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PublishersSimon&JennyHavilandPeakesHouse,Peaks Lane,Stonesfield, Witney,Oxon OX29 8PY(tel 891614, emailsj@sjhaviland.co.uk)

Editor for this issueDale Morris (898210)

Editor for FebruaryRosemary Cleaver(891204)

PrinterWindrush Press, Witney

The deadline for copyand advertisements for the next issue is15 January

Please email copy toslate@stonesfield.comor hand it in at the villageshop (Suriya Express).Advertisements tosj@sjhaviland.co.uk

TheStonesfield SlateIssue No 476 December 2017/January 2018

Dates for your diary –December2 Christmas coffee morning St James’ Centre 10–11.30am2 Santa’s Party Village Hall 3–6pm2 & 3 Arts & Craft Show Greycat Studio 11am–5pm4,11,18 Monday Coffee St James' Centre 8.45–10am4,11,18 SJC Cuppa St James' Centre 10–11.30am5 VH Trustees meeting Village Hall 7–9pm5 WI Lunch Bird in Hand 12.30pm5,12,19 Book Break Stonesfield Library 12.30–2pm 6 Lunch Club open lunch St James’ Centre 12.15pm6,13,20 Folk Dance Group Village Hall 8–10pm9 WOC Charity Concert Village Hall tbc11 Gardening Club St James’ Centre 7.30pm14 Over 60s Christmas Lunch Village Hall 1pm14 Parish Council meeting Village Hall 7.30pm15 Scout Bingo Village Hall 6.30–8.30pm16 Carol singing outside village shop 9–10am19 WI meeting Village Hall 7.30pm20 The Treasure Box St James’ Centre 10.30–12noon21 Santa’s Sleigh around the village from 6.30pm23 Village carol service St James’s Church 6.30pm30 Ecce Iucunda Nativitas Concert St James's Church 7.30pm31 New Year’s Eve Disco Sports & Social Club 8pm–1amJanuary1 Stonesfield Stumble outside the church 11.15am3 Lunch Club open lunch St James’ Centre 12.15pm3,10,17,24,31 Folk Dance Village Hall 8–10pm8,15,22,29 Monday Coffee St James' Centre 8.45–10am8,15,22,29 SJC Cuppa St James' Centre 10–11.30am11,18,25 Book Break Stonesfield Library 12.30–2pm11 Over 60s Darby & Joan Village Hall 2pm11 Parish Council meeting Village Hall 7.30pm15 Sustainable Stonesfield public meeting Village Hall 7.30pm

ContentsChristmas things 2

Notices 4

Politics & local affairs 5

Education & culture 10

Clubs & societies 13

Sport 14

Church news 16

December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 2 3 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018

Christmas greetingsPhil, Tina and Curtly would like to wisheach and every one of our family andfriends a very Happy Christmas and ahealthy, peaceful New Year 2018. We willagain be making a donation to SobellHouse Hospice Charity instead of sendingChristmas cards.

The Slatter familyI would like to wish all my friends a veryHappy Christmas and a prosperous NewYear 2018. I will be sending a donation toSobell House Hospice instead of sendingChristmas cards.

Judy Oliver

Christmas coffee morning Everyone is very warmly invited to comealong to a Christmas Coffee Morning onSaturday 2 December, 10–11.30am, StJames’ Centre. Organised by the ParishChurch, all the money raised will begiven to Cecily’s Fund (our own localcharity which makes education possiblefor orphaned and vulnerable Zambianchildren). Apart from coffee and mincepies and time to chat, there will be bothcake and Christmas gift stalls. We lookforward to seeing you there!

Carol singingEveryone is most welcome to join incarol singing on Saturday 16 December,9–10am, outside the village shop. Notonly will this help to remind us all of themeaning of Christmas, but it will also be

a good way to raise money for theDisasters Emergency Appeal for thosewho have fled into Bangladesh to escapethe violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar.

Treasure BoxThe Treasure Box will open onWednesday 20 December from 10.30amto 12noon in the St James' Centre. Allchildren are welcome (adults too). Under5s must be accompanied by an adult. Thetheme is Christmas! Come and makeChristmas decorations, ice some biscuits,sing songs, play games and listen to theChristmas story. Details from MurielBarrett (891479).

Music & Spectacle for a Medievaland Modern Christmas & NewYearThe Pastime Ensemble and Players inviteyou to Ecce Iucunda Nativitas, anevening of colourful tableaux, liturgicaldrama, merry carols & dances from the12th to the 20th centuries at St James'Church on 30 December at 7.30pm. Thisgroup of professional musicians haveentertained us before and are back withthis new show. Given how good the lastone was, this is an evening not to bemissed.

There is no advance booking, theperformance is free, but there will be aretiring collection in aid of BridewellGardens (bridewellgardens.co.uk). Profitsfrom refreshments will also go towardsthis organisation.

If you fancy taking part in one of thetableaux we are looking for shepherdsand angels. No speaking required, just abit of acting in costume to enhance themusic.

Please contact Becki Sherlaw-Johnson forfurther information or if you want totake part in the tableaux. 01993 891318or rebeccasj@btinternet.com.

Combe Christmas LightsFriday 1 December, 5:30pm-7pm, Combe

Reading Room – Live music, Carolsinging, mince pies and mulled wine, hotchocolate and Christmas bakes andChristmas shopping stalls (cash orcheque only). All in aid of CombeSchool.

Combe School Christmas BazaarSunday 10 December, 2-4pm, CombeSchool Hall. Mulled wine, mince pies,Christmas crafts and games, gifts to buyand make. Father Christmas will bemaking an appearance as well!

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Sustainable StonesfieldWe are holding a second public meetingon Monday 15 January at 7.30 in thevillage hall. We want to report to thevillage on what we have achieved so farand enlist your support for the challengesthat lie ahead. Planning applications arecontinuing to arrive and we arecontinuing to fight them on the groundsof violation of the AONB, over-crowdingof our roads, inadequate seweragesystems and inappropriate numbers ofunaffordable houses in a village which isnot a rural service centre. Please comeand hear what we have been up to andwhat we understand to be the currentposition. Come and let us know whatyou would like us to do and what youthink about any of the issues that faceour village.

We expect a revised planning applicationfor the North Farm development to belodged in the near future. The originalapplication was for 16 houses – this islikely to double to more than 30 houses.At the time of going to press, the revisedapplication has not been published byWODC. We will send an email to allresidents who have signed up toSustainable Stonesfield and also toStonesfield Nextdoor as soon as thedetails have been made public and alsoput details on the Stonesfield website. Aswith other planning applications, we willput sample letters of objection on theStonesfield website – please use them tovoice your objection.

Would you like to join Sustainable

Stonesfield to get emails andinformation? No fee, no hassle. Thereare already over 150 members who havejoined because they want to hear thelatest news and help if they can. Usethe sign up form at:http://eepurl.com/cJI4bj

Caroline Friend, Sustainable Stonesfield

Message in a Bottle (or a Wallet)schemeWitney Lions Club is promoting ascheme to enable Emergency Services toreadily locate medical details and contactinformation if called to a home in anemergency. The Club provides a smallplastic bottle (free of charge) in whichthe user puts their emergencyinformation: identity, contacts, allergies,list of medications. It is kept in thefridge, with green stickers provided withthe bottle put on the outside of the fridgeand inside the front door. All EmergencyServices are aware of this scheme and aretrained to look for these stickers.

The Message in a Wallet scheme issimilar, with the card kept in the user’swallet so if they’re in an accident awayfrom home, anyone coming to their aidwill have access to necessary information.

The service is free. It has the potential tohelp save lives, particularly for morevulnerable individuals. More informationis provided on the website:witneylions.org.uk/messagenabottle.html

Supplied by Robert Courts, our MP

5 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018

Stonesfield Stumble – breakingnews

This year we hope to commemorate thebattle of Bagg’s Bottom, river conditionspermitting! The annual New Yearstumble will take place on 1 January2018 starting outside the church. Walkwill take approx 1.15 hours but as alwaysthere are shorter options along the wayfor the wee and weary. Finish at theWhite Horse Pub. No Sat Nav required.

Graham Rutson

ThanksThe governors of Stonesfield Schoolwould like to thank Stonesfield Sports &Social Club for their generous donationtowards the cost of repairing thedamaged stone wall. As maintenance ofthis wall is expensive and ongoing, it willbe continued once further charitablefunds become available.

Gillian Clarke and Sandy Hayes (Co-chairs)

Thank you and Season'sGreetings The FoSS team are delighted to confirmthat the FoSS Christmas Fayre & Pop-upCafe raised an AMAZING £900 towardsreplacing the school's playgroundequipment! We are truly grateful toeveryone who supported the event,baking cakes, making soup, volunteeringthroughout the day, visiting the Fayre,buying raffle tickets, enjoying the cafeand more. Thank you also to all of thestallholders for a fantastic array of gift

ideas and the Village Hall, for ensuringeverything was in order for us.

FoSS, whilst writing, would also like totake this opportunity to thank everyonein the Village, and the wider community,for your ongoing support of FoSS andFoSS events throughout 2017, and wishyou all a very happy and healthyChristmas and New Year.

The FoSS Team

Traffic-calming lights inWoodstock Road Those who signed the petition about theWoodstock Road traffic-calming lightshave some cause for satisfaction. In theirarticle in the November Slate the ParishCouncil confirm in writing that they willnot knowingly agree to further lights inthe village. I have received no othersubstantial response from the ParishCouncil so I am unable to tell you more.

One point needs to be put right. TheCouncil suggests in its article that lightpollution is little more than a concern forstargazers. This is mistaken. It is a wide-ranging environmental protection issuewhich is of concern to many publicbodies, as well as a broad spectrum oftheir electorate. For instance, theCotswold Conservation Board, which isresponsible for the AONB, has a policy forthe preservation of dark skies, acknow-ledged by local authorities in the area.

With all good wishes.

Sue Corrigan

December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 4

Notices Politics & local affairs

days whilst a telephone cable is installedalong the perimeter; the date for this hasyet to be determined. The contractorshave been briefed on the proximity ofthe children's play area to the accessroute and are fully aware of the need forsafety to be the highest priority, havingpreviously worked on a number ofsimilar sites.

Cala Homes, Pye & North Farmdevelopments: The planning applicationfor 34 dwellings on land at North Farmremains unregistered at the time of goingto press. There is still no information onCala Homes nor the second phase of thePye development.

Glebe Land: The steps and handrail havenow been repaired.

New Website: The Stonesfield ParishCouncil’s new website is underconstruction.

Budget: The Precept has been set for2018-19.

Allotments: If you are interested intaking an allotment we have one full oneavailable and a half one.

The Common: There will be a discussionon flora and fauna for the proposed newnoticeboard for The Common. If you areinterested in being involved with thisproject, please contact Cllr GeraldineLawrence.

Blenheim Estates: The directors ofBlenheim Palace will be attending thenext Parish Council Meeting on Thursday14 December. They would like to sharethe new strategy goals of Blenheim andseek feedback from those attending themeeting. As part of their commitmentwithin the strategy, the directors wish to

share all that they are doing and to seekengagement and support.

The next two Parish Council Meetingswill be at 7.30pm on Thursday 14December and on Thursday 11 January atthe Village Hall. All residents are invitedto attend.

The Parish Council would like to takethis opportunity to wish all residents ofStonesfield a very happy Christmas and aprosperous and successful New Year.

Gill Hill, Parish Clerk(stonesfieldpc@gmail.com)

STOP PRESS. About twenty sheep shouldbe returning to the Common duringDecember. Please watch out for signs atentrances about keeping dogs undercontrol.

West Oxon District Council District UpdateA great deal of my correspondence andphone calls have been related to the wastecollection problems experienced acrossthe district in the last two months.Although some difficulties were expectedafter introducing a new system, the scaleof the collections missed was not. Thereare several reasons for this. A newcontractor, new vehicles and, althoughthe staff was transferred to the newcompany, many were on amended routes.Difficulties also arose because somecollection points were inaccessible withthe new larger vehicles. All this isprobably little comfort to those whosebins were left, but I can assure you all thatthe staff are putting in many extra hourssorting out the problems and are hopefulthat the backlog is being whittled down so

7 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018

Stonesfield Community TrustStonesfield Community Trust are lookingfor new trustees to join them incontinuing the valuable work done overthe last thirty years. The Trust is a hugeasset of our ever-expanding village.

The current Trustees are looking for newinput, not only to help manage the onlytruly ‘affordable’ houses available to thepeople of Stonesfield, but also to increaseits housing numbers and continue tosupport grant applications by theresidents and organisations of our village.

A new Trustee would ideally

• Be from a Stonesfield family or havebeen a resident of Stonesfield for asubstantial number of years.

• Have a record of being involved inactivities beneficial to the village.

• Have shown an understanding of andsympathy for the stated aims of theTrust.

• Have life skills that can supplement andenhance the operation of the Trust.

• Be prepared to remain a trustee for asufficient period to be able tocontribute to the long-term.

• Be reasonably flexible over making timeavailable to the Trust.

• Fit into the group dynamics of theexisting trustees.

No candidate will be discriminatedagainst based on gender, race, disabilityor sexual orientation. If you would likemore information or would like to beconsidered for the position of Trustee,please email Markjhatton@hotmail.co.uk

Mark Hatton (Chairman)

Village Hall Good news from the Village Hall. We areso pleased with the positive response thatwe received to our previous plea ofsupporting the village hall that we areholding a ‘Cheese and Wine’ meeting onTuesday 5 December at 7pm. This is towelcome our new potential Trustees, plusthe addition of a New Treasurer. Anyoneelse who is interested in being involvedwith this vital community asset iswelcome to attend. We look forward tomeeting you all.

We also wanted to thank everyone whohas used the hall over the last year, andto remind you that we haveorganisations running clubs from the hallevery day of the week.

If you would like to try something newin 2018, please feel free to have a look atwhat we currently have available, orcontact us if you would like to set up adifferent activity.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Parish CouncilPhone Mast on the Playing Fields: Usersof the playing fields need to be awarethat it is anticipated that work willcommence to erect a phone mast on theplaying fields commencing on 27November.The work will takeapproximately three weeks to complete.The contractors will be laying atemporary track around the perimeter ofthe field. The construction will involvetemporary closure of some of the footballpitches with disruption being kept to aminimum. Furthermore, the children'splay area will have to be closed for three

December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 6

www.westoxon.gov.uk or call 01993861025.

Christmas waste and recyclinginformationMost of your Christmas waste can berecycled. Excess recycling can be put outin your black boxes, open cardboardboxes or clear bags. Glass must beseparated and put in a recycling box. Youcan recycle small electrical items in yourblack boxes and textiles in a clear bag.Leave out your kitchen caddy for weeklycollections too.

Supporting Universal Credit applicants

As a major part of government changesto the welfare system comes into effect inWest Oxon at the end of November,residents making a new claim can beassured of support from the DistrictCouncil.

Universal Credit merges several benefitsand credits into a single paymentreplacing a number of existing benefitsand tax credits. All new applications willneed to be made online to theDepartment of Work and Pensions, withthe applicant responsible for managingtheir own changes and making their ownpayments, such as rent and housing costs.WODC officers will be on hand to offergeneral advice and assist people withsetting up their own accounts and withonline form filling. Benefit applicantswill be able to use computer terminals incouncil reception areas.

See www.westoxon.gov.uk/universalcreditfor further information, including howan appointment can be made with aClient Support Officer.

Oxfordshire County Council Apply online for primary school placesApplications for children due to startprimary school in September 2018 cannow be made online. Families withchildren born between 1 September 2013and 31 August 2014 are urged to visit theprimary school admissions pages on thecounty council’s website to find out howto apply for places for next year. Thecouncil still accepts postal applicationsbut recommends families apply onlinewhere possible, as it helps speed up theapplications process. It also meansfamilies receive an automatic responseconfirming their application has beenreceived and can be quickly notified iffurther information is needed. Those whoapply online will receive an email onallocation day, 16 April 2018, informingthem of the outcome of their application.Postal application forms are availablefrom all Oxfordshire schools and fromreception at County Hall in Oxford.

Help someone get online – be a digitalhelper at your local library

Volunteers able to give up just a fewhours a week are being sought atbranches across the county to provideone-to-one support for people with littleor no experience of using computers orthe internet. The aim of the campaign isto help people access services onlineincluding council services; accessemployment or training opportunities;become more independent; reduceisolation. To find out more or to sign upas a Digital Helper visit:www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/digitalhelper

Cllr Ian Hudspeth (07956270318;Ian.hudspeth@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

9 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 8

that collections will be returned to thestandard that you all expect. Incidentally,if statistics interest you, there are a total of582,335 collections each week. The scaleof the missed collections amount to0.09% at its height. Please accept myapologies on behalf of all the staff atWODC for the inconvenience which thishas inevitably caused.

By the time you read this report, theLandscape and Heritage reports requestedby the Government Inspector will be inthe public domain. This means that theheld-over planning applications, such asthose affecting Stonesfield, will bebrought before the Planning Committeeat its December meeting on 4 December.I am sure that the interested partiesincluding the village pressure group willgive a good account of themselves at thatmeeting. For my part, I intend to expressmy views as strongly as I can. What thedecision will be is impossible to predict. Iam one of fourteen councillors making afinal decision. I hope other councillorswill hear, understand and sympathisewith the plight of the village. It issobering to realise that it has taken nighon a thousand years for Stonesfield togrow gently to a total of about 600dwellings. Now in one fell swoop thatnumber will increase by over 30%. Thatthe village will change is inevitable,should the decision favour thelandowners and developers. I have foughttwo elections to the District Council, and oneof the main planks of my appeal to theelectorate was the preservation of the ruralcharacteristics of our rural Oxfordshirevillages. Now, I am faced with the possibilityof being a part of the decision to changesome of the most important characteristics ofour village.

On a more cheerful note, there willshortly be a new telephone mast on theedge of the playing field giving us allbetter and more reliable service.Additionally, Ultrafast broadband is on itsway. WODC has signed contracts withGigaclear to bring fast service to thoseparts of rural West Oxfordshire stillwithout.

Interestingly, WODC has entered into agroundbreaking arrangement withBlenheim Estates to provide as many as300 new affordable homes. These wouldbe discounted so that they would beattractive to young and not-so-younglooking for a home in the area.

Bear in mind that I am here to help inany way I can. You only have to contactme either at the offices' email onrichard.bishop@westoxon.gov.uk or athome.

Richard Bishop (891414)

Garden waste and Christmas trees From 9 January, garden waste customerscan recycle their real Christmas trees,holly, ivy and mistletoe. Please cut upand place inside your licenced gardenbin, remembering to remove decorations,pots, wire etc.

Collection dates:Normal collection Revised collectionTuesday 26 Dec Thursday 28 DecTuesday 2 Jan Thursday 4 JanTuesday 9 Jan Wednesday 10 JanGarden waste collections suspended 25Dec–8 Jan.

Normal collection dates resume Monday15 January 2018.

For more information, visit

starting to think about a production fornext autumn so watch this space!

We look forward to seeing many of you atone or other of our events next year. Inthe meantime we would like to wish allour members, friends and supporters aHappy Christmas and prosperous NewYear.

West Oxfordshire CommunityChoirWOC CHOIR IS CHANGING. FromJanuary the choir will meet for rehearsalson a WEDNESDAY evening. The new termwill launch on Wednesday 10 Jan at7:30pm in St James’ Centre. If you’ve notbeen to choir for while or perhaps havenever sung with us before, why not comealong to see what being part of a fun-filled, diverse singing group is all about?We never work from sheet music so nomusic reading ability is required and alllevels of singing experience are welcome.From Guns & Roses to Nat King Cole;Andrew Lloyd Webber to Elbow, we sing ahuge variety of musical genres and vocaltuition as well as performance techniqueare all part of the weekly fun too. Whatmore could you want on an otherwisedull, mid-week evening? For moreinformation contact Laura onwocchoir@yahoo.co.uk. We look forwardto welcoming you to the choir.

WOC Choir will also be performing ourChristmas concert, ‘Walking in a WinterWonderland’, on Saturday 9 Dec at 6pmin aid of FoSS. Do come along and supportthe choir to help us raise as much aspossible for our brilliant village school.Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2 forchildren. Father Christmas will also be

coming along to meet the childrenfollowing the concert and mulled wine,tea, cake, a tombola stall and a raffle willalso be on offer. We can’t wait to performfor you all again. Happy MerryHarmonising to all!

Laura

The Oxfordshire Museum,WoodstockThe Oxfordshire Craft Guild’s ChristmasSelling Exhibition Until 30 December.Featuring some of the county’s leadingcontemporary craft makers and designers.Perfect for Christmas! Free admission.

Friday 1 December: Nearest & Dearest:Family, friends, neighbours and relatives.A monthly group for people to meet,reminisce about the past, bring photos,objects and share memories.We look backat when families were close by. 2-3.30pm.£1 per person includes tea and coffee. Formore information, 01865 300693.

Talks (7.30pm. Friends free. Visitorswelcome. Tickets £4 on the door.)6 Dec: Times of contrast – a geologicalperspective of Oxfordshire in Jurassic andQuaternary by Lesley Dunlop, The OxfordGeology Trust.10 Jan: Trees and the making of ourwoodland by John Banbury.

Christmas & New Year: closed onChristmas Eve, Christmas Day & BoxingDay, 31 Dec & 1 Jan.

Community Education at theMarlborough School, WoodstockWe run an extensive programme ofcourses for adults all year round duringterm time. Courses starting in January

11 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018

Stonesfield LibraryTelephone: 01993 898187

Opening Hours:Monday 2.30–7pmTuesday ClosedWednesday 10am–12noonThursday 2.30–5pmFriday ClosedSaturday 10am–12noon

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Yearto everyone from The Staff and all theVolunteers at Stonesfield Library. We areclosing for Christmas and New Year onThursday 21 December at 5pm untilWednesday 3 January 2018 at 10am. Wewill however be open on Saturday 30December from 10–12noon.

Judith Lloyd

As most readers will know, our Manager,Debbie Wilson, has been off sick for sometime. We apologise for anyinconvenience caused by this but thegood news is that Judith Lloyd is nowwith us for a three-month contract sothere will always be a professionalavailable on Mondays and on alternateWednesdays and Saturdays. We hope thatDebbie will recover soon but at least wehave a professional permanently in herstead.

We look forward to more visitors duringthe colder months that lie ahead. Withtheir budget stable for the next year,Library Services hope to be able to send asteady stream of books to the 43 Librariesin the County. We welcome comments

and requests on the books that are on theshelves; we are often able to ask for andreceive books on new subjects or writtenby authors who are missing from ourshelves. As always, if you don’t ask youcannot get, so let Judith and ourselveshave your ideas and we will try ourhardest to do as you ask.

All the larger Libraries will remain openover the Christmas period (though seeJudith’s note above about our ownclosure) so the Library Service and itsbooks are still available for a bit of peacebetween all those parties. Meanwhile, wethank our faithful customers for theirvisits and remind the village that we arehere and at their service: we are fortunateto have this facility, so let’s use it lest welose it! Happy Christmas and all goodfortune in 2018.

Tony Scott and the other FoSLs

The Stonesfield PlayersBy the time you read this, our productionof Absent Friends will have come and goneand the Players would like to thankdirector Caroline Friend and everyone elseinvolved with this production.

To brighten up the dark days of Februarythe Players are putting on a Quiz ofQuizzes quiz night (if that's not too manyquizzes in one sentence) on Saturday 24February. Further details to follow butpencil in the date!

We are also looking at staging another ofour famous ‘Radio’ plays in the spring and

December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 10

Education & culture

Stonesfield Scout GroupIn November, Beavers worked onteamwork challenges, preparing forRemembrance Sunday, their Air Activitiesbadge and baking. This month they willbe heading off with the Cubs to Hill Endfor festive night-time orienteering.

Congratulations to all Scouts whoachieved their Expedition Challengebadge at the end of October, despiteStorm Brian, and showed great resilienceand teamwork under extremelychallenging conditions. Since then,Scouts have been working on theirunderstanding of the Scout Law and theirfire-lighting and outdoor cooking skills.

Christmas Bingo is back on 15 Decemberat the village hall. Come and join us foran evening of fun, fabulous bingo andraffle prizes, bar and refreshments. Doorsopen at 6.30pm, 'eyes down' at 7pm.

Look out for post boxes for seniorcitizens' Christmas cards from 1December at the shop, Derby and Joanand Lunch Clubs. Please ensure thataddresses include house numbers/namesand roads, for delivery within the villageonly, from 14 December by our youngpeople.

And finally, don’t forget to look out forSanta's sleigh, touring our village on 21December. We are always hugely gratefulto Witney Round Table for helping usraise money for both local charities andour own scout group. Catch up with usand join in with some carols!

Thank you to everyone in the village,local companies and families who havesupported our group in so many waysthroughout the year. If you, or someoneyou know, would like to get involved,contact us at info@stonesfield-scouts.org.uk. We wish you a very happyChristmas and a great new year.

1st Stonesfield Scout Group

Stonesfield Lunch ClubThe Stonesfield Lunch Club special openmonthly lunches will be on Wednesday 6December and Wednesday 3 January, at12.15pm. Please telephone Anne Bishop(891414) or Mary Plumridge (891697) bythe previous Friday if you would like tocome.

Women’s InstituteThe October meeting of WI was a stickyaffair in which we mounded, coated anddecorated our chocolate truffles aidedand guided by our instructor CharlotteGillingham. Each of us ended up with abox of sixteen delicious truffles, achievedamidst much laughter and good humour.

The November meeting will be afternoontea at the St James’ Centre.

Anne Bishop

Stonesfield Gardening ClubAfter our AGM in November, this is thecommittee: Chair - Sybil Barton; Treasurer - Bernard

13 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018

2018 include cooking through theseasons, painting, life drawing, acousticguitar and psychology. Brush up on yourItalian or Spanish with our beginner orimprover courses. To relax or get fit, tryPilates, yoga, tai chi, Zumba Gold, orbadminton. Our two Tuesday eveningsinging groups, for beginners andimprovers, always welcome new memberstoo.

Our next two Saturday workshop days are3 February and 10 March. The stand-aloneclasses we run on these days make greatexperience presents for friends or family,or why not book two places and cometogether? These workshops are popularand fill up very quickly, so please bookearly. Check our website for availability orring us.

Marlborough C of E School, CommunityEducation (01993 813592,Comed.4560@marlborough.oxon.sch.uk,www.marlborough.oxon.sch.uk/commed

Woodstock Music Society WinterConcertBenjamin Britten: Saint Nicolas; GeoffreyBush: A Christmas Cantata; Massenet andRébikov: Music for Christmas

Friday 8 and Saturday 9 December at 7.30

pm, St Mary Magdalene Church,Woodstock. Advance tickets: £13(concessions £12) from The WoodstockBookshop (01993 812760) or email:concerts@woodstockmusic.info. At thedoor, £14 (concessions £13). Full-timestudents £5, accompanied children under16 free.

Witney Music SocietyWitney Music Society's December concertwill be given by Rosalind Ventris (viola)and Marisa Gupta (piano). The concert,featuring works by Schumann, J. S. Bach,Schubert, Britten and Brahms, will be at7.30pm on Friday 8 December.

In January, Oxford Lieder award winnersLorena Paz Nieto (soprano) and JohanBarnoin (piano) will give a recital of songsby composers including Strauss, Villa-Lobos and Manuel de Falla. The concertwill be at 7.30pm on Friday 12 January.

Both concerts are at High Street MethodistChurch, Witney. Tickets (full price £12,senior concessions £11, under 18 £1) willbe available at the door from 7pm.

For more information, please telephone01993 702296 or visit the Witney MusicSociety websitewww.witneymusicsociety.org.uk

December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 12

Clubs & societies

STONESFIELD VOLUNTAR Y TRANSPOR T SCHEMEarranges car transport to doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries inWoodstock, Charlbury, Long Hanborough and Witney, and to

Water Eaton Park & Ride (for buses to JR, Nuffield and Churchill Hospitals)If you need a lift for a medical visit in DECEMBER or JANUARYplease ring Peter Clifton (891956) or Jenny Haviland (891614).

Every effort will be made to find a volunteer driver for you, but please give as muchnotice as you can. This is a free service, but donations to costs are welcomed.

15 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 14

Williamson; Secretary - Diane Bates;Membership - Jill Rowlinson (891346);Publicity - Wendy Gould; SylviaHuddleston; Gill Barrett; Helen Taylor.

As we have had a successful year to date,we agreed to donate £100 to each of theStonesfield Pre-school and BridewellOrganic Gardens.

Our speaker, Tanya Bainbridge, presenteda fascinating talk on the processes sheuses in her soap-making(www.stonesfieldsoap.com) and some ofthe of plant extracts she uses.

On Monday 11 December we will holdour annual quiz and social evening in theSt James’ Centre. Membership renewalswill be processed from 7.30pm with freemulled wine and mince pies!Subscriptions for 2018 will be £8 perindividual or £15 for a couple.

The club has a small stock of compostedhorse manure for sale at cost price of£4.50 per bag; ideal for mulching aroundroses and clematis now or in spring,please contact me if you are interested – Ican deliver to your garden!

Sybil Barton (01993 891590sybil.a.barton@gmail.com)

Over 60s Darby & Joan ClubIt was good to see so many at ourNovember meeting, which was as alwaysour Annual Bingo with the prizes havinga touch of Christmas about them. Thankyou to Judy & Jenny for organising them.It is always very quiet when you arecalling the numbers until someone callsand then it can get a bit noisy when youare trying to check the cards. After theprizes were handed out it was time for

our Cuppa. We had some special cakes aswe were celebrating Hilda Hyde's 90thbirthday a little early. We gave Hilda alittle gift and a card ready for the BigDay. We hope you have a wonderful timewith your family, Hilda.

Names were taken for our ChristmasLunch on 14 Dec. Lunch will be served at1pm. David Woodfine is organising ourmeal and we know it will be lovely.Thank you in advance David. We haveorganised entertainment and there willbe the usual Raffle. Father Christmas willprobably have been in earlier to drop offsome gifts for us all. What a kindgentleman he is. Needless to say we willend with Auld Lang Syne.

Our first meeting of 2018 will be on 11January 11 at 2pm. I look forward toseeing you then.

Alan & I wish you all a very HappyChristmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Avis

Stonesfield Folk Dance GroupWe continue to meet in the Village Hallon Wednesdays from 8pm and wouldvery much like to invite you to join usfor a convivial evening of live music andtraditional English Country Dance. Weare busy planning The Ken SheffieldTribute Day on 25 March to celebrate thelife and work of one of England’s bestknown choreographers who was amember of our club for many years.Sadly Ken died in July, leaving a hugelegacy of Folk Dances and Tunes for us tocontinue enjoying. We have Kathryn &David Wright from Lichfield togetherwith Keeping Thyme who will be joinedby Elvyn Blomfield (all members of the

famous group Wild Thyme who recordedmany of Ken’s early dances) joining usfor the day. Stonesfield Folk Dance Groupis currently compiling a CommemorativeCD featuring an interview with Kenmade in February 2017, some earlyrecordings by Wild Thyme, furtherrecordings by The Donkey House Band,one of our resident bands that Kenplayed with and some reminiscences ofhis old friends.

The annual Stonesfield Folk DanceWeekend 8-10 June is being built aroundthe visit of the National Youth FolkTroupe of England and this will bringyoung dancers and musicians from allover the UK. They are being supported bywell-known and established Folk Stars.Booking is essential for this as spaces arelimited and half have already been taken.Further information can be found onwww.stonesfieldfolkdance.danceorg.uk

Stonesfield Sports & Social ClubCome along on Christmas Day to enjoy alunchtime drink from midday till 2pm.All welcome.

New Year’s Eve – see the new year in witha disco from 8pm till 1am. Nibbles and afree glass of Prosecco at midnight.

Opening hours over Christmas (all otherdates, normal opening hours):Christmas Eve, 4–11pmChristmas Day, noon–2pmBoxing Day, noon–4pmNew Year’s Eve, noon–1amNew Year’s Day, 4–11pm

The Club has now got Sky Ultimate and,coming soon, full BT sports package.

Brian Clarke (891770)

Charbury’s Own CinemaSunday, 17 December at 3pm: TheChristmas Family Matinee is "ELF" Cert.PG / 93mins. Prizes for the best dressedelves! Free popcorn for children andmince pies for adults! Memorial Hall,Charlbury, doors and bar from 2.15pm.Admission: £5 / U16s £3 / Family £12 (2adults and 1 or 2 children).

Sunday, 7 January 2018 at 7pm: TheMartian Cert 12 / 2 hrs 20mins (plusshort intermission). Memorial Hall,Charlbury, doors & bar from 6.15pm.Admission: £5 / U16s £3.

Woodstock & District Universityof the Third AgeOur monthly meetings are at theEnterprise Centre, Marlborough School,Woodstock, generally every 1st Tuesdayat 2pm. Visitors are welcome.

Our next meeting is on 12 December,when Hugh Granger will be talking aboutA Journey by Stagecoach.

For more information, please see ourwebsite www.u3asites.org.uk/woodstockor phone 01865 580688.

North Leigh History Society5 Dec Mischief and Mayhem in Oxford – atalk by Richard O’Smith. With festiverefreshments.

9 Jan Jazz – a talk by Peter Crumpton.

7.30 p.m. Turner Hall, Church Road,North Leigh OX29 6TX. All welcome.Visitors £4, Members free. Further detailsfrom Diana Power (01993 882301).

17 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 16

Stonesfield Football ClubWith Santa gearing up for his annual gift-fest … our Firsts could be forgiven forincluding goal-scoring boots in their listof goodies despite the fact that the Riceboys continue to find the back of the neton a regular basis, our heroes are edgedinto third place in the league on goal-difference … if the half-chances had beentaken in some of their games it could allbe oh so different! This month has seensome great games and great results … Awonderful away win at Tower Hill Stars(3–2) was followed by a draw at TowerHill (2–2) then a magnificent home winagainst ancient rivals Milton (4–0).However, the absolute pick of the bunchhas to be the 2–1 win in the Fred FordCup at home to high-flyers MiddleBarton from Division 2 with Raffy Riceand Lewis Colwell notching the goals inan absolute cracker of a cup-tie that hadour old boy Nick Higgs starring inCentral midfield for the gallant visitors …just wish he was strutting his stuff inStonesfield Blue, as his dynamism wouldbe a hugely welcome addition to ourteam. Hopefully the cup run continuesand gives us great delight when winterfinally gives way to that wonderful springsunshine. Also, good luck to Nick and hispals in The Bartons – be good to seethem promoted to our league nextseason, so that good-humoured hostilitiescan be renewed on a regular basis.

The Reserves have had a mixed-bag ofresults: a great win at home to Spartans(4–3) and an away defeat at Brize Norton

(3–2) followed a great win away atCarterton Town (2–1). Sadly defeat in theJack Busby away at Bampton (5–1) showsjust how fragile their form can be; a factcompounded by their trip to top-of-the-table Bletchingdon where a JamieGardener double secured all three pointsfor our boys in a 5-goal thriller, elevatingthem to a respectable 5th place in theleague.

The Football Club would like to say amassive ‘thank-you’ to Mark Hatton forall his hard work throughout the seasonin keeping our pitch in tip-top conditionand also recently for assembling our newgoal posts single-handedly (no meanfeat). Mark was ‘in the frame’ when thecommittee were considering this month’sFredo Award but Mrs Claus and herefforts on behalf of Santa’s Elves andtheir daily lunches is also a worthycontender - then up popped Young JamieGardener who has been at his supremebest scoring great goals for The Reservesin both games against Bletchingdon andCarterton … I’m sure neither Mark norLady Claus would begrudge Young Jamiestepping forward to claim this month’sFredo as just reward for all his efforts.

With The Festive Season about todescend upon us all, the Football Clubwould like to thank the whole village foryour support in the last year and wisheach and every one of you a lovelyChristmas and a hugely prosperous NewYear.

Tom Flanigan (891979)

Sport

From your Parish Priest Are you looking forward to Christmas? Itcan be, sometimes, a bit of a pressure.Not only the obvious financialimplications of trying to make Christmasspecial for our loved ones but the time ittakes to get everything ready.

So are you ready for Christmas?

My second daughter is usually super-efficient in making sure that all is ready.However, this year she has to be veryorganised. She is expecting her secondchild and the estimate, as far as time forarrival is concerned, has been given asChristmas Day.

Of course babies have a habit of comingwhen they are ready. Bev and I are oncall for the birth, it will be our job tolook after my daughter’s firstborn, as sheand her husband I guess will be quitebusy! The good thing is that the trip tothe hospital will not be 80 miles on adonkey on unmade roads.

You will remember that trip has alreadybeen done.

Nazareth to Bethlehem was quite anundertaking in winter. Thank goodness itwill be in a Vauxhall people-carrier onreasonable roads, given the potholes thatcan jolt a bit. Their car tends to be a bitmore comfortable and the suspension ismuch better since those donkey days.

Given all our sophistication though and‘wishbone technology’, the arrival of abrand new life is still a miracle, don’t youthink? No doubt there will be a few tearsof joy and not a few of relief when thenew addition arrives.

Thankfully the little one will come backhome to a house ‘spick and span’ andready for the new arrival. Our daughtertold me that she has been ‘fettling’ thehouse and there will be a warm bedready. I know that Joseph made the besthe could with a bit of straw and ananimal food trough. I am sure we are allpleased our new addition will have the

Church news

Anglican Worship in the Parishesof Stonesfield with Combe Longa

Rector: The Revd Roy TurnerThe Rectory, Stonesfield, Witney, Oxon, OX29 8PR

Telephone: 01993 898552 – Email: revroystonesfield@hotmail.co.uk

www.stonesfieldparishchurch.org

Stonesfield Churchwardens: Neil Melrose (891566) and Martine Smith-Huvers (898425)Combe Longa Churchwardens: Julian Freeland (891223) and Andrew Hobson (891273)

BCP=Book of Common Prayer: CW=Common Worship

best of a soft and secure place to rest itshead and a secure home to belong to. Ahome especially prepared, fettled andlovingly arranged.

I suppose that’s something of themessage of Christmas. It’s not a physicalhome but a spiritual home we need toprepare. To make ready and prepare ourhearts for the coming of the Christ child.To prepare our hearts for him to make ahome in our lives. The trouble these daysis that many of us find it difficult tomake way for anything but our ownneeds. I find it amazing how we aredriven by consumerism and getting stuff

that we hope will make sense of our lives.We have all, I am sure, made the mistakeof thinking that the stuff we collect willsatisfy our sense of who we are. Unfortun -ately, I have found, that stuff never does.

I have found that it’s only relationship,family and love that makes sense.Ultimately, of course, the love of Godthat is celebrated at Christmas time.

Have a great Christmas and I hope to seeyou all. There are lots of services tochoose from.

See you soon and of course D.F.T.W.

Rev Roy

19 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 18

SERVICES FOR DECEMBER AND JANUARY

Sunday 3 December [Advent Sunday]8am Stonesfield Holy Communion [BCP/said] 9.30am Combe Longa All Age Worship - Christingle 11amStonesfield All Age Worship

Sunday 10 December [Second Sunday of Advent]8am Stonesfield Holy Communion [BCP/said] 9.30am Combe Longa Matins [BCP/sung]11am Stonesfield Parish Communion [CW/sung]

Sunday 17 December [Third Sunday of Advent]8am Stonesfield Holy Communion [BCP/said] 9.30am Combe Longa Parish Communion [BCP/said]11am Stonesfield Communion Service for all ages3pm Combe Longa Village Carol Service

Saturday 23 December6.30pm Stonesfield Village Carol Service

Christmas Eve: Sunday 24 December [Fourth Sunday of Advent]8am Stonesfield Holy Communion [BCP/said]10am Combe Longa Parish Communion [CW/said]3.30pm Stonesfield Crib Service – for all the family10pm Combe Longa Midnight Holy Communion10pm Stonesfield Midnight Holy Communion

Christmas Day: Monday 25 December 8am Stonesfield Holy Communion [BCP/said] 9.30am Combe Longa Family Service with Holy Communion11am Stonesfield Family Service with Holy Communion

Sunday 31 December [First Sunday of Christmas]8am Stonesfield Holy Communion [BCP/said] 10am Stonesfield United Benefice Communion [CW/sung]

Sunday 7 January [Epiphany transferred – Baptism of Christ]8am Stonesfield Holy Communion [BCP/said] 9.30am Combe Longa All Age Worship11am Stonesfield All Age Worship

Sunday 14 January [Epiphany 2]8am Stonesfield Holy Communion [BCP/said] 9.30am Combe Longa Parish Communion [CW/sung]11am Stonesfield Parish Communion [CW/sung]

Sunday 21 January [Epiphany 3]8am Stonesfield Holy Communion [CW/sung]9.30am Combe Longa Parish Communion [BCP/said]11am Stonesfield Communion Service for all ages

Sunday 28 January [Epiphany 4]8am Stonesfield Holy Communion [BCP/said] 9.30am Combe Longa Parish Communion [BCP/said]11am Stonesfield Parish Communion [CW/sung]4.30pm Combe Longa Evensong

Sunday 4 February [Fourth Sunday before Lent]8am Stonesfield Holy Communion [BCP/said] 9.30am Combe Longa All Age Worship11am Stonesfield All Age Worship

Mid-week Communion Service [said]Wednesdays 9.30am at Stonesfield. Everyone is most welcome.

Money Collections at ChristmasServicesThere will be an opportunity at the CarolService on Saturday 23 December todonate to Sobell House Hospice in

Oxford. At the Crib Service, childrenoften like to place a gift under theChristmas tree – we would be grateful ifthis could be a gift of money for theChildren’s Society, instead of a toy. It

21 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 20

would be fun if children wrapped up aparcel of money to look like a present!Thank you.

Stonesfield Methodist Church

SERVICES FOR DECEMBER

Sun 3 11am Revd Rose WestwoodHoly Communion

Sun 10 10am Revd Fred Ireland

Sun 17 11am David Sarbutts

Sun 24 3pm Revd Melanie Reed

Christmas Day Revd Rose Westwood10.30 Charlbury

SERVICES FOR JANUARY

Sun 7 11am Revd Rose WestwoodCovenant Service

Sun 14 11am Eddie Fowler

Sun 21 11am Mary Blow

Sun 28 11am Keith Crawford

The Carol Service this year will be led byMelanie, the Minister of High St.Methodist Church, Witney. We lookforward to her visit. Melanie is aninspiring speaker; she uplifts our spirits!

Come and join our Christmascelebration, it's a great time to share inthe real meaning of this wonderfulseason. It's been a year of changes, wesincerely wish the Church to remain aspart of the community and are doing allwe can to keep it as such, although thereare difficulties to overcome.

We thank friends for their kind andconstant support which has helped us

through this year and we reach out tothe wider village, seeking greater supportfor the future. We welcome all to join ourServices and if you are new to the villageyou may like to come to our ChristmasService on the 24th at 3pm. We wouldlove to meet you. A warm welcomeawaits everyone!

Kathleen

From the Minister

Dear FriendsThis is my first Christmas in Oxfordshire,and I am eagerly looking forward to anyusual customs that may still survive here.Many years ago, I lived in SouthYorkshire, where I discovered that localvillages had a collection of local carolsthat were still sung in Church and Pub.And no one seemed shy about joining inwith the singing!

If carols are not sung in the pub inStonesfield, then I am sure that a goodwelcome will await you – should youwish to sing carols old and new – in ourchurches here in Stonesfield over theChristmas season.

And on to the New Year with all that willbring for us. In our Methodist Churcheswe usually begin the New Year with ourcovenant service. This is not so much atime to make a New Year’s resolution, butan opportunity to give thanks to Godand renew our sense of belonging to thewider community brought together inChrist. It is a special moment, when wecan contemplate the things that arereally important in life.

I wonder what things you hold mostimportant in life? I would hope that thistime of year, family and friends might be

on that list; a sense of gratitude for thetremendous blessings which come withliving in such a peaceful part of theworld; and an ability to spare a thought(and perhaps something more) for thosefor whom Christmas is not such a joyfultime.

And so I wish you joy and peace in yourpreparations for Christmas, but mostimportantly of all, the love of JesusChrist our Lord in and throughout thecelebrations.

Every blessing, RoseThe Reverend Rose Westwood, Minister,Stonesfield Methodist Church andSuperintendent of the Witney andFaringdon Circuit

Roman Catholic WorshipSt Teresa’s Charlbury

InnocenceShortly we will be celebrating Christmaswith all the joy and pleasure that thatentails. Most of us will have decoratedour houses and some of us will have acrib showing the Nativity. It was StFrancis of Assisi in the 13C who initiatedthe first crib using real animals to showpeople what he thought the Nativitylooked like. In particular, he wanted toreinforce the message that the ‘GoodNews’ in the Gospels was brought by theSon of God in human form. And inparticular, he wanted to show thathuman form at its most vulnerable andinnocent – that of a newborn child. Theimportance of the representation of theChild Jesus was to emphasis this perfectmessage, just as newborn babies areunblemished by adult failings, so Jesus asthe innocent child was bringing us all

this pure, new message of hope – the giftof life eternal.

Christmas Service times at St Teresa’s24 December: 8.30pm Mass of ChristmasNight with carols

25 December: 9.15am Mass of ChristmasDay

For times of confession, see the weeklynewsletter on: stteresaschurch-charlbury.com

MASS TIMES

SUNDAYS

St Teresa's, Charlbury: 9.15am

St Kenelm's, Enstone: 9am, secondSunday of every month

WEEKDAYS

St Teresa’s, Charlbury: 9.30am,Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays,preceded by Morning Prayers at9.15am.

Confession: Confessions will be at 10amafter morning Mass on Saturdays, and onrequest.

Father Tony Joyce can be contacted on:holytrinityrcchippy@gmail.com ortelephone: 01608 642703

For parish updates and any furtherinformation please see:https://stteresaschurch-charlbury.com/ orcontact Mike and Clare, Joint Chairs,Parish Committee: chair.stteresaschurchcharlbury@ gmail.com

Forthcoming EventsSunday 17 December 3pm: St. Teresa’sChristmas Carol Service

Christmas cards for sale: 19November–10 December (4 Sundays) tosupport Aid to the Church in Need, anecumenical charity that supportspersecuted Christians world-wide.

2018English Women Saints – date tbc

Visit to Stonor House – date tbc

For further information about the aboveplease contact Suze Mathews,suzemathews899@btinternet.com, 019938791720

The Roman Catholic community inStonesfield wishes you all a joyous andpeaceful Christmas.

New Church thoughtBack in 1992, at a friend’s suggestion, Iwrote these lyrics for a carol:

At Christmas… do we really know why thecelebrations give us such a glow? Can wesense the angels joining earth to heaven?Have we understood yet why this gift wasgiven?

At Christmas… God came to the world.Quietly, in darkness, wonderment unfurled.Lowly manger baby, Jesus – gift of gold –brought his love to guide us safely to his fold.

At Christmas… life can start anew if wechange the pattern seen in what we do. Showgood will, and cherish those we come toknow. Nurture love for others – heaven’speace will grow.

Let us learn a lesson from that tiny boy –innocence and wonder open us to joy.

Wishing you peace, wonderment and joythis Christmas season.

Dale Morris

23 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 22

The Stonesfield Slate is a village amenitypro duced and distributed by volunteers. Itcan not be held responsible for any of theviews ex pressed in its pages nor does itendorse any of the products or servicesadvertised. The editor and the pub lishersreserve the right to edit or shorten anyarticle sub mitted for pub lication.

Advertisements

Line ads: £1.50 per 30 words.Boxed ads: 1/16 page £2; 1/8 page £4;1/4 page £8; 1/2 page £12; whole page £24.

Copy should be sent to sj@sjhaviland.co.ukby 15th of the month or dropped in toJenny Haviland, Peakes House, Peaks Lane,Stonesfield, OX29 8PY (tel. 01993 891614).

JEMCHIMNEYSWEEPING

• NO FUSS••NO MESS •

• NO PROBLEM •Tel: 01865 772996

STEVE HEYDEN HOME CARE

PAINTING & DECORATING

Friendly reliable service, competitiverates. For a quote, phone 01993

891773 or 07931 362735

Childcare/Babysitter. My name is Ciara Hollowayand I am 14 years and I am currently in year 10.I am happy to babysit or take care of children. I have younger siblings and am very competent at looking after children of any age. I have alsopassed a babysitting course at school. Pleasecontact me on 07943 847622.

VACANCYStonesfield Sports and Social Club are

looking to fill the role of Club Steward.

For further details or to apply please email Dave Holloway

before 8 Decemberdave@callowfarm.co.uk

C H R I S T M A S W R E A T H SPre-order your Christmas wreath,

handmade and delivered to your homein Stonesfield and nearby areas.

A choice of red or gold ribbons, pinecones and a selection of festive foliage.

14” wreaths £12.99, 12” wreaths £10.

Katrina – 01993 891131 / 07824 357690katrinamoss1979@icloud.com

FoSL: Friends of Stonesfield LibraryOpen to anyone who wants to helpkeep our village library open.We are now providing voluntary coverfor half of the existing library hours(about 6 hours a week), since thelibrary service is now cut back.For further details, or to join us, pleasecontact Tony Scott on 01993 891380,tonyandrachel.scott@virgin.net

Still-Life Drawing at Reading Room in CombeNew course starts Friday 5 January, 10 am to 12.15 pm, 5 weeks, £60.

Drop-in sessions start Friday 5 January,1.30 to 3.45 pm, £13.

All-day workshop, Saturday 25 January,10 am to 4.30 pm, £30.

Elementary Drawing Skills at St James’ Centre inStonesfield

New course starts Monday 8 January,1.30 to 3.45 pm, 4 weeks, £48.

For more information and bookings, contact Gabriele byemail gabrielekern31@gmail.com or tel 01993 880430

25 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 24

All types of electrical work undertaken, no job too big or small We are fully insured and NICEIC approved electrical contractors PART P • New or additional power sockets (USB sockets available) • New building installations kitchens and bathrooms. • Consumer unit (fuse board) replacement • Extension and outbuilding wiring and lighting • Security lighting, alarm installations and smoke alarms • NICEIC Tests, Inspections and Reports and fault finding • Rewiring • Power and Lighting Call us on 01993222444 or Email quotes@Oxelec.co.uk web www.OxElec.co.uk

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Come and choose your own Christmas tree growing in the field. Thousands to choose from – Norway Spruce and Belgian Spruce.

Open December weekends until Saturday 23rd to choose and collect.

9.30am - 4.00pmHalcyon Honey Farm

Woodstock Road, Charlbury, OX7 3ET

Tel: 01608 810260 Mob: 07969 208518Turn off A44 onto B4437 to Charlbury and look out for the banners!

Charlbury CHRISTMAS

TREES Established 1997 Locally Grown

We now have a fully extended childcare provision running from Pre-School.Here is what is currently available:

Breakfast ClubNow Monday–Thursday, 8–8.50am (£5 per day).

Cereal, toast and fruit juice included

Pre-School Sessions9am–3pm daily for children aged 2–4 years

After School ClubMonday–Thursday, 3.15–6pm (£15 per day)

If you would like registration forms for any of the above, please contact our administrator, Mrs Zena Rozee

(tel. 01993 898012 or email: zenarozee@outlook.com)

FITSTEPS CLASSESLinda invites you to join her in funfilled FITSTEPS (R) classes for Beginners

from January 2018, as a fantastic way to start the New Year!

FITSTEPS was created in 2013 by popular ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ starsNatalie Lowe & Ian Waite, along with Olympic swimmer Mark Foster.

It combines various basic Ballroom & Latin American style dance steps with some cardio exercise, but please don't let that deter you.It requires NO PRIOR DANCE EXPERIENCE! So come and try it for yourself. It's a 'Strictly' fun way to fitness and

you can take it at your own pace to suit your current level of fitness!

Classes from 8 January 2018Monday & Friday afternoons (times to be confirmed) at

St James’ Centre, High Street, Stonesfield, Witney OX29 8PU£5 per class

FREE 30 mins TASTER SESSIONSFriday 15 December and Monday 18 December, 1.30 pm

To express your interest in either the Taster or 2018 sessions or for further details,please pop your name, contact number &/or email address toLinda Marsh 07742 886860 or fitsteps.linda@gmail.com

27 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018

Bed and Breakfastat Combe

For detailsplease view

www.greenclose.netor call 01993 891223

December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 26

PETSITTING

Do you go on holiday and worry about your pets? I am a pet lover and I am offering to look afteryour animals (feeding, playing, etc.) after school/weekends/school holidays. I also ride ponies,

water plants and can supply a reference from mycat sitting job. Rates negotiable.

Please call 01993 898620 and ask for Tara Taylor.

t I have experience and can supply a reference from my cat sitting job. Please call: 01993 898 620 and ask for Tara Taylor

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t I have experience and can supply a reference from my cat sitting job. Please call: 01993 898 620 and ask for Tara Taylor

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Tracey Keeling

Personal Trainer Specialist in the older adult

Invest in your fitness beyond 65:

• Build strength and stamina • Improve balance and coordination • Combat slowing metabolism • Increase flexibility • Improve your mood

Call to find out how specialist personal training can help you. Arrange a visit to my local, private gym for a FREE, no obligation consultation. I offer an experienced, professional and supportive service – always with a smile!

traceykeeling@hotmail.co.uk 07977 228756 01993 898911

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Plumbing, Heating, BathroomRefurbishments/Installations, Tiling

01993 252643 or 07515 284286jh.plumbing@hotmail.co.uk

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RewiringSecurity lightsInstallation of showers, cookers and other appliancesReplacement lights and socketsNew consumer units / fuseboxesFully qualified

01993 883880 / 07795 957988www.andrewboothelectrician.co.uk

SCSalon Copenhagen

3 Pendle Court, Pond Hill, Stonesfield, Oxon. Telephone (01993) 891101

Unisex hairdressing salon for ladies, gentlemen and children offering styling treatments and hairdressing advice.

All aspects of hairdressing undertaken by our professionally trained stylists,Sally, Cheryl and Donna, and we welcome Chloe, our new junior.

We are a Wella appointed salon and the salon is modern with the latest techniques.

We also offer earpiercing and our nail bar is open for manicures, pedicures andGelish Polish.

A very friendly and warm welcome awaits you.

Good GourmetUpcoming events at our pop-up restaurant

20 January 2018Fine-Dining South-East Asia

(menu to follow)

Happy Christmas

and best wishes for the New Year

to all our customers

from Good Gourmet

Visit www.goodgourmet.co.uk to see menusand make a booking or call 01993 898614

GOURMETood

bistro - style - catering

Market St • Charlbury • Oxon • OX7 3PLTel: 01608 811805

www.cotswoldframes.co.uk

Family business est. over 40 years.Cleaning windows – UVPC fascia

boards – cladding – frames – gutters.Specialized equipment for cleaningconservatory roofs & solar panels.

Fully insured.For a professional and reliable servicering 01993 882727 or 07974 991269.

KINGS CLEANING SERVICES

A. K. P. DIXONHome & Garden Maintenance

& General HandymanFor all those jobs you need doinginside & outside – I’m your man!Call Ade on 01993 813873

or 07825 631111or email handymanade@btinternet.com

Roger’s Gardens• Complete Lawn Care• Hedge Trimming• Garden Maintenance/Clearance• Garden Waste Removed• Fencing and Patios• Vegetable Plots prepared and cultivated• TurfingNO JOB TOO SMALL Contract Work Undertaken

Phone 01993 708727 or 07719 815621

WILLS ~ PROBATE ~ POWERS OF ATTORNEY

INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING

Tel. 01993 811 792 Email info@woodstocklaw.co.uk

Woodstock Solicitors - 1st Floor - 32 New Road - Woodstock - OX20 1PB

December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 28 29 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018

JANE BROOKS GYM AND SWIM

Monkey Gym for children walking to 4years at Stonesfield Village Hall,

Tuesdays at 9.30am.

Gymnastics for children age 4upwards at Marlborough School in

Woodstock, Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays.

Swimming lessons for pre-school age21⁄2 to age 4 during school day and for

age 4 upwards after school daily(various venues).

Please email: info@janebrooksgymandswim.com

We’ve made a few changes, come and see. Always open.

We poached the head chef from The Randolph in Oxford, come and try his food.

Open from 7.00pm – 9.30pm

We transformed ours into a relaxing bar for everyone, come for light meals and snacks.

Open from 12.00pm - 9.30pm

Join ‘The Club’ not a GymOpen daily

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Roberts Garden Machinery Ltd・Professional servicing and repairs ofmost makes of garden machinery

・New & second-hand machinery supplied

・Collection & delivery by arrangement

18 years’ experience with LAWNMOWER SALES & SERVICE

Open 8–5 Monday–Friday, 8–12 Saturday

Unit H5, New Yatt Business Centre, New Yatt, OX29 6TJ

Tel: 01993 881320 or email: robert.milloini@ btinternet.com

VEHICLE TECHMobile mechanic servicing, repairs, diagnostics

& MOTs prepared and arrangedfor all makes & models

Friendly & reliable service at competitive rates, 18 years experience & based in Stonesfield

Call Rob on 01608 646100 or 07791 755771Email: carcrazy38@yahoo.co.uk

31 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 30

GEOFF BOOTHLandscaping · Paving · WallingDriveways · Fencing · Treework

Building maintenanceHardwood logs delivered

Free quotationsTel: 01993 891945

Mob: 07710 628248Email: geoffboothlandscaping@hotmail.com

Pruning Felling Hedge Management

Professional and responsible service in all aspects of

arboriculture

THAMES VALLEY T R E E C A R E

Tel: 01993 891381 Mob: 07971018279

Email: chris@thamesvalleytreecare.co.ukwww.thamesvalleytreecare.co.uk

!"#$%&'()!%)#*+($,!-#./'!0#))1!2!3(+%!45!6'!36.-7!

089:!;!:;<<=!>?8@A!;BC!CAD8B89A@=!BE!F;GHEBI!JA/KA!LAAB!:A@<8BH!M>AG>!;BC!9:A8G!NE?<M9AG>!

DEG!EKAG!9:8G9=!=A;G>O!0A!:;KA!AP9AB>8KA!AP<AG8ABNA!ED!9:A!&B8KAG>89=!>=>9A?I!;BC!JA!

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0A!NE?A!9E!=EM!J89:!>;?A!C;=!>AGK8NA!8D!<E>>8L@AO!!0A!CEB/9!N:;GHA!DEG!9:A!N;@@]EM9!EG!8D!JA!N;B/9!D8P!89O!

Hypnotherapy

For help with anxiety, stress,pain control, insomnia, phobias,unwanted habits, confidenceand self-esteem, exam andinterview nerves.

Contact: Linda Flanigan Clinical HypnotherapistGHR Registered & Member (Lic.) of NationalCouncil for Hypnotherapy

Tel: 07866 360359Email: linda@lfhypnotherapy.co.ukwww.lfhypnotherapy.co.uk

Imagine lifeif you had your own . . .

PAGardenerPet CarerDecoratorBabysitterDecluttererHouse SitterEvent PlannerSpring Cleaner

Moving House Help . . .

all rolled into one!

For one-off events or regular help please call Lindsey

01993 898620 07941 561471lindsey@hatsoffstudios.comClient references available

MICHAEL PRICE & SONPLASTERING

For all your internal plasteringand exterior K Rend

tel 07710 170049 or 01608 811642mickeyprice525@gmail.com

58 Ticknell Piece Road, Charlbury, Oxon, OX7 3TW

Suriya Express& Post Office

1 Pendle Court, Pond Hill, StonesfieldTel/Fax 01993 898379

Freshly baked Bread & PastriesFine range of Groceries

Fruit, Vegetables & FlowersBeers, Wines & SpiritsDVD & Video Hire

New range of Organic ProductsDry Cleaning

Opening hours:Monday to Friday 7am–8pm

Saturday and Sunday 8am–8pm*Bank Holidays 8am–8pm*

*P.O. closed on Sundays & 5pm on Bank Holidays

PROBLEM FEET?

NAIL CUTTING • CORNS • CALLUSPROBLEM NAILS • FOOT MASSAGE

Treatment in the comfort of your own homeSHARON DAVIES MCFHP MAFHP(01993) 891132 / (M) 07941843353

Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

DO YOU NEEDA PLUMBER?

PlumbingHeating

BathroomsLead WorkGuttering

THEN CALLPETE

THE PLUMBER

Phone 01993 891283

No job too small.Free estimates.

for a�free� initial appointment call�

01865 884436�

Regulated by the�Solicitors Regulation�

Authority�

divorce & family law solicitors�leigh edwards�

www.leighedwards.com�

cohabitation�

children�

divorce�

Worton Park nr Yarnton�

“A very empathetic and�compassionate solicitor,�who works hard for her�clients to achieve the�best outcome possible”�

“An excellent service,�combining efficiency�and objectiveness�with sensitivity and�humanity”�

ROOFIXAll aspects of roof work undertaken

Slates • Tiles • Flat roofsChimneys • Valleys • Leadwork

Moss clearanceUPVC fascias • Soffits • Gutters

Advice and estimates free

Freephone0800 955 5063

Mobile07817 792194

P. FletcherPainting, Decorating

& WallpaperingForty years’ + experience

Tel. 01993 891207or mobile 07884 430300

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December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 32 33 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018

YOUR LOCAL

STOCKISTS & INSTALLERS OF

GARAGE DOORS &

REMOTE OPERATORS

GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS & SPARES

LOCAL RESIDENTS –10% DISCOUNT ONSTOCKED DOORS

CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 01993 778836 / 01865 246444

MANY WORKING DOORS & OPERATORS ON DISPLAY AT:

SHOWROOM:UNIT 24, AVENUE ONE, STATION LANE,

WITNEY, OXON, OX28 4XZ

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35 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 34

&20387 (5 � + ( / 3 �Broadband and Wireless. Installation and Training. Problem solving. Jargon-free advice. Upgrades.

Digital Photos. Virus Protection and Removal.

Call or email me, Len Kehoe

- Computer Science graduate with over 30 years experience

phone: 01993 810125

mobile: 07944 877437

email: thepcbuddy@gmail.com

web: www.thepcbuddy.co.uk

Andrew A. Adams FCCAChartered Certified Accountant

Quality personal service for your Accounting, Taxation and Business needs

Competitive fees agreed in advance

Free initial meeting

Telephone: 07790 85457401993 891280

Email: aaadams@TalkTalk.net

D. J. R. MILESBATHROOM, PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS LTD

(Company number 4633496)

Winner of the: Worcester Bosch environment 2007 installer of the year for sustainable heating and hot water systems

• WAI Worcester Bosch accredited installer• Gas safe register engineer: registration: 37123

• Oftec oil fired engineer: registration: C4970/101/105e/600a• Unvented hot water registered engineer• Greenskies solar panel registered engineer• Ground Source heat pump engineer

• Air to water source heat pump engineer• Green Source air to air engineer• Underfloor heating engineer

• 6084 city and guilds energy efficient domestic heating registered engineer• Part P electrical engineer

• All types of central heating services, new energy efficient installations and design service• All types of bathroom installations and design service

Address: Polperro, The Ridings, Stonesfield, Witney, Oxon OX29 8EATelephone: 01993 891904/01993 891314 Mobile: 07860 142230

www.plumbingandheating4oxfordshire.co.ukE-mail djrmbpheltd@yahoo.co.uk www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

A. L. SOLE & SONFuneral Directors

Bidston Close, Over Norton,Chipping Norton, ox7 5pp

A professionally qualifiedFuneral Director providinga dignified and personalservice at any hour.

Private Chapels of Restin a peaceful garden setting.

Tel. 01608 644112

m i k ec h a m b e r s

m a i n t e n a n c e

s m a l l a r e a t i l i n g

0 7 9 7 3 6 2 4 7 9 7

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!"#$%&'()*")$Member of the

Chartered Institute of Building !

General property maintenance and high quality DIY

General repairs

All carpentry - Decorating Minor plumbing

Prompt, reliable and recommended service

No job too small

Tel: 07876-275300 robatkinson.ajdw@gmail.com

“A job done well”

!

SJB Mobile Nail Technician Services

Offering manicures, pedicures, conditioningtreatments & Gelish in my home salon, or in the

comfort of your own home. Now also available hotwax hair removal, pamper parties & gift vouchers.

To book an appointment please can Sarah on01993 891055 or 07970 984326

www.sjbmobilenails.co.uk

37 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 36

PAINT TECHMobile automotive re-finishing

Painted bumpers, alloy wheels,paintless dent removal, screen repairs,

interior trim and seat repairs

Full body shop facilities

David Lee 07831 193999 7am–6pm

Established 1991

Jerrams Brothers Funeral Directors33 High Street

Woodstock OX20 1TE(01993) 811491

• Private Chapel of Rest• 24-hour personal family service

• Pre-paid funeral plans

As the third generation of a funeral-directing family, Nicholas andBenjamin Tonks believe that at the time of bereavement, compassion

and the families’ wishes are paramount. In partnership with the Churchand community we endeavour to give the bereaved as much care and

support as possible.

Painting, Decorating &Tiling With Care

*Local & Reliable TradesmanHouse & Home Services

*INTERIOR DECORATINGTILING – ALL TYPES

HOME MAINTENANCE & REPAIRSPERIOD PROPERTY EXPERIENCE

FULLY INSURED

*Richard BuckElbie House East EndTel: 01993 880166Mob: 07791 046583

STEPHEN J. WILEYELECTRICIAN

Additions ・�Alterations ・�RewiringSurveys ・�Security Lighting

Cookers ・�ShowersTelephone Points

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Tel (01993) 882778/88140990 Main Road, Long Hanborough, Witney, OX29 8JY

Stephen.Wiley@btconnect.com

Lighting Your Way Into The Future A C E Car Repairs and Servicing

01993 700041

SERVICING, BRAKES, CLUTCHES, SUSPENSIONS, EXHAUSTS,

DIAGNOSTICS, MOT’S PREPARED AND ARRANGED

Alan Claridge Engineering is a garage in Witney that has been repairingcars for over 30 years. I now live in Stonesfield and will collect your carfrom your house and deliver it back free of charge. I service and repair all

makes of car so please call me to arrange an appointment.

RuraScapeLandscaping & gardens

- Patios- Turfing- Fencing

- Lawns & grassland- Hedge management

- Garden/scrubland clearance

Tel 01993 898733 or 07811 598958Email rurascape@hotmail.com

Dog-walking service Do you work long hours and feel that your

dog is not getting the attention and exercisethat it needs? I'm setting up a dog-walking

service for Stonesfield and surroundingareas. I have public liability insurance for

peace of mind. Please feel free to call for aquote. Katrina 01993 891131 / 07824357690

katrinamoss1979@icloud.com

39 Stonesfield Slate December 2017/January 2018December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 38

Fixed priced repairs to

include electrical safety test

Electric cooker connections both

freestanding and built-in

BS7671 accredited

Full public liability cover

Same day, evening & weekend appointments

normally available

Domestic

Appliance Repairs WASHING MACHINES

REFRIGERATION ELECTRIC COOKERS

TUMBLE DRYERS DISHWASHERS

Professional Descaler Available

Call Andrew

01993 891339

or Mobile

07989 945971

PELLMANSSolicitors

• Business and Employment LawContracts, Legal Compliance & Disputes

• PropertyBuying & Selling Homes, Commercial& Agricultural

• Wills, Probate and TrustsTax Planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney& Elderly Client Advice

01865 884400www.pellmans.co.uk

1 Abbey Street, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TB

Home visits and evening appointments available

WITNEY WELDING

Architectural, Construction,

Agricultural and Equestrian

Steel Fabricating Services

We can also provide a full weldingservice in Steel, Stainless Steel,

Aluminium and Titanium, includingrepairs to Steel, Aluminium

and Iron castings

For a free no obligation quote,contact Peter on:

Tel: 01993 891198Mobile: 07751 678412

Email: Witneywelding@hotmail.com

Unit A, Farley Lane, Stonesfield,Oxfordshire, OX29 8HB

We would like to wish our many friends and clients from Stonesfield and Combe a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2018, and, of course thank them for their continued and valued support booking

holidays throughout the past year

Whatever your holiday requirements might be for the coming year, whether travelling for business or pleasure, we

will be delighted to help you find the best arrangements, wherever you wish to go, and whatever your budget.

Remember you can now also book flights, hotels, and fantastic holidays on our website, so call us, call in,

or visit www.greatexperiencetravel.co.uk

Waterloo Walk, High Street, Witney, OX28 6EU Tel: 01993 627713

e-mail:info@greatexperiencetravel.co.uk

December 2017/January 2018 Stonesfield Slate 40

The White Horse, StonesfieldYOUR PUB NEEDS YOU……….!!

The White Horse (Nigel, Clare and Marina) would like to thank you for thesupport many of you have shown for the last remaining pub in the village. December 19th is our 1-year anniversary and a time to reflect on the past yearand the sustainability of the business going forward.

We had a great start and a good summer but as we move into autumn and thewinter months, it has become clear that your local watering-hole is not foreveryone and not frequented as often as we had hoped.

We will continue into the New Year to see if the situation can be improved anddecide from then if the White Horse should continue.

***BRUNCH NOW BEING SERVED FROM 11AM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY***

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Christmas & New Year:20 December – 1st Anniversary celebration (free glass Champagne & nibbles)24 December - Christmas Eve special restaurant menuChristmas Day – Bar only, 12noon– 2pm (RESTAURANT FULLY BOOKED)Boxing Day – ClosedNew Year’s Eve – Masked Ball (£10 per ticket including finger buffet)New Year’s Day – Bar & Bacon Butties, 12noon– 2.30pm

GENERAL OPENING HOURSBar opening hours Food servedTuesday–Thursday 5pm–Close Tuesday–Thursday 6pm–9pmFriday 11am–2pm Friday 11am–2pm

5pm–Close 6pm–9pmSaturday 11am–2pm Saturday 11am–2pm

6pm–Close 6pm–9pmSunday 11am–3pm Sunday 11am–3pm

Children are very welcome and dogs are also welcome in the bar area or garden!

Phone 01993 891063Web: www.whitehorsestonesfield.com Email: info@whitehorsestonesfield.com

Also, search for TheWhiteHorse Stonesfield and follow us on Facebook!