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  • T h e W i n d o w f o rW a l l i n g f o r dT h e W i n d o w f o r W a l l i n g f o r d

    Issued free to over 3,500 homes by courtesy of the Advertisers and the efforts of over 100 Voluntary helpers

  • HOMEBASEMANAGEMENT

    Ground Floor, 16b St. Mary’s Street, Wallingford, Oxon. OX10 0EWemail: [email protected] www.homebasepropertymanagement.co.uk

    Est. 1989We specialise in Residential Lettings & Property Management

    and have a strong demand for properties in the Wallingford area forindividual and corporate tenants

    We have a range of services including rent guarantee insuranceAs members of ARLA we provide the highest standards of letting and

    management servicesIf you are thinking of renting your property call us now

    LET WITH CONFIDENCE - 01491 824470

    LUXURY RESIDENTIAL HOMEFOR THE ACTIVE ELDERLY

    Victorian family house set in twenty acres of beautifully maintainedgrounds. Private rooms with en-suite bathroom and independent

    central heating, television and telephone.

    Luxury living with independence and dignity.

    Wallingford (01491) 836685www.sotwellhillhouse.co.uk

    BRIGHTWELL CUM SOTWELLWALLINGFORD, OXON OX10 0PS

    Resident Proprietors: M.E. & P.R. Butterfield

    INSPIRATION CREATION

    www.wallingfordflowers.co.uk

    1 Ayres Yard Station Road Wallingford Oxon OX10 0JZT: 01491 838005 E: [email protected] to the Esso Garage. Free parking.

    T H E F L O R I S T

    26

    KeriHarvey Conversions ExtensionsRenovations New Builds

    Small Works Carpentry and Joinery

    Planning Drawings & ApplicationsBuiding Control Approvals

    T 01491 825891 M 07877598431E [email protected]

    www.thamesconstruction.co.uk

  • 1PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford

    Wallingford & District Art Club

    Our monthly demonstration on 18th Februaryat Centre 70 is entitled Watercolour: Flowersin loose contemporary style and will be givenby Fiona Pruden. Non-members are welcome for afee of £5. We meet every Tuesday from 7.30 to 9.30and on the other Tuesdays of the month there will bethe usual untutored workshops, where non-membersare welcome for fee of £3. Please bring your ownmaterials and a project to work on at paintingworkshops. For further details about this or futuredemonstrations contact either me on 01865 858463or Gill Selby 834181.

    Rebekah Robinson

    Pub Familes End Up All Over the Road …

    After our article in the December Window forWallingford about our new publication onPub Families in Wallingford, we thought weshould tell readers about the accident which befellour books just as we were waiting for them to bedelivered in time for Christmas deliveries. They felloff a pallet on to the wet ground and most of theboxes were damaged, as you can see from the

    E D I T O R I A L

    The February Window for Wallingford is often somewhat slimmer than other months, as it can be a quietmonth. This year that’s even more the case as the Pancake Race – usually the high spot for entertainment inFebruary – won’t be until March 4th. Do look out for more details in next month’s edition.In the meantime, to keep our spirits up in the dull weather, we’ve got a special photo-feature in the middle of themagazine – pictures from last summer’s fabulous BunkFest taken by Harry Gammer-Flitcroft. Harry studied atWallingford School before heading for Swansea University where he’s studying photojournalism and we’redelighted to be able to showcase his talent for photography here and remind everyone of the days when the sunshone and we were all outside having a great time.

    Do stay warm and dry in the winter weather as we look forward to spring!

    Lynda Atkins 839120Editor

    [email protected]

    picture. They arrived mostly loose and we had to tocheck all of them individually for water damage -apparently it had been raining! This meant that thegood copies did not arrive at the retailers until in21st December.

    Copies are now available at the WallingfordBookshop, the Museum, the Town InformationCentre, KP shop and Toby English's shop all at £7.99.

    Chris Eke and Lynne Thorpe

    AIRPAL TAXISAIR CONDITIONED 24HR SERVICEAIRPORTS-LONDON-ANYWHERE

    BUSINESS or PLEASURE07862 72169801491 [email protected]

    ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

  • WinterbrookNursing

    Home

    18 Winterbrook, WallingfordTel. 01491 833922/0118 9668845Fax. 01491 836166/0118 9351862

    WHERE CARE COMES FIRST

    thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford

    2 PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    Wallingford history walks andMuseum tours in 2014

    During 2014 there will bean opportunity to join oneof the popular historywalks led by Judy Dewey andWallingford Museum volunteers.

    On Sat 26th April there will be a walk around theCastle earthworks in the morning, followed by aTown history walk in the afternoon. So a full day toabsorb Wallingford's history, and a super opportunityto visit the Museum between your exercise!

    Put the date in your diary now!

    The special exhibition for 2014 will be 'Siege andStrife: Wallingford and War’. It will look at theimpact war has had on the town and its peoplethroughout the centuries, from Viking and Normaninvasions, through two Civil Wars and two WorldWars to modern warfare and the role of RAF Benson.If you have any specifically local items or photographsrelated to Wallingford and war that you might bewilling to lend for display or allow us to copy, pleasecontact 837298 or 651127. We are also particularlyseeking a uniform of the First or Second World War.

    Separately arranged group visits to the Museum orhistory walks (or combined) are proving increasinglypopular. They can be specially tailored to your group'srequirements.....out of hours, introductory talk, etc. Ifyour group / society/ school would like to book for2014 then please phone Judy Dewey as soon aspossible, tel 651127.

    Whilst Wallingford Museum is closed for its winterbreak, the highly successful Museum bookshop, withits constantly changing stock of good second-handbooks (all modestly priced), will remain open duringJanuary and February. The shop will be open onFridays and Saturdays from 10.30am to 1pm. Doplease continue to donate your second-hand books -and particularly those with an Agatha Christieconnection!

    Stu Darby

    Life and Colour of the Pyrenees

    At the February meeting of the WallingfordGardening Club , Antony Powell will presentthe "Life and Colour of the Pyrenees".Antony Powell first trained with Hillier Nurseriesbefore completing an HND in amenity horticulture atAskham Bryan College. He has worked in nurseriesand gardens in England and France and travelled tomany other countries during his horticultural career.He now manages four gardens in North Hampshire/ West Berkshire.

    The talk will be held in Wallingford Town Hall at7.30pm on Thursday 13th February.Visitors very welcome £2.

    Isabelle Darby

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  • 3PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingfordWallingford Vehicle Rally and Parade

    The Wallingford Vehicle Rally and Parade returnson Sunday May 11th 2014 to celebrate its tenthyear of raising money and awareness for localcharities. This relaxed, friendly and very informalevent is organised by a small group of volunteerswho have made this show one of the “must see”events on the Wallingford calendar.

    The event will kick off at 11am with a parade of 250vehicles through Wallingford from the Sports Park,snaking around the streets, through the Market Placeand culminating in a static show at the Kinecroft.Throughout the day there are displays and side stallshosted by local suppliers and charities, helping raisefunds for their worthy causes. Local food traders willalso be therethroughout the day soyou can sample thetasty delights fromlocal suppliers.

    There is a newprincipal charity for2014 in the form ofFootsteps, who arebased just up the roadin Dorchester andprovide much neededintensive rehabilitation programmes for children andyoung adults with neurological disorders. Childrenand their families travel from all over the country tothe centre and their work has been providing childfriendly intensive therapy there for over a decade. Youcan find more information on their website athttp://footstepscentre.com/.

    The parade itself is quite some spectacle as a convoyof vehicles is surrounded by cheering spectatorsthroughout the town. The vehicles themselves aren’tlimited in anyway, so you can see a sixties scooteralongside a modern supercar, a standard Model Tford parked up next to an American muscle car fromthe 1970’s. All cars, bikes, trucks and scooters arewelcome, the weirder the better, and prices will begiven out on the day to the furthest travelled, theMayors choice and the Vehicle of The Show.

    Alongside viewing the parade, you can also make adonation and take a trip out in a supercar. TheSporting Bears organization will be back once morewith their amazing collection of cars, both modernand classic, to take you out for a drive in the stunninglocal countryside.

    Pre-registration for vehicles entering the parade ishighly recommended as the event was fully bookedby March in 2013 and spaces are limited to 250vehicles on the day. You can register from Januaryon the soon to be updated website atwww.wallingfordcarrally.org.uk. There you will alsobe able to see more on the charities involved,details on the event, a gallery from previous shows,information and links to our very generoussponsors and you can even volunteer to help outon the day in some way. We can also leave us amessage on our answer machine on 07719 782799and someone from the committee will give you acall back, or drop us an email [email protected].

    Wallingford Vehicle Rally & Parade

    HOUSE andCONTENTSINSURANCE

    ARE YOU PAYINGTOO MUCH?

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    £30,000 £79.99 £250,000 £235.68

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    £75,000 £179.49 £250,000 £243.99

    The above premiums are based on a 3 bedroom house of standardconstruction located in the OX10 post code and are correct as at the20/03/2013. Cover is on a standard basis. Other terms and conditions applyand insurances are subject to acceptance.

    For a personal quotation please contact

    ARTHUR MARSH & SONINSURANCE BROKERS

    01491 [email protected]

    THE MANOR HOUSE HOWBERY PARK WALLINGFORD OX10 8BAMALCOLM PITTS IS AN APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE OF ARTHUR MARSH & SON(BIRMINGHAM) LTD WHICH IS AUTHORISED AND REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL

    CONDUCT AUTHORITY

  • thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford

    4 PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    Dylan Thomas CentenaryCelebration

    It will be “spring, moonless night in the smalltown, starless and bible-black” at Goring VillageHall for Dylan Thomas Night on Friday 28thFebruary. One hundred years after his birth, Dylan’swork lives on, a wonderfully captivating, uniquelyWelsh view of life, often hilarious and alwaysunconventional. This event is part of a year-longnationwide celebration, the Dylan Thomas 100Festival. Performed by amateur local actors on theeve of St David’s Day, an extravaganza of poems,stories and conviviality is assured. Early bookingessential.

    Tickets from Inspiration in Goring Arcade or call873530. www.dylanthomas100.org

    Ivor Coleman

    www.wallingford.co.uk

    Calling all local artists andphotographers

    It's time to sort out your entries for Wallingford'sannual two day exhibition held at the MethodistChurch Centre.You don't have to be a member of an art orphotographic club to enter work in the display, whichthis year will take place on Friday 2nd and SaturdayMay 3rd. Previous exhibitors have enjoyed the lowentry fees, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere andthe visitor participation through votes for favouriteexhibits.

    There's also an opportunity to view the talent of upand coming young artists and photographerswhose work will be entered, through their schools,for an excellent range of prizes kindly supplied bylocal businesses. Last year the church, in St Leonard'sSquare, was packed with students, parents andteachers for the presentation of prizes by the mayorwho then went on to open the main exhibition in thechurch hall, as will be repeated at this year's previewevening on May 2nd.Adult exhibitors can request an entry form byemailing [email protected]. Entry forms need tobe returned by April 5th.

    Nicola Lidstone

    The East Oxford Archaeology Project

    This month's talk to TheWallingford Historical andArchaeological Society(TWHAS) will be by Jane Harrison.She will present 'The East OxfordArchaeology Project: BartlemasLeper Hospital, Littlemore Prioryand archaeological landscapes East of Oxford'. Janewill be talking about the discoveries made by the EastOxford Archaeology Project, and in particular aboutexciting excavations uncovering more about medievalOxford, at St Bartholomew's Leper Hospital and thePriory of St Nicholas.

    Archaeologist Jane has lived in St Clement's with herfamily for many years. She is very keen to pass on herenthusiasm for archaeology and history and is delightedto have the opportunity to do so in her home county.

    This talk will be held on Friday 14th February, 7.45 for8pm at Wallingford Town Hall. It will be preceded bya short (I am promised!) AGM.Visitors (£3) are most welcome.

    Stu Darby

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  • 5PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford

    Please find below an update on some selectedsubjects (a reflection at the time of submittingthese notes to the editor).Morrison’s Superstore, Hithercroft Industrial Estate,

    The Town Council continues to touch baseperiodically with our Morrison’s representative toestablish if there remains a commitment on their partto continue with their plans. We were recentlyprovided this statement:

    “2013 was a year of positive steps for Morrison’s inWallingford and it remains our ambition to bringthe community some good news on our new storein 2014. It remains clear that more choice, morecompetition, and local food shopping are veryimportant to people in the town. Ensuring we cango ahead with the store is an important processand we’re committed to getting it right for ourbusiness and for Wallingford. We hope to updatethe community soon.”

    Old Habitat Premises, Hithercroft Industrial Estate,

    The Town Council have recently recommended thelatest planning application be refused. This position isconsistent with the response offered when the priorapplication was received. Amongst other issues theTown Council maintains concerns about the totalnumber of new homes proposed for Wallingford whenconsidering the existing infrastructure and the loss ofemployment land when what we actually need is morespace for jobs to be created.

    Local Business Matters: Shop Front Improvement Scheme

    The deadline for applications was 31st December 2013and we hope to allocate funding in January.

    Neighbourhood Development Plan

    Work is underway. At this point the Council arecommunicating with our neighbouring parishes inorder to define the boundary of the proposedneighbourhood plan. As outlined previously the TownCouncil wants to encourage local people to startthinking about NDP as it’s a plan that is produced anddriven by the community.

    Local Business Matters: Bybox

    Merely a reminder that the facility is in operationinstalled outside the town council offices at 9 StMartin’s Street. Bybox are delighted how busy thefacility has been in the opening weeks of its use.

    Local Business Matters: Business Newsletter

    The first edition was published in November, animpartial document aimed at sharing usefulinformation amongst the business community; thiswell received publication complimenting existinginitiatives in place in the community, will we hopefurther enhance the collective spirit of Wallingford andfurther enhance the services on offer.

    Local Business Matters: Vacant Properties

    An increasingly proactive approach from the TownCouncil to address and resolve the issue of vacantproperties has been adopted recently. The TownCouncil continues to be encouraged by thereceptiveness and energy of those we talk with to helpresolve this issue.

    Welcome!

    SODC and the Town Council jointly fund the part timerole of Market Town Coordinator. That position is heldby Kate Rayner but in the New Year Rachel Raeassumed a cover role as Kate is expecting her secondchild. The Town Council offers its very best wishes toKate, and a very warm welcome to Rachel (aWallingford resident incidentally)!

    Parking

    A tough nut to crack we know but discussionscontinue to take place to address how we mightincrease the amount of parking Wallingford, afrustration for businesses as well as their existing &potential customers of course.

    Although discussions are, we hope, nearing conclusionas to whether the proposal for the District Council totake on the responsibility of patrolling and enforcing ofparking in restricted areas will be adopted, separatediscussions have taken place to provide some supportto the police to increase existing patrols. www.wallingford.co.uk

    Please note that the town website will be undergoingsome improvements in 2014 but do please continue tovisit the site for information.

    To sum up the Town Council’s care, energy andenthusiasm for Wallingford is undiminished, eager toaddress and enhance the quality of our lives here. Ourcommunity, business or residential, are reminded andencouraged to communicate with the Town Counciland every effort will be made to respond as efficientlyas we can.

    Jamie BaskeyfieldTown Clerk

    Wallingford Town Council Update

  • thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford

    6 PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    Because Wallingford has for centuries tradedcorn and malt down the Thames to London,we can infer that there was a wharf forloading barges. But where was that wharf? Theearliest reference found so far comes from 1633. Awharf was then mentioned to be at someunspecified place in the parish of St Peter.However, two years later, ‘Wharf Close’ wasdescribed as lying just north of a little piece ofmeadow or pasture itself lying between thechurchyard of St Leonard and the Thames. Thiswas in the far south-east corner of St Peter’sparish, and perhaps shows the location of thewharf previously mentioned.

    From 1674 to the middle of the 18th century thereare many references to ‘The Wharf’ or ‘TheCommon Wharf’. In 1699 it was described asbeing in Thames St, and by 1704 it was called MrWing’s Common Wharf, lying ‘almost over againsta piece of ground in Thames St abutting north onMr Bigg’s orchard’. That orchard was Fobbins,occupying what is now the car park in New Road.So it follows that the Common Wharf lay nearpresent-day Cromwell Lodge. In fact, deeds ofthat house refer to it as ‘The Wharf House’ in the18th century, but during the 19th century itbecame ‘formerly The Wharf House’. The name‘Common Wharf’ suggests a use by the wholetown for any goods brought by river. Indeed, thereference in 1674 was to a load of sand beingbrought from the wharf.

    Who owned this wharf? In 1766, JeremiahMorrell, a maltster, refers in his will to his bargesacks and barge poles, his boat and his wharf inthe parish of St Peter. He was clearly involved inshipping malt down-river, using a wharf that issurely the same as the one already referred to, forit seems unlikely there would be two wharves inthe same parish. Jeremiah’s wharf stayed in thefamily, for his son Mark, a maltster and mealman,refers to it in his will of 1783, and the same is truein the 1845 will of his son Charles, also a maltsterand mealman. Mark’s wharf was again stated tobe in St Peter’s during a trial for theft at the

    borough Quarter Sessions in 1784; and Charles’swharf is listed in the same parish in the boroughrental for 1840-1. A trade directory for 1844 refersto Murrill’s [sic] wharf, but Charles died in 1846and the wharf may well have gone out of useabout then, for there is no mention of it in theborough rental for 1851-2, nor in a trade directoryfor 1852. The Morrells lived at Bridge House,where there was a malthouse; and the fact thatThe Wharf House was also in the possession ofthat family from 1820 to 1882 supports the ideathat the wharf was indeed close to the latterhouse.

    In the meantime, in 1762, the Corporation leasedto Robert Baker its house and land extending fromSouthgate to the Thames along the south side ofthe Mill Brook, but these were soon released toJohn Field, a maltster, when the property wascalled Lower Wharf. This is the earliest knownreference to ‘Lower Wharf’. It was presumablybuilt not long before, being called ‘lower’ becauseit lay a little further down river from the Thames Stwharf. John Hilliard was already a bargeman fromabout this time, presumably using Lower Wharf,judged by the family’s later association with it,when they also traded in timber, coal and otherbulk commodities. For a while it was occupied bythe Wilts & Berks Canal Company.

    But by then another wharf had been built by theOxford Canal Company. It was described as a ‘newwharf’ when a temporary wooden bridge was putup close by, following the severe damage to theold bridge in the flood of 1809. Also known asCanal Wharf, it continued in use until the 20thcentury.

    David Pedgley

    [David Pedgley is a member of the DocumentsGroup of The Wallingford Historical andArchaeological Society (TWHAS). This article, basedupon his research, was originally published in'TWHAS Now' in Sept 2006]

    Wallingford’s Wharves

  • 7PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingfordSesquicentenary This Time

    One hundred and fifty years. No time at all fora town within Saxon walls, but 150 yearsago, in November 1863, the promoterspresented the Wallingford and Watlington Railway Billto Parliament for consideration in the 1864 session.More than thirty months later, in July 1866, the firsttrains ran. There was no great fanfare for thecompletion of what was only the first section of theW&W. The next section never happened because, inMay 1866, the boom ended in the greatest crisisbefore 2008 and the railway couldn't raise enoughcapital.

    Look back even earlier, to the first railway boom, toBristol, New Year 1825. McAdam, the great roadsurveyor, planned the route for the London andBristol Rail Road Company which would have passedthrough Wallingford. It never came because by June1825, bust followed boom, the biggest crash for fortyyears. The money supply dried up. And in June 1826,the LBRRC gave up.

    The action really started with the opening, in 1840, ofthe Great Western Railway station at Moulsford. Thestation, very soon renamed Wallingford Road, wasbuilt where the railway goes under the the A329.The narrow bridge marks the spot.

    As early as 1838, the Reading Mercury had predictedthat the coming of the railway "will be attended withthe most ruinous consequences to the inhabitants ofthose villages and small towns on the great leadingthoroughfares of the country". This was true ofWallingford where coaches had changed horses atthe Lamb and the George, and passengers had dinedor slept over. To protect their own businesses, theproprietors of the Wallingford hotels had to runcoaches to meet the trains.

    The Turnpike Trusts were no longer able to maintainthe roads in usable condition. In February 1861, acorrespondent to the Reading Mercury complainedabout the turnpike from Wallingford to the station,saying: "for some time, the road has been scarcelypassable and many people prefer going roundthrough the village of Cholsey itself." This did not suitthe great and the good of Wallingford's businesscommunity.

    E. R. GERRINGKITCHENS • BATHROOMS

    SHOWERSTILING • PLUMBING

    PHONE/FAX 01491 833635MOBILE: 07831 407337

    [email protected]

    They started by thinking the impossible. In 1861 aplan was devised for a railway running from the GWRat Cholsey to join the Wycombe Railway extension,then nearing completion, at Princes Risborough. Itwas to have gone through Wallingford, Benson,Watlington, and Chinnor. Wisely, they changed theirminds. In 1862 the plan was for a short branch fromCholsey to Wallingford. This was incorporated into aBill submitted to Parliament in November. Theychanged their minds again and withdrew the Bill inFebruary 1863 before it had been considered. InNovember they were back again with a new excitingBill. The W&W. The final version.

    Having submitted the Bill, it was necessary togenerate support and investment, so public meetingswere held in both towns, ostensibly to decidewhether any railway was needed. The Wallingfordmeeting, in the Corn Exchange on Friday 15 January1864, was chaired by the Mayor, T E Field, seniorpartner of Field and Hawkins department store whichtraded in the Market Place until 1980. It is clear fromthe Reading Mercury's detailed report that there wasno serious opposition to the railway. The scheme wasapproved unanimously, and Watlington reached asimilar conclusion.

    The promoters were so confident of success that, on9 May 1864, the Engineer, James Burke, and hisassistants started setting out the line across the fieldsbetween Cholsey and Wallingford, although the Billdidn't receive Parliamentary assent until 25 July. Atthat stage, the promoters expected to complete theline as far as Wallingford by the end of 1864, but,when the GWR decided not to allow a junction atCholsey, the W&W had to build its own line all theway to Wallingford Road station, including wideningthe 60 ft deep cutting. This was unexpectedlyexpensive and time-consuming, and delayed theopening until the morning of Monday 2 July 1866.

    And, on Saturday 2 July 2016, we shall celebrate. Notat the old Wallingford station which disappearedunder Charter Way and Beeching Way some fortyyears ago, nor at Wallingford Road station, closedover a century ago. We shall celebrate in Wallingfordand in Cholsey. A sesquicentenary indeed.

    Sherwin Smith

  • thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford

    8 PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    Petanque is a sociable and competitive sport that canbe played by people of all ages and all levels of agility;it is quite easy to join in, even from the start, and thereis limitless scope for improving technique and tacticalskills. Play this sport with Petanque Wallingford!

    For more information visit the club website:www.petwal.co.uk

    Loren Butt

    The stall we had in the Regal on the1st December raised £138.57 for thePoppy Appeal. A carol concert heldat the Shillingford Hill Park Home raised £104.49.Thank you to all concerned with both events.

    We have three new members on the Committee, nowwe have to plan a list of events for this year’s Branchmeetings, with input from the Members.

    We hope that everyone had a peaceful and happyChristmas. Our chairman spent a few days in hospital,but is now back home. We wish him a speedyrecovery. Hopefully the weather IS going to improve,before we all grow web feet. At least we have notsuffered as badly as some areas.

    The Branch meeting is on the 27th February at theusual time.

    Please contact us if you know of anyone who needsassistance.

    Linda Shoebridge598479

    Frank Hames01865 858393

    Petanque Wallingford

    The town's newest sports club has big plans for2014! In February Petanque Wallingford will bebuilding its own permanent home, a purposedesigned playing pitch, or 'terrain' to give its properoriginal French name. The new terrain will be atWallingford Sports Park. For nearly three years theSports Trust has allowed the club to play at times on itscar park – not the ideal situation in many ways, but itenabled the club to become successfully establishedand build up a membership of thirty six local players; allbar two were entirely new to the sport.

    Wallingford Sports Trust has provided a location for thenew facility, alongside the line of mature trees near themain Pavilion. The terrain will be well built, with a goodquality playing surface. It will be a fine and pleasantvenue for social play, competitions and trainingsessions, with sufficient space to accommodate up toeight games simultaneously. It's a significant expansionof Wallingford's already good sports facilities, and it's abig step forward for the club!

    Starting in early April the club will be running a tuitioncourse for new players, under nationally qualifiedcoaching. However, the club is still playing at the SportsPark on Wednesday afternoons from 1.00pm; anyonewho would like to see what goes on or try the gameout before April would be welcome. Contact the clubSecretary by Email: [email protected]– and wear some warm clothes!

    ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

    THE WALLINGFORD BOOKSHOP10C ST. MARTIN’S STREETWALLINGFORD, OXFORDSHIRE OX10 0ALTelephone / Fax: 01491 834383Email: [email protected]

    We offer friendly informed assistance and an excellentrange of books, audios and fine art stationery.

    Many titles not stocked can be obtained within 24 hours

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  • 9PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingfordThameside (Wallingford) U3A

    Our meetings in February are:

    Friday 7th February - Coffee morning from 10.30 in Centre 70

    Wednesday 19th February - Speaker meeting at2pm in the Baptist Hall with a talk by

    Roger Umpelby on Bugs, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly!

    Friday 21st February – Tea for New andPotentially New members at 2.30 in Centre 70

    Friday 28th February – Visit to the RNLIHeadquarters in Poole

    In previous articles I’ve covered the technologygroups and the outdoor pursuits, which make upnearly a quarter of our interest groups. So this monthit’s the turn of the researchers, by that I mean theGenealogy, History and Antiques groups. These arevery popular and so we have two or three of each, andthey all tend to combine the sharing of home basedresearch and discussion of results, with visits tomuseums and exhibitions, and to talks by experts. TheAntiques group have studied auction house salecatalogues and borrowed items to bring to meetings todiscuss, they have visited a variety of places such as theWorcester Porcelain Museum and Swan AntiquesCentre. The three History groups all have a differentapproach: one group arranges a monthly outing with afocus on social history; another group is currentlyfocusing on the 19th century; while the third is morewide ranging with talks on St Petersburg, famous figuresin history and the Armenian Community in Jerusalem toname but a few. Finally the members of our twogenealogy groups enjoy unearthing unusual andobscure facts about their ancestors. They benefit fromtalks about how to mine data, research wills, and obtainmedical information from death certificates, look at oldnewspapers, photographs and even school exercisebooks. The stories shared are never dull, and the groupenvironment is both supportive and motivational.

    If you have an interest in ferreting out facts, then whynot find out more about these interest groups?Information can be found on our websitewww.wallingford-thamesideU3A.org.uk, or contactour membership secretary Milli Eaton on 835689.

    Jan Menzies

    Town Information Centre

    Hopefully by the time you receive this,waterlogged Wallingford will be back tonormal and we can all breath a sigh of relief.If you haven’t already received a copy of The 2014Diary of Events we have a supply here in the officeand, just a reminder that we stock compostable binliner bags at £1.50 for 20 bags.

    Please note that we are still operating winter hours,10am to 2pm, until Saturday 1st March when we willrevert to summer hours, 10am to 4pm with a lunchtime closure 1pm to 1.30pm, Saturdays 10am – 2pm.Please also note we have a new email address, this [email protected].

    Lynne, Penny, Maureen and WendyWallingford Town Information Centre

    [email protected]

    Loft ladders supplied and installed. Retractable aluminiumand wooden ladders complete with new loft door.

    Loft floor boarding if required

    Lofty Ladders

    Member of Guild ofMaster Craftsmen

    Contact Peter WhittingtonTel. 01235 848681Mob. 07780 600818

    www.loftyladders.co.uk

  • thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford

    10 PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

  • 11PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford

  • thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford

    12 PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    In November the Rotary Club of Wallingford,Sinodun & District held street collections insupport of the Children in Need event. We havetaken over the organisation of this collection fromthe previous Wallingford Rotary Club and we werevery pleased to receive help from a large number ofadditional collectors resulting in an amazing total of£2,022 being collected. The date of this marathoncollection is organised months ahead all over thecountry.

    This year the Typhoon in the Philippines occurredvery shortly after the Children in Need collectionday. We were allowed by South Oxfordshire DistrictCouncil to hold an emergency collection in the towntowards helping the victims of this disaster. We canreport that the collection raised £1,315 and enableda further two Shelterboxes to be added to theEmergency stock.

    Shelterbox is a specialist charity supplying longlasting tents with sleeping capacity for ten peopleand survival equipment to support life. Togetherwith the box that we donated as a Club immediatelythis means that 30 more people are able to receiveshelter for at least six months.

    On behalf of the recipients of these generousdonations we should like to thank all those whoresponded so generously.

    Michael HerbertPresident

    Rotary Club of Wallingford, Sinodun & District

    Ahuge thank you to all who helped Santa totake his Sleigh out over 13 nights beforeChristmas in Wallingford, Cholsey,Crowmarsh, Benson, RAF Benson and Chalgrove.You have helped raise a total of £3,427 for localorganisations - including, Firtree PTA, St Johns PTA,St Nicholas PTA, Paddocks, Rainbows Pre School,Brightwell Scouts, Wallingford Guides, CholseyYouth Club, Chalgrove FC, Crowmarsh Pre-School,and S.S.A.F.A at RAF Benson.

    Raising the monies is a bonus on each outing, it'sthe many children that we put many smiles andmemories on their faces for years to come is themain reason Wallingford 1155 do this. Its a reallygood feeling when you see kids waving from theirbedroom window or rushing to give Santa a letter:it is priceless, and each night has a story to tell.

    The Santa tracking devise via Glympse was a hugebenefit for people to see exactly where the sleighwas on each night enabling residents to have real-time GPS Santa location.

    The Sleigh is now four years old and showed signsfor the need of re-refurbishment. Over the next yearSanta's mechanical Elves will be going throughextensive repairs in the Grotto Garage, so keep alook out your window in December for next year’sSanta's "Pimped Up" Sleigh.

    Mark BrettChair Wallingford 1155

    www.wallingford1155.co.uk/www.facebook.com/Wallingford1155

    Westgate is a residential nursing home inWallingford with an EMI (dementia) unit.Where possible we try to admit as manylocal people as possible. Many of our residents pastand present have been born and bred in Wallingfordand the surrounding villages.

    As the activities supervisor I am given a goodmonthly budget to spend on activities for ourresidents. Our residents’ amenities fund was set upfrom donations, and finances any special outings,equipment or projects. Every Christmas we hold aBazaar with a raffle and an auction. All the prizesand gifts are donated from our Wallingfordbusinesses and every year I am overwhelmed bytheir kindness and generosity. Wallingford has somany family-run, or one off businesses who I ‘msure, struggle in our present economic climate tomake a ends meet. Even so they always donatewillingly to our course with a smile and hearty goodluck messages.

    In the past the proceeds from our bazaar have beenused to buy a 72” TV, shatter proof glassgreenhouse, and sensory equipment for ourDementia unit. More recently it has helped financethe complete revamp of our back garden from a veryovergrown inaccessible piece of land, to a beautifulinteresting versatile garden. This has enhanced thelives of our residents and their family members whocome and visit. The garden now has secludedseating areas with height, structure, colour, plantsand flowers. It is a pleasure to see it constantly inuse and enjoyed.

    We are delighted at the success of our bazaar andhow the proceeds have improved the quality of lifefor our residents, none of which would have beenpossible without the help of our wonderful shops,hairdressers and restaurants.

    So on behalf of the staff and residents at WestgateHouse I would like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to ourlocal business for their continuous support andkindness over the years.

    Wendy BowdActivities Supervisor

    Reasons to be Proud of Wallingford

  • 13PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingfordVisiting the Donkey Sanctuary

    Members and friends of Sinodun Inner WheelClub were delighted to visit Island FarmDonkey Sanctuary at Brightwell cum Sotwellon 10th January, which was International InnerWheel Day. The purpose of the visit was to presenta cheque for £505 to the Sanctuary, money raisedfrom a Christmas raffle organised by the Club.

    All of us enjoyed our time there during which wewere able to meet some of the donkeys and watch afilm about the wonderful work the Sanctuary does.It now cares for 125 donkeys and we left knowingthat our money will be used wisely to care for, feedand protect these lovely animals.

    The Centre welcomes visitors every day of the weekand we know, from experience, you would be mademost welcome.

    Eira E Hoare

    News from PiP - Patients inPartnership with

    Wallingford Medical Practice

    Wa l l i n g f o r dMedical Practiceis having an all-age Family Open Day atthe Surgery on Saturday,April 12, 2014 from10.30 am to 3.30 pm This will be a rare opportunityto get to know what happens behind the scenes.Chat with the receptionists and nurses. Listen to shorttalks in the waiting room by doctors, the practicemanager and a receptionist to discover how their rolesinteract. Do come and bring your children. There willbe activities for them too. We hope that you will allbecome involved and ask plenty of questions! Furtherdetails will be posted in a future edition of theWindow for Wallingford.

    The Patient Satisfaction Survey, which was launched inJanuary, is designed so that you can all express yourviews and know that they will be heard. This is all partof the initiative to bring patients into partnership withthe practice, for the general good of all. The closingdate for submitting your responses is 28th February.Anyone who has visited the surgery in recent monthsis most welcome to complete the survey. You can dothis on line, but don’t worry if you have not got accessto a computer. There are paper copies in the surgeryfor you to fill in there or take home. You may want totake extra copies for others in your household or forfriends and neighbours. Last year we had 750responses, which was great, but we would love tobeat that record this year. It is satisfying to be able toreport that action was taken in line with the results.

    Our PiP Carers support group will be meeting in StMary’s Church in Wallingford on 11th February.Anyone registered with the practice is welcome tocome along to meet other carers over a cup of tea andreceive helpful advice from Fiona Macpherson, CarersOxfordshire..

    Shirley Wong of the Falls Prevention Service will bejoining us on Tuesday 11th March; a really useful topicfor everyone living with an elderly person.

    Val Wolsey836820

    [email protected]

    52 St. Martin’s StreetWallingford

    Oxon. OX10 0AJTel. 01491 833701

    Free estimates

    Contract and Domestic Flooring Specialists

    masterfloorswallingford.co.uk

    Email [email protected]

    Installation & Repair • Free estimatesOver 25 years of quality workmanship

    Phone/Fax 01491 837939Mobile 07740981597

    THE PARISH OF WALLINGFORDThe Churches of St. Mary-le-More and St. Leonard

    SUNDAY SERVICES8 a.m. St. Leonard - Holy Communion

    10 a.m. St. Mary-le-MoreParish Communion and Sunday School or All Age Worship

    6.30 p.m. St. Leonard - Evensong

    For details of services and other activitiessee www.MaryLeMore.co.uk

    Team Rector: The Revd. David RiceTelephone: 01491 - 202188

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    14 PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    Wallingford U3A

    Wallingford U3A’s programme for 2014 is underway. The New Year Lunch will be at TheSprings in North Stoke on 23rd January, Therewill be a Snow Drop Walk in Wallingford when the timeis right. We have a Theatre Trip to Sonning Mill plannedfor 26th April and a ‘City Break’ type Holiday to seeGalleries and Architecture in Liverpool and Manchesterover four days in May. All this in addition to our varietyof self organized interest groups and our monthlylectures.

    On February 5th there is the AGM. After the BusinessMeeting Deirdre Wilson will speak about Dyslexia andon March 5th Dr Jill Eyers will talk to us about “TheGeology of the Wallingford Area’

    Our Meetings are held in Crowmarsh Village Hall at 2pmon the first Wednesday of each Month. Visitors arealways made welcome so come and join us. For moreinformation phone Hermione on 01865 858024, orMargaret on 01865 340850 ; or visitgooglesites/wallingfordu3a.co.uk

    Deirdre Wilson

    Henley Philatelic Society

    It’s not too late to make a Resolution to ‘Start a NewHobby’ so how about Philately? You would bewelcome to come and see ‘how to’! Philatelists arealways keen to help and encourage others with theirhobby which has so many different aspects to it. We havesome excellent speakers still to come this year and wewould be delighted to see newcomers who are interestedin collecting anything to do with The Post – stamps,postcards etc. Don’t hide them away in a drawer, comeand see how much enjoyment you can get from them.

    Wednesday February 12 – visiting speaker Derek Steeledisplays ‘Newfoundland’, including Airmails and theHistory of the Countries stamps.

    February 26 - Auction Viewing prior to our ‘OpenAuction’ on March 12. Visitors are welcome. Thecatalogue can be seen on our website. There are manyexcellent lots and good bargains to be had,

    Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of themonth at Bix Village Hall at 7.45 p.m. from September toJune inclusive. Visitors and new members are welcome.Details 681739 or on our website: -www.henleyphilatelic.co.uk

    Penny Black

    Choir News

    We are now almost recovered from anincredibly busy musical Christmas and NewYear. The Church Choir is thrilled to haveraised a grand total of £1,100 from its ChristmasConcert, which was split between the PCC andMacmillan Cancer Support. This £550 added to themoney raised from a varied round of Carol Singing,including at the Old Post Office, Root One andRyman’s Court in Didcot, led to a total of £ 877 beingsent to Macmillan. The choir would like to thankeveryone for their generous donations.

    Alongside their weekly Services the choir is currentlyworking towards a Good Friday Service based aroundChorales and Arias from Bach’s St. John’s Passion.More information will follow.

    The Wallingford Singers were also busy last term andtheir last rehearsal of term raised the great sum of£500, also for Macmillan Cancer Support. Againmany thanks are due to those who gave sogenerously. The Singers rehearse on Thursdayevenings at St. Mary’s Church and have welcomedmany new members since moving venue inSeptember. There is an opportunity to hear them inaction at their next concert on Saturday March 8th at7.30pm. Ticket details will follow but if you havenever heard the 100 strong choir do come along. Youmay feel like joining and making us 101!Information about both choirs can be found atwallingfordchoirs.org.uk

    Sue Ledger

    ‘NOW’ OPEN TO THE PUBLIC MONDAY – FRIDAY

    Fresh Coffee/Tea and Homemade CakesAvailable 8.30am – 4.00pm

    Freshly made Baguettes/Sandwiches & RollsDelicious Hot Dishes

    Available Lunch Time Only

    Ample Parking/Free ATM Machine

    Come and try our Café Restaurant, located inthe Manor House of Howbery Park

    overlooking our beautiful lawns and new patio area

    For any queries, please contact01491 822305

    www.howberypark.com

  • 15PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingfordAre You a ‘get up and go’ Eager LocalParent Looking for Something New?

    The Wallingford, Didcot and District NationalChildbirth Trust (NCT) Branch is looking for anew Branch Co-ordinator and QuarterlyNewsletter Editor. Would you like to join our friendlyteam? Our branch runs lots of local events such asweekly tums and tinies groups, a sling library, birthchoices group, breastfeeding advice drop-ins andnearly new sales. We provide our baby-changinggazebo at local events and this year we’d like to kickstart some new events and make a calendar ofbranch events. The NCT wants all parents to have anexperience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthoodthat enriches their lives and gives them confidence inbeing a parent.

    As Branch Co-ordinator you’d help us turn our ideasinto action. The branch activities are very much run asa team effort but you’d manage the monthlycommittee meetings and we hope you’d perhapsbring along some fresh ideas too.

    The Newsletter Editor co-ordinates the submission ofarticles from contributors, makes sure everything isprint ready and on time for the quarterly distribution.Advertising and distribution are dealt with by others.

    You don’t have to be an existing NCT member toshow your interest and you don’t have to be a Mumeither. We welcome Dads too! If you’d like to hearmore about the volunteer positions or would just liketo get involved please email Emily, the outgoingBanch Co-ordinator at [email protected].

    Rebecca Chiazzese

    Wallingford WI

    Wallingford WI will be meeting on 5thFebruary at 7.30 at the RidgewayCommunity Centre. This month, localhistorian, David Beasley will be bringing along someold photos and talking about his new book, "Thehistory of Wallingford." This promises to be aninteresting evening. Prospective members arewelcome on the night but further information can beobtained from me on 201273.

    Kate Rose

    Another New Business in Wallingford

    We’re Catherine and Charles of “Catherine’s Cafe”,a new tea shop recently opened on the cornerof the High Street and St Mary’s Street (oppositeNat West). And when we say “tea shop”, we’re not afraidof the “C” word - yes, we sell rather good coffee too.

    We didn’t realise it, but we’re actually following in aWallingford tradition: a few decades ago (before it was anItalian restaurant) there was another tea shop: “TheCopper Kettle” on the same site.

    Watch the world go by downstairs or relax on the sofasupstairs. One of the upstairs rooms also offers a large,carpeted space with a stair gate and children’s books. Infact there are books and literary paraphernalia all over thecafé (until recently we were both English teachers).

    So, if you’d like to relax in a friendly atmosphere, why notpop in. We’ve got lots of things for light snacks andlunches: baguettes, panini, toasties and even bagels;coronation chicken, smoked salmon, cream cheese,bacon, stilton, brie, grapes; fifteen different types of teaand lots of things to cater for special requirements: de-caff(both tea and coffee); gluten-free items; semi-skimmed,skimmed and soya milk. Someone you know might likeone of our Milky Way or Oreo Milkshakes.

    Then there are the cakes: the range varies but usually youcan count on coffee and walnut, fruit loaf, millionaireshortbread, chocolate brownies and carrot cake. All madeeither on the premises or by Catherine’s mum Brenda.

    Hopefully we’ll see you soon,

    Catherine and Charles

    For details of other activities, including mid-week prayer & housegroups, please contact our minister, Rev. Katherine Pickering

    Telephone: 01235 813242

    Thursdays 10-30-12.00 Call in for coffee and a chat

    St Leonard’s Squarewww.wallingfordmethodistchurch.org.uk

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    16 PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    If you love food and crafts, love yourlocal producers!

    Wallingford LocalProducers' Marketis in the RegalCentre, at the heart of thetown, every Saturdaymorning during Februaryfrom 10am to 1pm. There'splenty of lovely food toenjoy, and gifts to buy foryour Valentine.

    Look out for Cherish, the stall with freshly madechocolates, where you can choose your favourites fora special boxed present. Tasty cakes and heart-shapedcookies will be on sale at the Café, and look out forValentine shortbread on Something for the Weekendstall. If your partner loves cheese, there are severallocal varieties to choose from at the Cheese Mattersstall.

    If you’re looking for the best local ingredients for thatspecial dinner there is top quality lamb reared atWittenham Clumps and pork from the Chilterns, witha range of organic locally grown winter vegetables.There’s a good selection of wine, beer and cider andapple juices from local producers on the General Stall.

    Wallingford’s artists and photographers, includingMark Wood, Doug Harbour and John Hailstonecreate beautiful cards and pictures, which makeperfect Valentine’s gifts. Heart-shaped brooches andother knitted and felt goods will be for sale on Debbieand Rose’s stall. Other crafts on sale at the Februarymarkets include handmade jewellery, soaps, glassand wooden products, and pottery.

    Sign up to the WLPM weekly e-newsletter onwww.wlpm.org.uk to make sure you never miss yourfavourite products and find out what's in season,such as the humble swede.

    Facts about swede, the round purple-skinned rootvegetable with yellow-orange flesh:

    • Swede was first noted botanically in 1620 and grown in Royal gardens in Britain during the 1660s

    • Although it is a root vegetable, swede is a cross between cabbage and a turnip

    • Swede is rich in vitamin C: 100g of cooked swede contains 25mg of vitamin C, that’s 42% of an adult’s recommended daily dose

    • In North America, swede is called rutabaga, which comes from an old Swedish word Rotabagge, which is where the vegetable originated

    • In Scotland, swede is 'neeps' and served with 'tatties' and haggis

    Wendy Tobitt

    Wallingford Photographic Club

    Wallingford photographic club welcomes PhilJoyce ARPS on the 6th of February for apresentation on ‘Street photography’ and,on the 20th, Alan Copeland LRPS will share his viewsof ‘Eccentric London’. Both promise to beentertaining and informative talks illustrated withinteresting images.

    Also, for everyone interested in landscapephotography, a reminder to buy a ticket to the specialevent on Sunday March 2nd with renowned fine artphotographer and printer Paul Gallagher. Details areavailable on the club website, at www.wallingford-photographic-club.org.uk and tickets can be orderedfrom [email protected] Ticketsare £12 each and the event will be from 10.30am till3.30pm.

    Pam Sandhu-Dickens

  • 17PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingfordAn Introduction to the Fountain

    Tucked in at the end of St Mary’s Street is ‘TheFountain Bookshop’. At first glance you may thinkthis is just another bookshop, but as part ofRidgeway Community Church, ‘The Fountain’ is both abookshop and a community centre. Call in any day andyou will find a welcome and the opportunity to a chatand laugh over a cup of coffee. Ask and you will be toldstories of how people’s lives have been dramaticallychanged through the unconditional love they haveexperienced.

    Peculiar for a bookshop you may see people coming inand leaving bags of groceries! A peep in the back andyou will see piles of tins and packets of food, as this isthe main collecting point for the Wallingford Food Bank.Please feel free to drop off your contributions here.

    The Fountain welcomes children with a box of toys toamuse them; while parents can take the weight off theirshopping feet and browse through the many books.Whilst The Fountain is part of The RidgewayCommunity Church it is able to offer support to all thechurches and community of the Wallingford area,praying for the sick, the lonely, the poor, the hopelessand for those facing all kinds of difficulties and TheFountain has seen many marvellous answers, bringinghealing, joy, hope and peace.

    When next in St Marys Street drop in for a coffee andchat, then browse the wide stock of Bibles, books, CDsDVDs and for all occasions the many greeting cards andgifts. The Fountain’s opening hours are Mon-Sat (exWed) 9:30am-4:30pm

    Gareth Lloyd-Jones

    What’s On at The Corn Exchange in February

    CINEMA Sunday 2nd to Wednesday 5th February – The

    Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (12A)Thursday 6th February – National Theatre Live:

    Coriolanus, 7pm start, Tickets £12.50.Friday 7th and Sunday 9th February – Saving Mr

    Banks (PG)Saturday 8th February – ‘Top Gun’ (12A) Fund-

    raising for Treehouse School, CholseyMonday 10th February – Blue is the Warmest Colour

    (18) French with subtitlesTuesday 11th to Thursday 13th February – The

    Railway Man (15)Friday 14th and Thursday 20th February– Nebraska (15)

    Sunday 16th and Monday 17th February – TheHarry Hill Movie (PG)

    Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th February – TheSecret Life of Walter Mitty (PG)

    Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd February – August:Osage County (15)

    Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th February –Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom (12A)Wednesday 26th February – All is Lost (12A)

    Thursday 27th February – National Theatre WarHorse Live, 7pm start, Tickets £13.00.

    Friday 28th February – National Theatre War HorseEncore, 7pm start, Tickets £12.50.

    LIVE

    On Saturday 15th February at 7.45pm the award-winning singer and West End Actress, Sarah-LouiseYoung looks at the fame and fandom of the adoredLegend of Showbiz Dame Julie Andrews in ‘JulieMadly Deeply’ in a charming yet cheeky tributecabaret. Julie’s songs from musicals including MaryPoppins, The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady areintertwined with stories and anecdotes aboutAndrews’ own life from her beginning as a child starto the recent challenges of losing her famous singingvoice. Tickets £12

    All evening performances commence at 7.30pmunless otherwise stated. Bookings can be made inperson at the Box Office (open 10am-2pm everyFriday and Saturday and 7pm-8pm every evening),online at www.cornexchange.org.uk as well as bytelephone on 825000 and by post. Published eventsmay change from time to time, please consult ourwebsite for the most current listings and completecinema listings.

    Jane Foster

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    18 PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    News from our MP

    Firstly, a very happy New Year to all readers: Ihope it is not too late to say so by the time yousee this. Like many others, I am working on improving myfitness at the moment, so I was very pleased to learnthat the Government is making changes to make lifeeasier for our local sports clubs. The taxman hadreceived lots of complaints that the rules for theseclubs were unclear and caused confusion, so therewill be a new set of simple rules. I very much hopethat the changes - which include tax benefits andallowing clubs to generate more income - will makelife easier for all our local sports clubs and so helpthem to encourage all of us not just to take sport upas a new year resolution, but to stick with it all year.

    In between visits to the gym, my mailbag for the pastmonth has included issues such as care in the NHS,the forthcoming Scottish independence referendum,and Save the Children’s No Child Born to Diecampaign, which focuses on reducing newbornmortalities in developing countries. As this shows,my Constituents continue to be concerned about avery wide range of issues, but the largest number ofmessages I’ve had by far has been about the plannedelectrification of the main railway line through theconstituency. Although the idea of electrification hasbeen welcomed, there are some very seriousconcerns about the consequences of doing the workwhich may occur, because it involves work to a lot ofbridges, many of which date back to the time ofBrunel. The biggest outcry came with the proposedclosure of the A338 at Grove, as well as thecontinuing impact on the community around FulscotBridge. I’ll continue to do all that I can to ensure thatthe needs of Constituents are protected as far as theypossibly can be as this process goes on.

    I also received a number of emails and letters frommembers of the farming community about the issueof changes to farm subsidies. Basically, it was aboutthe balance between funding for measures thatenhance the environment compared with thosewhich directly support farming – some things doboth of course. Having written to the EnvironmentSecretary expressing my constituents’ concerns, I waspleased that following an extensive consultation withfarmers, environmental groups and others, Ministerslistened to these concerns and decided on a lessdrastic change, with the intention of reviewing thisin 2016. This will benefit farmers who take great careof our environment.

    As ever please feel free to contact me at the House ofCommons, SW1A 0AA, 020 7219 6350 [email protected]. Surgery details can be foundat www.vaizey.com.

    Ed Vaizey MP

    Wallingford Pancake Race 2014

    The rain may still be hammering down, butcoming up at us on March 4th is the huge, thewonderful, the growing and thrillingWallingford Pancake Race!

    Entry forms are available from South Moreton BoxingClub and Waitrose, or registration is possible on theday (registration from 9.30am). This is a fun event, welike to think the fancy dress and participation is moreimportant then the race. The flood waters will recede,the sun will come out, and Wallingford will, onceagain, host the biggest and best Pancake Race!

    John Houston

    We roast High Grown Coffees

    and we stock Quality Teastogether with a range of

    Herbal beverages and Spicesplus a wide variety of

    Tea and Coffee accessoriesWallingford Tea & Coffee

    Company Limited6a St. Martin’s Street

    Wallingford, Oxon. OX10 0ALTelephone: 01491 836263

    [email protected]

  • 19PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingfordDonations of books before the event will be gratefully received. Please [email protected]

    Nicky Lidstone

    2nd Wallingford Scout Group islooking for new Scout Leaders

    Be prepared… to make adifference... and have fun!

    Scout Leaders are needed foran established Troop of 30Scouts (aged 10½–14), with ateam of adult volunteers. Can youhelp these young people to:

    • enjoy new adventures• experience the outdoors• interact with others• gain confidence and develop their potential

    Throughout the year, Scouts learn skills such as mapreading, camp cooking and first aid in preparation forcamp. We are actively involved with the localcommunity. We need Leaders with goodcommunication, organisation and management skillsto provide a weekly programme for the Scouts thatdevelops their skillls in the areas of teamwork, timemanagement, leadership, initiative, planning,communication, self-motivation, cultural awarenessand commitment.

    Our award-winning training scheme for volunteersmeans that adults get as much from Scouting asyoung people. We’ll want to know what you wantfrom volunteering, while respecting how much timeyou can offer. Over 90% of Scout volunteers say thatScouting skills and experiences have been useful intheir work or personal life.

    We are also looking for volunteers to start a secondBeaver colony for children aged 6-8 years tosupplement our highly successful existing colony.For more information or to talk about helping,contact: Steve Walkey, Group Scout Leader on825235, or at [email protected] orwww.scouts.org.uk

    Helen Liddar

    Books and Pancakes

    What could be better than rummagingthrough hundreds of books then enjoying atasty pancake or two? You will get thechance on Saturday March 1st when WallingfordMethodist Church will again be holding its popularbook sale, and selling pancakes with delicious fillingsa few days before the start of Lent. Novels, non-fiction and children's books will be on sale from 10am until 1 pm at the Methodist Church Centre in StLeonard's Square.

    ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

  • thewindowforwallingfordthewindowforwallingford

    20 PLEASE MENTION WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD IF YOU RESPOND TO ANY OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

    Every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and SaturdayCoffee at St Mary’s Church 10 – 12First Monday The Music Club for children with disabilitiesand additional needs call Sophia Nicholls 07768 298 297or Julie Hinton 01189 722322Every Monday Optimists over 50 Badminton, RegalCentre 2.15 – 4Every Monday Table Tennis at the Regal Centre, 7.15 - 10.00pmEvery Tuesday Lunches at Methodist Church Centre12.30 pmEvery Tuesday Wallingford and District Art Club, Centre70 at 7.30 Every Tuesday, 2 – 4 Age UK Games Afternoon atMillington House Second Tuesday PiP’s Carers’ Support Group, StMary’s Church, 2pm2nd/4th Wednesdays Henley Philatelic Society Bix VillageHall at 7.45 (not July/August)Every Wednesday 6pm at The Methodist Church - Boys'Brigade ages 5 to 18Every Thursday Coffee Morning, Methodist ChurchCentre 10.30 to 12 Every Thursday Wallingford Photographic Club 7.45Crowmarsh Pavilion (not July/August)Every Friday Wallingford Country Market 8.30 – 11.15 inthe Regal Centre.Every Friday and Saturday, Coffee at the Corn Exchange,10 – 2 with soup from 11amEvery Friday and Saturday Coffee at St Mary’s Church 10– 12Every Friday - Charter Market in the Market PlaceEvery Saturday WAGS Store open at Centre 70, 10-12Most Saturdays Local Producers’ Market, Regal Centre 10 – 1 Every Sunday Wallingford Runners meet for a run. Contactnumber is now 07720 204783 or 07919 692532 Second Sunday Wallingford Model Club meet at the FireStation 10 till 5. All welcome. Tel George Clark 200841

    WINDOW FOR WALLINGFORD is published on anon-profit making basis and is compiled anddistributed entirely by volunteers.

    All material published is copyright and may not becopied, stored, reproduced or transmitted in wholeor in part by any means whatsoever without thewritten consent of the Editor.

    The opinions expressed in this magazine are notnecessarily those of the Editor. The Editor ispleased to receive material for publication, butreserves the right to amend or reject it at herdiscretion.

    Editor: Lynda Atkins39 Station Road, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 0JX

    Telephone: 01491 [email protected]

    Distribution Manager: Andrew Blackwell,7 Chalmore Gardens, Wallingford, OX10 9EP

    Telephone: 01491 - 825991

    For adverts/inserts, contact Albry Printing Co. Ltd.Telephone: 01491 - 836282

    Publication Date: 1st of the month

    1st Toy Library for Children with Special Needs and their families. Contact Pamela on 07717280995

    4th Friendship Group British Butterflies tel 8350745th Wallingford U3A AGM5th Wallingford WI The History of Wallingford

    7.30pm Ridgeway Community Centre, Kate 201273

    9th Deadline for copy for the Window for Wallingford

    10th TWHAS Talk East Oxford Archaeology 7.45 at the Town Hall

    11th Carers’ Group Meeting 13th Wallingford Gardening Club 7.30 call 837429

    for info 18th Friendship Group Becoming a Presbyter

    tel 83507418th Wallingford Art Club 18th Farmers’ Market 19th Thameside U3A: Bugs 27th Collection and Distribution day for The

    Window for Wallingford 27th RBL Branch Meeting at 12 noon,

    Masonic Centre28th Dylan Thomas Night in Goring

    HAT’S ON February 2014

    ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

  • WINTERBROOK GARDEN SERVICES LTD.Garden Design, Construction and MaintenanceFencing • Patios • Full Pruning ServiceTel: 01491 838189 24hr AnsaphoneMob: 0775 3636333

    HOWARD CHADWICKFUNERAL SERVICE

    A caring family owned and managed Funeral Service

    • Dedicated Private Chapel of Rest •

    • Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans •

    • Specialists in Memorial Stones and Designs •

    33 Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford OX10 8ED

    Tel: 01491 825222www.chadwicksfuneralservice.co.uk

    SHOEREPAIRS ENGRAVING

    KEYCUTTING

    WATCHSTRAPSBATTERIES

    STITCHINGREPAIRS

    TRAVEL GOODSLUGGAGE

    FEET FIRST21 St. Mary’s Street, WallingfordContact Gary on: 01491 825224

    a small & friendly pre-school environment offering a wide range of activities

    • Flexible sessions for 2-5 yr olds • After-school care available• Pick-up from St. John’s Primary School• Government funded sessions for 3yrs+• Holiday play schemes for 2-8yr olds

    For more information or to visit please call Helen:01491 825333 / 825514

    Paddocks Pre-SchoolPaddock Road

    WallingfordOxon. OX10 9LT

    Tailor-made Trips to suit at Competitive PricesWHITES COACHES of OXFORDFamily Run Business Est since 1984Covering All Areas & All UK Airports• 33-53 Seaters Available• Corporate & Contract• Days Out, Theatre Trips, Races and more• Day Excursions

    Discounts Available – Please Call for details

    01865 34051690 Colwell Road, Berinsfield, Wallingford OX10 7NU

    Wallingford Tyres& Exhausts

    FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL SERVICEAT COMPETITIVE RATES

    PHONE: (01491) 824145 FOR A QUOTEor call in at: AYRES YARD, STATION ROAD,

    WALLINGFORD, OXON.OR BY APPOINTMENT OUTSIDE WORKING HOURS

    Mon.-Fri. 8.30 a.m.-5.30 p.m. Sat. 8.30 a.m.-1.00 p.m.(Just past the Esso Garage on the way to Didcot)

  • • MOT testing from 6am by appointment• Servicing to all types of Vehicles including Vans

    and new vehicles under warranty • Air Conditioning Specialists• Tyres, Exhausts and Clutches• Selection of Free Courtesy Cars• Recovery Service available• Diagnostic Fault Finding and

    rectification for any make of car

    • Flexible term time hours for 2 – 5 year olds• School holiday playschemes for children upto 9 years oldCome and join our friendly group and have

    fun as you learn

    For more information contact - The Bullcroft, High Street, Wallingford OxonOX10 9BX

    JIM PINK (WALLINGFORD) LTDThe Friendly Family Firm

    Serving the Motorist since 1960

    Retail MotorIndustry

    Federation

    NEW & USED CAR SALES • SERVICING ALL MAKESMOT CENTRE • AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS

    TYRES • BATTERIES • EXHAUSTS • BODYWORKCAR SALES • SERVICE CENTRE

    Wood Street Garage,Wood Street, Wallingford

    01491 83601701491 836022

    [email protected] - [email protected]

    Scotland’s Ash Garage

    Main Street, West HagbourneDidcot, Oxon OX11 0NA

    www.scotlandsashgarage.co.uk

    01235 850707

    STATION ROADWANTAGE ROAD

    Fruit & Vegetables • Newspapers •Magazines

    Beers & Wines • Mobile Top-up VouchersIn-Store Bakery with Freshly Baked Bread &

    best valueOpening hours: Mon-Sat. 6.00am-

    8.00pm

    SINOD

    UN RO

    AD

    Didcot

    WE ARE HERE

    Garage

    38 Sinodun Road, WallingfordTel: 01491837932

    Patricia Newman PracticeCHARTERED BUILDING SURVEYORS

    9 St. Mary’s Street, Wallingford 01491 833373

    2D & 3D colour plans of your project forPlanning, Building

    Regulations & ProjectManagement

    Call for a no obligation feequote

    Party Wall SurveyorsPlanning Appeals

    Surveys

    1960-2010

    years

    Outstanding LocalPre-school Education

    and Childcare

    The perfect setting for your wedding ceremony,reception,

    private party or corporate function.We have a fully licensed bar and provide catering at

    Contact: Lains Barn, Grove Park Drive, Ardington Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 7QG

    Tel: 01235 832745 • [email protected] •www.lainsbarn.co.uk

    HUGESAVING

    ONTYRES