Testament that for me, changed the world? The Beatitudes are certainly inspiring and reassuring, and they are so rich to use as a reflection in Lent or hear from within the worship and liturgy of the

services between now and Easter. Many other utterances came to mind, and not all spoken by Jesus. One strong contender, in my mind, is Mary Magdalene who became what is often called ‘the first apostle’, for she went from encountering Jesus alive after his resurrection in the Garden of Gethsemane, to simply tell the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.” Those few words certainly changed the world for the disciples, and those who, since that first Easter Day, have come after them as Christians through the centuries.

Speeches which capture the truth, and become great in the hearing of others, can be short. They do not need to cleverly or wittily constructed. They just need to communicate with feeling, from the heart. They need to have a genuine honesty to them. They may not resonate immediately with their hearers, but they can plant the seed of an idea, of a truth, or of an inspiration, which grows and flourishes in others and comes to change their world. Sometimes that can happen for any of us as we say something or listen to someone else, and it gets us wondering.

Kelly Belmonte, in her poem “How I talk to God”, ends her list with the following:

Pulling from my heap of words, the ones that mean yes:How I talk to God.

Infinite connectswith finite, without words:How God talks to me.

Capturing “the truth of the era”, of now, is often found in hearing a few words which have an honesty, a resonance with ones own experience, and are seen to be uttered from the heart. They can connect with us. We may hear them with or even without words being uttered, and they can be life and world changing for us. This is how we might understand, “I have seen the Lord” – an uttered or un-uttered connection which changes our world.

www.bensonbulletin.com

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The Church of England Parish of BensonSt Helen’s Church Vicar: The Revd John Burrell tel: 01491 832008email: gjburrell@btinternet.comChurchwarden:Rodney Davis tel: 01491 838494email: randjdavis@btinternet.com

Sunday Services8.30am Holy Communion (BCP)10.00am Parish Eucharist (Common Worship)with Children’s Club and Creche3rd Sunday of the month: Orchestra and a service for all the Family. Further details: www.achurchnearyou.com/benson-st-helen/For Baptism and Wedding enquiries, please contact one of the clergy.

Wallingford Baptist ChurchThames St, WallingfordMinister: Pastor Simon HudsonTel: 01491 839904Email: pastorsimonwbc@ymail.comwww.wallingford.org.uk

Sunday Services at 10.30am & 7.00pmHoly Communion 3rd Sunday each month

Wallingford Methodist ChurchSt Leonards Square, WallingfordMinister: Rev Katherine Pickering Tel: 01235 813242 Email: katherine.pickering@methodist.org.ukWebsite: www.wallingfordmethodistchurch.org.uk

Sunday Services at 10.30am & 6.30pmLunch on Tuesdays 12.30pm - 1.30pmFriendship Group alternate Tuesdays 2.30pm‘Tots Time’ Wednesday 9.30am - 11.00am Boys & Girls Brigade Wednesday eveningsCoffee Morning every Thursday 10.30 - 12.00 noon

Church of England Parish of Berrick SalomeSt Helen’s ChurchVicar: Canon Ian CohenThe Vicarage, 58 Brinkinfield Rd, ChalgroveEmail: ianghcohen@hotmail.comChurchwarden: Dr. Marian Shaw - 01865 890915

Sunday Services at 11.00am1st Sunday of Month - Family Service2nd Sunday - Holy Communion (BCP)Other Sundays - Family CommunionBaptisms & Weddings to be arranged with the Vicar

Ridgeway Community ChurchThe Ridgeway Christian Centre21b/22 St Mary’s Street, WallingfordGareth Lloyd-Jones (Senior Pastor)

Sunday Services10.00am Worship & Ministry at Christian CentreFor all other activities see our websitewww.ridgeway-church.org.uk or telephone 01491 832718

Wallingford Quakers13 Castle Street, WallingfordEnquiries to Warden Tel: 01491 837835

Meeting for WorshipSunday at 10.30am with Children’s Class.Discussion groups during the week.

The Catholic Parish of St BirinusDorchester-on-ThamesPriest: Fr. John Osman, MA., STL.,Bridge House Presbytery1 Bridge End, Dorchester-on-ThamesTelephone: 01865 340417

Holy MassWeekdays 9.30amSat 6.30pm Vigil Mass for SundaySun 9.30am (Berinsfield Church) 11.00am Solemn Mass ConfessionsSat 5.45 - 6.15 or upon requestExposition & Benediction of The Blessed Sacrament: First Sunday of each Month 5-6pmChildren’s Liturgy of the WordSun 9.30am during Berinsfield Mass

All welcome, please contact Katherine for details

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Reducing our Food-print Lucy Benyon, writes ...

Did you know that by the time it gets to your plate, your Sunday lunch could have clocked up over 6500 miles across several continents? Food is something we all have in common but many of us just don’t have the time to think about where our meals come from and how far the ingredients have travelled. With this in mind, environmental learning charity Earth Trust is encouraging everyone to eat locally in 2015.

Earth Trust is launching a series of videos on the internet www.earthtrust.org.uk/OurFootprint containing advice and information on shopping locally, eating seasonally, and growing your own. Making a switch to local food has numerous benefits for you, your community and the environment: it can be fresher, tastier and cheaper, plus you’ll be directly supporting the local economy; there is also less processing and transportation required.

Share your tips, ideas and experiences with the Earth Trust via the blog or on Twitter (@earth_trust) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/EarthTrustUK).

From the Registers at St Helen’s Benson

Baptisms7th December Kiki-j Bobby Carman1st February Amelia Rose Ellis-Cosgrove

Funerals5th December Isabel Taylor18th December George Young16th January Iris Gwendoline Garner20th January Enid Mary Belderson23rd January Bernard Wilkinson6th February Norman Percy Astins

For One Year – By PostCall Ivor Allen on 01491 839003

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Medical Detection Dogs Lucy Benyon, writes ...

The charity Medical Detection Dogs is training dogs in the detection by scent of human diseases and life-threatening health conditions.The Cancer Detection Dogs work on clinical trials with universities and health professionals in the early detection of cancer, publishing the results in scientific journals. (For example our dogs are over 90% accurate in the early detection of prostate cancer.)The Medical Alert assistance dogs partner clients with life-threatening health conditions, acting as ‘early warning systems’; for example alerting before a hypoglycaemic attack causes collapse in a brittle Type 1 Diabetic person.We are a small group of volunteers, the Oxon and Cotswold support group, supporting the charity by giving talks and running local fundraising events and street collections.We are looking for help with our fundraising.We need:• Volunteers to help with street collections and events• Offers to run an event, e.g. coffee morning or sale• Good quality second-hand clothes• Good quality bric-a-brac• Old jewellery, used stamps, used printer cartridges• New ideas for fundraisingIf you would like to join our group (mainly based in West Oxon), or volunteer for even one event a year, please contact: Heather Shute 01993 831909 or oxon.supportgrp@medicaldetectiondogs.org.ukAlso, if you would like a speaker to come to your local group, please contact us.The charity’s website is: www.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk

Millstream Day Centre Book Sale

Saturday March 14th 10am - 3.00pm

Light lunches & afternoon teasBooks, Puzzles, DVDs and CDs

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CLIVE THE HANDYMANOver 35 years experience in the Building Trade

Painting & DecoratingPatch Plastering

Woodwork, Tiling, Fascias, Roofing/Gutter

Repairs,Repointing, Boxing-In,Small Plumbing Jobs,Flat Pack Assembly,

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Give me a ring on 01491 411321 or 07766 540117

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Public Transport Update David Cook, writes ...

OCC UpdateAt the January meeting of Parrish Transport Representatives, it was disclosed that £2.2 million was to be removed from the County Transport Budget, as well as a further £0.5 million in the next financial year. The final decision on how these cuts are to be distributed was taken at an OCC meeting on the 17th February. The only subsidised service serving Benson is the hourly 139 Wallingford, Benson, Henley bus route.It would be wrong to automatically assume that this service would be curtailed, but the point should be made that the more passengers that use the service, the more viable it becomes.

Real Time Information ServiceComplaints have been made regarding the Real Time information displays at the x39/x40 bus stop at Benson Marina. Thames Travel tell me that the “occasional“ non-operation is due to the spare buses which are used when maintenance outage occurs are not fitted with the equipment required to communicate with the display panels. I hope this satisfies those who have complained ??

LETS Exchange Val Woodings, writes ...

LETS is the ‘Local Exchange Trading Scheme’. We are still here after 18 years which in itself is a recommendation. What are we? Well, we are a sort of barter scheme where 70 of us are just waiting to share skills and interests – no money is involved except for things you need - just good common sense.

We have a social side too where we meet for supper, or a games evening, or a walk in the bluebell woods and later this year we are going to Charmouth for a long weekend in June. Lots of fun and spoiling. This is our fourth annual away time organised by Jane, who is a fantastic cook and organiser.

There is more. You want a lift to the airport, no problem. Your garden needs watering whilst you are on holiday. Ditto. Your computer needs fixing – all these jobs are tackled by our group of talented people. Want to know more? Why not get in touch with us via our web-site www.wallingford-lets.co.uk or email me, valwoodings@talktalk.net and I will send you a pack explaining the scheme in detail. Go on! We are here to help.

Thames Volunteers Demetri Somarakis, writes ...

For the last 4 years volunteers have been assisting our Lock Staff on the Thames at the 45 locks along its length between Lechlade and Teddington. Now, ahead of our fifth season, we invite you to apply to become a Volunteer Assistant Lock Keeper at a lock near you. The Environment Agency is now recruiting for the 2015 season and are looking for volunteers who can commit to assisting at least one day a week between May and the end of September. Volunteers can agree their days with lock keepers, but need to be available from 10am to 5pm. Volunteering is a great way to meet people and to find out more about the Thames, its history, wildlife and management. At the same time volunteers know that they are doing something worthwhile that is really appreciated.Our Volunteer Assistant Lock Keepers work alongside paid lock keepers. They help boats pass through the lock safely: taking ropes, directing traffic, and operating sluices and lock gates. They help maintain the site: painting, tidying and gardening. They provide information to visitors, be they on foot or afloat, so that they can make the best of their time on the river. Visitors really appreciate the local knowledge that volunteers can provide. If you would like to find out more about volunteering on the Thames and to receive an information pack and application form, please contact the Volunteer team on 01491 828360 or email: thames.volunteers@environment-agency.gov.uk

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Science Exchange Wallingford Amanda Holland, writes...The Beauty of Networks

From interacting with our friends on Facebook to getting stuck (again) at Birmingham New Street Station, networks pervade our lives. They have fascinating structural properties that affect how we experience them, how rumours and diseases propagate on them, and more. To study networks is to study how things are connected and the ramifications of connectivity. Professor Mason Porter from Oxford University Mathematical Institute will give an introduction to the mathematics that underlie networks.

Science Exchange Wallingford is at 7.30pm on Tuesday 17th March in Wallingford School Library, St George’s Road, Wallingford – doors open from 7.00pm. Light refreshments are available and each event is free to attend. We are privileged to be a Café Scientifique.

Charity Babysitting Service Olivia Rowe, writes...

This October, a group of Wallingford School students and I, are hoping to travel to Kenya to help and care for orphans. Currently, a group of students in the year above us are in Kenya helping out. It’s a fantastic cause and we are all very proud to be a part of it. We do many fundraising events, but in order to collect this money we need your help. Every donation of any amount of hugely appreciated.

I am looking for more families to babysit for. This could be either on occasion, or on a regular basis. All my earnings will go straight into my sponsorship money to allow me to visit and care for orphans with HIV in Kenya with The Nasio Trust. I charge £5 per hour. I live in Benson, and have done for twelve years.

If don’t need a babysitter but would like to donate anyway, please use the link below: http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/oliviarowenasio

Corn Exchange in March Carol Evans, writes...

CINEMA (performances start at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)Sun 1st, Mon 2nd, Tue 3rd: Kingsman – The Secret Service (15)Wed 4th, Thurs 5th: A Most Violent Year (15)Fri 6th: Boyhood (15) Sun 8th, Monday 9th: Whiplash (15)Tue 10th, Wed 11th: Inherent Vice (15)Thur 12th: NT Live. Behind the Beautiful Forevers. David Hare’s new play starring Meera Syal. 7pmFri 13th: Birdman (15)Sun 15th, Mon 16th: Selma (12A)Tuey 17th: Swan Lake, Live by satellite from the Royal Opera House. 7.15pmWed 18th, Thur 19th: Wallingford Children’s Film FestivalFri 20th: Shaun the Sheep (U)Sun 22nd, Mon 23rd, Tue 24th: Fifty Shades of Grey (15)Thur 26th: NT Live recording of the Young Vic’s version of Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge (12A) at 7pmFri 27th, Sat 28th, Sun 29th, Mon 30th, Tue 31st: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG)Sat 28th: Shaun the Sheep (U) at 10.30amREMINDER: Open auditions for a singing role in the Corn Exchange-Crescendo’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins musical showcase will be held on March 14th, 15th and 28th. For information, consult www.cornexchange.org.uk or phone 01491 839613/01296 662129. LIVESat 7th at 7.45pm. ABBA As Good as New . Tribute band Gimme ABBA.Sat 21st: Pirates of Penzance. 7.45pm.

Bookings can be made in person or by telephoning the box office, 01491 825000 (10am-2pm Fridays and Saturdays and evenings between 7 and 8pm) or online at www.cornexchange.org.uk. Listings may be subject to change. Please check website for up-to-date information and ticket prices.

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For A BEAUTIFUL GARDENChoose from our wide range of quality garden services: design and landscaping, plants and maintenance. We

tailor-make our service for you. For a free no-obligation visit and written estimate from RHS qualified staff,

call 01844 279430, or emailinfo@brannfordsgardens.co.uk

www.brannfordsgardens.co.uk Full details at:

PAUL RUSHERCabinet Maker & Joiner

Purpose made JoineryHome Improvements

Staircases Fitted Kitchens

BookcasesWardrobes & CupboardsAlso Wall & Floor Tiling

Telephone: 01491 839207Mobile: 07885 462613

Email: rusher218@btinternet.com(based in Benson)

Free QuotationsReferences Available

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Benson CofE Primary SchoolValentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is well known for love and caring to others and many people think of Cupid, the Greek god of love, but is that really the true story behind Valentine’s Day?Believe it all not, it is a Christian story all about the courageous Bishop Valentine. It all started in the Roman Empire around 270AD under the ruling of Claudius II. During time of war, Claudius did not want his male forces to get married as he believed it made them weak and vulnerable. It is said that Bishop Valentine would perform secret wedding ceremonies so soldiers could marry their sweethearts. Bishop Valentine got in huge trouble for performing marriage ceremonies and was sent to jail. While in jail, Bishop Valentine wrote a love letter to the jailer’s daughter and signed it from ‘your Valentine’ (hence Valentine letters). Bishop Valentine was put to death for his crime on February 14th.Why is the color red the symbol of Valentine’s Day? Red is the color of blood. It was once believed that the heart (the body’s organ that pumps the blood) is that part of the body where the feeling of love came from, also the bishop’s death included being beheaded, which included the loss of blood.During Medieval Times, girls would eat unusual foods on Valentine’s Day. It was believed that it made them have dreams about their future husband. Also men and women would pick names out of a bowl and the person’s name they drew would be considered their Valentine. They would wear that person’s name on their sleeve for a week. This is where the saying ‘wear your heart on your sleeve’ comes from. The oldest known Valentine’s Day card is on display at the British Museum in London. It’s dates back to the 1400’s. The first box of chocolates for made for Valentine’s Day was made by Richard Cadbury in the 1800’s.Valentine’s Day is celebrated in America, United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, France, Australia, Denmark and Italy. In Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, it is said that they lived in Verona Italy. Every year thousands

of Valentine’s Day cards are sent to Verona addressed to JulietMillions of heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are bought every year for Valentine’s Day. Over 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent worldwide every year. Teachers receive the most Valentine’s Day cards followed by children, mothers, wives, sweethearts and pets. So who ever it is on Valentine’s Day, be sure to be more caring and thankful for what they have done to make your life better and more enjoyable. Make sure you make it a day they won’t forget. Ava Vaccari (Age 10)This arrived too late for the February issue, but I thought I would include it in the March issue, because it was so interesting. AF

Benson Community Pre-School Jo Passey, writes ...

Firstly let me say our little ones have had a lovely first half of term. Our Rainbow room has had a spring clean and new shelving. So thank you to those who helped out and to the staff for re-inventing it!

As mentioned last month we now have the new Websters (our spider mascots) which are now circulating amongst the children. Webster goes home with a child every 2 or 3 days and has already been on lots of adventures which the little ones have loved sharing. We can’t wait to hear what half term brings!

The children have also had a great time venturing out on a visit to the library. It’s always a treat to do something different and to take a walk through the village, and as ever, Hilary welcomed us all. The children all chose a book each, then they all sat around whilst Sara read a lovely story.

Finally, we have said a fond farewell to Rachel who is studying at Henley College, she has been with us as part of her course and we, as well as the children have enjoyed having her around. We wish her all the best with the rest of her studies.

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Rockfort Industrial Estate, Hithercroft RoadWallingford, OX10 9DB

Tel: 01491 837207

Web: www.dawnscountrystore.co.ukEmail: info@dawnscountrystore.co.uk

WALLISFENCING AND GATES

All types of fencing and gates supplied and installed

Residential•Agricultural•Industrial•Security•

Please Contact Alan Wallis for a free quotation

www.wallisfencing.co.uk01491 834 88607747 700740

4 Ewelme Down Farm, Ewelme, OX10 6PQ

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Local Clubs & Societies Clubs Sec: Alice Jones-Evans

Benson Garden ClubOur last speaker was something quite different, in that he was a modern day plant hunter for Thompson and Morgan, the seed and plant catalogue. Michael Perry was an amusing, slightly offbeat and lively speaker who enlightened us to the background of sourcing and breeding plants for us to choose from in the catalogues. With some innovative methods of finding new plants from all over the world and at their seedbeds in Suffolk, they certainly provide a wide choice, along with all their old favourites. He generously brought along some raffle prizes and free seed packets too and his talk was enjoyed by those present, making us think ahead to warmer times on a really cold evening. What’s more he had travelled from Suffolk to see us, quite a distance. Gardening with low maintenance is next on our list, a talk from an NGS organiser is booked for March.

We have three more speakers at our indoor meetings and then we go out and about on garden visits when we trust the weather will be kind to us. By then we will truly be back in our gardens, bringing them up to scratch and enjoying the pleasures of looking at the results plus, in the case of those who grow their vegetables and fruit, quite literally enjoying the fruits of their labour.Penny Noble

The Bensington SocietyThe Society held its Annual General Meeting at its first meeting of 2015 on 30th January. This event was extremely well supported with over 95 members attending along with 6 new members and a number of visitors. Agenda items were discussed and agreed upon, following which the members of the 2014 Committee were re-elected for another year with 2 more members being welcomed onto the Committee for 2015. Paul Booker and Tony Holder joined the Committee as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Our President, Janet Burtt, asked for a vote of thanks to all members who had worked very hard to make 2014 another extremely successful year.

The Committee elected George Verdon as their Chairman for another year and in his remarks he thanked members for their continued support as demonstrated by the very large turnout for this AGM. He asked members to pay particular attention to the amended plans for the proposed development of the Littleworth Road site which were on show at the meeting and he advised that the Committee would be considering & submitting a response prior to the Appeal due to take place on 18th March in Benson Parish Hall.

Following the business of the AGM, our speaker Phil Farrer (of the Chilterns Conservation Board) gave us an amusing and informative update on the soaring success story that is ‘Red Kites in the Chilterns’. We all see these very large lazy birds of the Raptor family flying around Benson and it was very impressive to find out there are now over a thousand breeding pairs in the Chilterns. Over 291 Red Kites from the Chilterns have now been released into other areas. The Red Kite would have been a familiar sight over the Chilterns several hundred years ago but was heavily persecuted till numbers plummeted in the early 1800s. The ambitious reintroduction project started again in 1989.

Our February meeting on 27th February featured Hugh Granger returning to us to talk this time about ‘Wild Wild Women’ featuring notorious criminals, highwaymen and pirates. On 27th March our speaker will be Colin Oakes with his talk ‘The Secret City (London)’ Colin is another familiar face to the Society

The Society has a number of interesting outings arranged for this year and the first will be to Hughendon Manor on 23rd April. Members have already been expressing interest in all the outings so please contact Denis DeBeger on 01491 202049 as soon as possible to check availability of places. Details of all the Society’s activities can be found on the website at www.bensington-society.com Sue Brown (Publicity Member)

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All types of general building work and repair•Renovations to properties including listed buildings•Replacement windows and doors•Repairs from Insurance Claims•Painting and Decorating•

Email: roypassey@btconnect.comTel: 01491 838797

www.roypasseybuilders.co.uk

Roy Passey BuildersAshcroft High Street Benson Oxon OX10 6RP

Extensions, driveways•Kitchen installation •Garage conversions•Fencing•

Roofing• Bespoke joinery (windows, doors, etc.)•

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Local Clubs & Societies (Cont.) Clubs Sec: Alice Jones-Evans

Benson WIOur President, Yvonne, welcomed all members, including two new members, to the January meeting. After discussing WI business, Yvonne introduced our speaker for the evening, Carole Bankes who had come to talk about the good work of the Blue Cross.The Blue Cross was originally founded in 1897 by a group of animal lovers who primarily cared for the working horses in the streets of London. In 1902 the first horse ambulance was purchased at a cost of £500. Animal welfare was extended to the care of small pets for owners who could not afford private care. In 1906 the first animal hospital in Victoria, London was opened at a cost of £10,000. In the first six months 2,344 animals were treated. To this day, the hospital has never once closed its doors to needy animals.By 1910 sixteen horse ambulances were operating in and around London and in 1912 ODFL - “Our Dumb Friends League” was set up to run alongside the Red Cross during the First World War, in order to help wounded horses, who played a huge part in the battle fields.Whilst service personnel were sent abroad during the Second World War, the Blue Cross cared, with the help of volunteers providing temporary care, for 600 dogs and 800 cats until their owner’s return. Sadly not all animals could be re-united with their owners but all were re-homed. In 1948 national children’s dog shows were launched to encourage children to care for their pets and in 1958 the name was officially changed from ‘Our Dumb Friends League’ to The Blue Cross. 1992 saw the employment of an animal behaviourist to help owners with problem pets and during 2009 new facilities

Benson EvergreensThe A.G.M. of Benson Evergreens took place at the Parish Hall on February 11th.The Deputy Leader, Ros Edwards, welcomed everyone and opened the meeting by asking members to join in a short silence in memory of those who had died over the last year – Ian Huntingford (Leader), Doris Ade, June Britton, Don Fletcher, Bobbie Greer, Arthur Hardy, Dorothy Hughes and Isabel Taylor. Margaret McDermott and Pru Collins have moved into Residential Care.The Minutes of last year’s A.G.M. were agreed, then the Treasurer tabled the Financial report for the year, which was accepted, as was the Report of the year’s activities given by the Deputy Leader. She also thanked members of the Committee who had helped in the running of the club and the Thursday Coffee Mornings while she has been out of action.The election of the new Committee followed, when the present Secretary, Treasurer and two Committee members were retiring. Ros Edwards is to be the Leader, Gill Picken Deputy Leader, Nancy Bailey Secretary, Julia Minall Treasurer and new Committee members are Lily Edwards, Peter Nash and Pam Wilkinson. Joe Craven, Jean Freeman, Pandora Huntingford, Adrienne McCallum and Mary Tappin have agreed to stay on for another year. Retiring Committee members were presented with gifts in thanks for their services to the club, as were three club members who had helped with transport etc over the year. This ended the A.G.M. A fun quiz testing our knowledge of sweets and biscuits followed, resulting in members showing a healthy disregard of the subject – the highest score was 13 out of 20!! Tea and the usual lovely sandwiches and cakes were followed by the drawing of the raffle and the close of a happy afternoon with grateful thanks to the hard working Committee, past and present. The speaker at our next meeting on 11th

March, will be Colin Oakes who will continue his talks entitled Tales of London.We look forward to seeing members and friends at the Thursday Coffee Mornings which continue to be held at the Millstream Day Centre from 9.30 am ‘til 11am. Any queries about the club to Ros Edwards on 01491 837759.Sylvia Baker

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MICHAEL GEEMARKET GARDEN

Find us at: PYRTONNr. WATLINGTON

OX49 5AN01491 612479

Basket and Patio Plants Hanging Baskets and tuBs

seasonal Bedding and VegetaBle Plants Perennials and HerBs

ComPost, Canes and sundries

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As we are right on your doorstep, why not come and join us this year?

• 4 all weather courts• flood lights• social & match play• coaching for all ages• junior & senior club nights• great value individual & family

For more information & contact details:

We are a friendly club with

excellent facilities!

www.bensontennisclub.co.uk

membership

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Local Clubs & Societies (Cont.) Clubs Sec: Alice Jones-Evans

Wallingford Gardening ClubAt the March meeting of the Wallingford Gardening Club, Steve Moll will give an illustrated talk on The Incredible World of the Honey Bee. Through the eyes of a beekeeper we will follow the activities of a bee colony through the calendar year; looking at how the colony survives winter, their sophisticated methods of communication, and why they swarm. Many fascinating facts about this incredible insect will be uncovered - did you know that bees gather nectar from two million flowers to produce a jar of honey! On a more sombre note we will look at some of the pest and disease challenges facing honeybee colonies throughout the world.Steve Moll has always had strong links with the countryside and agriculture, inspired by his upbringing on a Suffolk farm. A biologist by training, he spent his career working for multinational companies specialising in crop protection products and crop seed variety development. After moving back to the UK, Steve and his wife Vivien started beekeeping in 2006, first with a single hive in their garden. Their love for the beekeeping craft has seen hive numbers grow, to over seventy located at

Petanque WallingfordWe have a purpose-built Boulodrome at Wallingford Sports Park. Come and join us.The beginners course starts on April 8th this year at 6.15. Membership is £50 pa, and includes training by a qualified coach. (You can also pay and play with us for £2.00 a session). Petanque (aka Boules) originated in Southern France about 100 years ago. It is a competitive team sport and a healthy outdoor social activity suitable for people of all ages and all levels of agility. Equipment is very simple – just three steel ‘boules’. We have boules for you to play with to see if you like the game. It’s quick to learn the basics, and the scope for development and improvement is limitless. And we have a lot of fun!For more information about petanque and the club, see the website: petwal.co.uk or contact the Secretary, Thérèse on 01491 651569.Thérèse Lewis

Benson Trefoil Guild At our January meeting, we did some planning for the year ahead. Afterwards we enjoyed tea and biscuits. We also went to see the pantomime ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at the Corn Exchange in Wallingford. It was very entertaining, well worth seeing. Our next meeting will be our ‘Thinking Day’, when we will be joining in with all the guilds all over the world. If you are interested, do join us. We meet at the Millstream Day Centre on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7.30pm.Please call Jackie on 01491 839934.Jackie Spencer

were unveiled at Thirsk and Southampton. Plans are in place for a new centre to be built in Suffolk which will allow twice as many pets to be helped.Blue Cross is a charity and relies totally on donations and extensive fundraising to cover costs. In 2013 running costs amounted to £31.6m and during 2014, 26,800 pets were treated. The twelve re-homing centres are proud that they achieved a 97% success rate and re-homed 8,300 pets last year. All pets are vaccinated, wormed and neutered as well as receiving a behaviour assessment before arriving at their new home.Blue Cross has been around for over a century and during this time has been dedicated to caring and helping pets, never closing their doors to pets and their owners.Following this interesting talk delicious refreshments were served and our meeting closed at 9.00pm.Benson WI meets on the third Wednesday of the month at Benson village hall at 7.30pm. Our Annual Meeting will be on 18th March, and on 15th April the talk for the evening will be entitled “How Things We Can’t Do Without, Came About”. We would love you to join us. For further details please contact Lin on 01491 836800.Lin Reader

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As we are right on your doorstep, why not come and join us this year?

• 4 all weather courts• flood lights• social & match play• coaching for all ages• junior & senior club nights• great value individual & family

For more information & contact details:

We are a friendly club with

excellent facilities!

www.bensontennisclub.co.uk

membership

Mini Digger / Skip Loader With Operator

598856Garden Design & Landscaping

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Local Clubs & Societies (Cont.) Clubs Sec: Alice Jones-Evans

Wallingford Flower ClubInvite you to a Floral Demonstration “Bamboozle” by Jenny Clarke at Crowmarsh Village Hall OX10 8ED on Wednesday 11th March 2015 7.15pm for 7.45pm. Membership £22, Visitors £4. All welcome. Parking is available outside the Hall, Sales Table, Raffle and Coffee. For further information please phone (01491) 834303.Fay Crabbe

Wallingford U3AAt our February meeting Professor Gregory Stores, from The University of Oxford, Medical School, spoke to us about “Charles Dickens as Social Reformer and Medical Observer”. We were happy to welcome a number of new visitors who were attracted by the topic. As Professor Stores said, most of us have read some Dickens, even if not since school, but we are all familiar with many of his great stories and characters. What is less well known is his wider life. Apparently he suffered from insomnia, and used to walk miles around London at night. This is how he discovered the levels of destitution, homelessness, vice and hopelessness in the back streets and alleys of Victorian London. He became a tireless campaigner against poverty, injustice and inequality. Internationally famous, he used his clout. He campaigned against the workhouses, set up refuges for “Fallen Women”, who might be working prostitutes, but could also be outcasts who had “made a mistake”. He worked for Prison Reform, helped to set up Ragged Schools for street children, raised money to fund Great Ormond St., and for a children’s hospital in Boston Mass., all the time raising middle class awareness of the issues through the popularity of the novels.

Just as interesting was what Professor Stores had to say about Dickens’ descriptions of diseases. He was not a doctor, but he observed and recorded symptoms with such accuracy that modern doctors can, in some cases, diagnose illnesses that were not recognised in Dickens’ day. Not that they always agree. Was Tiny Tim suffering from nutritional deficiency? Poliomyelitis? Tuberculosis? It seems that most doctors nowadays think it was rickets. What was wrong with Miss

Cyclists’ Touring Club WallingfordHave you thought about joining an organised cycle ride, but felt worried that it would be too far or too fast? If so, why not try one of CTC Wallingford’s relaxed rides? We meet at 1:30pm on the first Sunday of the month in Wallingford Market Place and cycle a gentle 20 to 25 miles, with a café stop for refreshments. We get back to Wallingford by 5:00pm. For more experienced cyclists, we offer a faster ride (same time, same place) on the third Sunday of each month. You don’t need to be a CTC member to join our rides: come and try out up to three rides with us before you join. For more information, contact Patrick Hardiman (info@ctcwallingford.org.uk or 01491 835939).Alison Smart

Havisham? Mental illness, yes, but which one? It was all very interesting and conversations about it went on cheerfully at tea time.At our March meeting, on Wednesday, 4th, Mrs Jill Carey will speak on “Three Birders in a Bush”.Our Meetings are held in Crowmarsh Village Hall at 2.00pm on the first Wednesday of each month. Visitors are always welcome, although they are asked to sign in. (Fire regulations) For more information about what we do, visit www.u3asites.org.uk/wallingford or phone Hermione on 01865 858 024, or Jill on 01491 835 994.Deirdre Wilson (Publicity)

sites across South Oxfordshire and Berkshire.The talk will be held at Ridgeway Community Church, Wallingford at 7.30pm on Thursday 12th March. Visitors very welcome - £2.Isabelle Darby

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The Benson Bulletin is published by Benson Bulletin News Association, and delivered free to all households in Benson, RAF Benson, Roke, Rokemarsh, Berrick Salome and Ewelme. All concerned in its production and delivery are volunteers. Material published in The Benson Bulletin is copyright, but the Editor may grant permission for reproduction upon request. The Editor and publishers make every effort to ensure the accuracy of printed information and can accept no responsibility for either the consequences of errors which may occur or for any product or services advertised. Neither are the opinions published in The Benson Bulletin necessarily those of the Editor or The Benson Bulletin News Association. The Editor is pleased to receive material for publication, but reserves the right to shorten, clarify or reject it at her discretion. Copy may be submitted via e-mail to bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk. Typed and handwritten copy is also acceptable and should be delivered/sent to Benson Parish Hall before the 12th of the month previous to publication. All printed photographs will be scanned and returned.

Classified Ads.... Tel: 01491 201734

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BBNA Committee Members:-Chair Jill Parrick 838634Treasurer Patricia Baylis 826289Secretary Kate Hart 838689Advertising Anne Fowler 201734Clubs’ Sec Alice Jones-Evans07773323090 Distribution Ivor Allen 839003Editor Anne Fowler 201734 John Burrell 832008 Kyri Kyriakoudis 839810

BB’s DeadlinesCopy: 12th of month previous Advertising: 12th of month previous

Benson Youth HallTable Tennis Fri 8 - 10pm

Short Mat Bowls Mon 1.45-4pm/Wed 7-10pmBadminton Mon 8-10pmBingo Tues 7-9pmFloodlit Tennis Thurs 7.00pm

Benson Parish Office: 01491 825038Office hours: Mon, Wed, Thu and Fri 0930 am to 1230 pm

TO HIRE BENSON PARISH or YOUTH HALL

TEL/FAX 01491 825038

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About Benson Bulletin bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk Est. 1994

Film and Video Transfer Service to DVD, LP’s & 45 Records to CD at sensible prices. For quote phone 01491 825964 or email: johncritchley1940@fastmail.fm

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning by your local specialists. Wet or dry systems used. Trained, insured & NCCA approved. Quality work at unbeatable rates. Call Grimebusters 01491 670013 / 01235 555533Cleaning Supplies & Machines - Hire - Sales - Advice - Repairs - Domestic/Industrial. Call Clean Machine on 01491 825600 or e-mail info@machinesthatclean.com Find us on Facebook/CleanMachineLtd

Lady Gardener available for general garden maintenance, also home cleaning. Reasonable rates. Phone Diana on 07880 691704

Man & Van Low cost removals and rubbish clearance. Enquiries welcome 7 days a week. Call Mark 01235 511846 or 07770 862413Longpine Roofing & Property Maintenance. Local village family firm. Tel: 01491 652494 Email: info@longpine.co.uk

AdvertisingTo advertise in BB contact Anne Fowler on 01491 201734 or bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk

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Ipsden Private Hire Pre-booked taxi service. Lady driver. Airports, hospitals etc. Email: jill_yates2002@yahoo.co.uk or call 07894-994047

Wallingford Country MarketEvery Friday, Regal Centre,

Wallingford 8.30 -11.15 Fresh Home Baking, Hand Crafted itemsWallingford Local Producers

MarketEvery Saturday morning 10am - 1pm

Regal Centre, WallingfordLocal products for local people