Thought you would be interested in entering the below competition: http://www.oxfordshire-life.co.uk/the-magazine-reader-offers--1887
The prize is an EOS 450D camera and lens and possibility of featuring as a cover shot for the magazine.
I’m sure with all the photography talent we have in Faringdon we could bring the prize here!!
The picture must have been taken between January 1, 2007 and September 1, 2008, the closing date of the competition.
Regards Sally
Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre
Regarding the bollards - go for it (love the YouTube link - the final van shows why it is important to wear a seatbelt). And install a 'viewing gallery' for us pedestrians to enjoy the fallout - a bit like Faringdon's 21st Century version of the Village Stocks.
We could even have a photographic exhibition at the next Arts Festival of all those who have fallen foul of the 'evil' bollards. A bit like those pubs whose carparks are under the high tide line, with the photos to prove it..
I do wonder if the Give Way sign approaching the Town Centre from Gloucester Street needs to be clearer. I know it is hard to see cars coming FROM that direction when approaching from the other end, but when you are at the Give Way sign, you have a pretty clear view of everything heading your way - not that you would believe it. I purposefully use the full width of the street outside the shoe shop to deter those who think they can ignore the Give Way sign and squeeze past - and have had great pleasure in forcing people to reverse, standing my ground despite the diminutive size of my car. I have had several 2 fingered salutes, on one occasion from a scheduled bus service driver, but am quite happy to continue to do so if people get the message that it is effectively a one way street for two way traffic, and that the Give Way is there for a reason. *Particularly* for taxi, bus, & white van drivers, who seem to be the worse offenders (and the former two should know better).
Name Supplied
The individual with the patent is almost certainly not going to get his wish: I doubt we'll see the 'craft' he's attempting to signal too descending on the folly hill.
Still, there have been reports of lights in the sky recently!
Name Supplied
Approx 2 months ago now, a dramatic deterioration in the quality of Television reception (mainly BBC 1 3 & 4, analogue signals and general interference/weakening of signal strength in many other digital channels) was experienced and continues to this day. I believed it was just myself experiencing this but it has become clear that many people have experienced the same with some not able to view BBC channels at all until late evening.
Have you had reports of similar or know of any reason as to why this is occurring? I understand an individual within Faringdon has applied for a world patent to do with a new means of 'fitting an increased number of signals (up to 100 I believe) into standard wavelengths, this may be totally unrelated but thought it worth a mention.
Any help, guidance, poll on the Faringdon site or information as to who I should approach would be greatly appreciated.
I contacted the council environmental team and they have directed me to Freeview, BBC and OFCOM but as it is a local problem, I am not sure if they can be of much help; however, I will contact all three and see if anything comes of it.
J Trump
Many thanks for the RSPB link for Peregrine Falcons, its great to know that we have such a wealth of wildlife on our doorstep.
I still can't decide what these birds are, they may Buzzards, but whatever, thanks.
Andy Boston
There is a lot of discussion on the Market Place but why in Marlborough Street is Budgens allowed to put out cones all day long ?
Does that mean when Tesco open up that parts of Park Road will be coned off when they have deliveries coming.
Dont see any other shops coning off in the town? Why????
Name Supplied
At the end of the day, if you decide to break the law by using bus lanes, parking on yellow lines, failing to buy a parking ticket etc and get caught it is your fault- not the police, traffic wardens or anyone elses. You all have you own mind which you are happy to show on this website so are obviously capable of making a decision. Therefore, don't blame the police or traffic wardens who are just doing their job.
You take that risk knowing the consequences of your actions and therefore you pay the penalty for law breaking, just as you would for any other crime.
So stop whinging.
Name Supplied
Single yellow lines not all superfluous - 24/8/08
The single yellow lines along Gloucester Street are not uniformly 'superflous'.
The single yellow line on the opposite side of the entrance to the Gloucester Street car park is there to ensure that drivers of large vehicles have the full width of Gloucester Street when pulling out of the car park entrance.
There has been a steady stream of collisions involving long wheel base vehicles...... so keep up the ticketing, and illegal car parkers take note.
Name Supplied
My Grand-daughter is trying to drag me, reluctantly, into the 21st Century and I have decided to 'go with the flow' (I think that's the correct modernism ) and am seriously thinking of changing my black and white TV for a coloured version. (She admits the programmes will be just as bad but says they look better in Technicolor.)
However, as a Council Tax Payer, I am loath to have my money spent on futuristic gimmicks like Disappearing Bollards and Unmanned Cameras. A great deal of thought has obviously gone into these high tech solutions to what seems to be a very low tech problem and I would like to offer a cheaper alternative.
I would be happy to make a contribution towards equipping a policeperson with a notebook and a pencil and asking them to spend a few hours sitting in the outdoor café with a cup of coffee, which I would also be happy to subsidise. They would be expected to take down the Registration Numbers of transgressors. After a few villains have been caught and had their wrists slapped word would get around and the policeperson could be replaced by a cardboard cut-out (when my offer to subsidise the coffee would be withdrawn.)
O.W
If you missed the Britain from Above episode on the BBC that included Faringdon Folly and the Whitehorse, you can view them online.
Faringdon Folly clip on www.faringdonfolly.org.uk(About 1.5 mins in)
White Horse Hill(About 1 minute in)
Gene Webb
The alterations in the town centre were really designed to be anti car I would imagine and surely the Town Councillors must have realised this and the problems it would cause with the buses and the bus lane so its down to them and the County Council.
As for pedestrians looking where they are going, I do; as I trust no one driving and yet I have been nearly run down twice due to drivers NOT looking where THEY are going.
Why not install a camera, photograph every user going up the bus lane and then prosecute those that shouldnt be there.
Must be cheaper than bollards or should that be something else.
Colin
When tescos comes you will not have to go to the town centre,according to some on here so that will solve the problem as nobody will ever shop in the town centre.
You can take the tescos bus and avoid the bus lane crossing
Name Supplied
KEEP MUSIC ALIVE.
name Supplied
I've not been to the Folly but your description of an eagle/seagull sounds like a Peregrine Falcon.
You can check out the call here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/p/peregrine/index.asp
Name Supplied
One of the reasons for the misuse of that lane by the Crown is exasperation with the idiotic design of the 'new' town centre.
Traffic approaching from the Gloucester Street end of the narrow section of Cornmaket cannot see what is approaching from the other end, particularly as that coming from Market Place is obscured by the Old Town Hall. Buses and opposing traffic, in particular, have difficulty in negotiating Cornmarket with its widened pavements, and it then makes more sense (and is sometimes the only option) for cars to go up the bus lane.
It's awkward to turn from the bus lane towards the Church where the road narrows (another traffic calming road layout feature) but it's more sensible than sitting facing an irate bus/lorry driver when each of you is in a queue, and neither can reverse.
Perhaps if they genuinely fear for their safety, pedestrians could look where they're going instead of complaining, and clamouring for expensive enforc ement measures for very trivial traffic misdemeanours. (Perhaps in future could we ensure that whoever designs our town centre when it all has to be re-done actually spends some time here, preferably driving up and down London Street and round the Market Place.)
Name Supplied
The papers are full of tales about Bolshy, Jobsworth, Binmen afraid of breaking their finger nails and I'd like to set the record straight here in Faringdon. My wife keeps a beady eye on them and admittedly they sometimes leave something they should be taking with them.
BUT.. for the most part what they do leave behind is the impression of an efficient and friendly service and so far they show no signs of threatening us with the once a fortnight collection so beloved of many Councils.
Name Supplied
A request to all the ornithologists out there, does anyone know what type of bird or birds are making a lot of screeching noises around the Folly, I think they nested in the wood at the bottom of the Folly on the Oxford side.
I have heard them on church path and close to Sudbury as well.
They have been around for 4 months and sound like an eagle/ seagull cross, (But they are NOT Seagulls)
Andy Boston
Just to change the debate a bit
I See Live Music is Returning to the Corn Exchange. Some JAM Club
Has the Soundproofing been sorted out their now then ? or is this some illegal gig. are we returning to the days of prohibition. and illegal live music gigs sprouting up all over the place.
hahahahahahahahah
Name Supplied
I did see one of the above, ticketing vehicles on Sunday evening outside Rainbow chip shop/Wheatsheaf pub etc.
Obviously not the busiest time for traffic etc. but she was placing tickets on windscreens.
Martin Harries
Raoul's idea of checking out youtube is a great idea. Follow the link below!
It would be great to see these drivers get their come-uppance but just wait for the writs to start flying!
In the interest of economy and common sense I still don't understand why a simple standard red circle, white bar "No Entry" sign can't be erected.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=i_Cw0QJU8ro
David Reynolds
The cost of Raoul's favoured disappearing bollards must be quite high but we would only need one and some of it could be recouped by having a collecting box for pedestrians enjoying the entertainment.
Far better value than Sleeping Police Men/Women.
Name Supplied
In further response to the posts already, I see each morning people misusing the bus lane, and have also seen Blunketts bobbies; the PCSO's, ignore illegal parking on London Street and the misuse of the bus lane as well.
Havent seen this new bloke yet.
When can we expect the disappearing bollards to be installed. We shall need them for the 2012 Olympics and the dodgems events that will be taking part.
Colin
In town on Sunday a white van drove up the give way part near the shoe shop - just missing a car coming the other way (whose R.O.W it was) -he then mounted the kerb.
He was on the phone!.
He then drove up the bus/taxi bit right past a female police officer. She did not bat an eyelid.
Name Supplied
Response to the comments below.
I have had the same experience on the road towards the roundabout and Coach Lane. That is why I would love the (dis)appearing Bollards.
People who ignore the signs will find themselves a pleasant surprise when they meet the appearing bollards.
You tube website has some nice videos of people who thought they would be able to win from an appearing bollard.
Raoul van Eijndhoven
The closing date of the competition is Friday September 21st
Winners will be notified no later than Sunday October 21st
There will be a prize of £50 for the best poem.
There will be a prize of £50 for the best poem by a local poet
There will be a prize of £50 for the best comic poem
There may be a junior prize if there are sufficient entries
A selection of entries will be included in the Faringdon Online 2008 anthology of poems
See www.faringdon.org/poetry2008/nvpoetrycomp2008.htm for the rules and www.faringdon.org/poetry2008/nvpoems2007prizewinners.htm to see last years winning poems
Hilary Taylor
A few weeks ago I was travelling down coach lane and was met by a car approaching in the wrong direction.
They pulled in to let me by and as I passed I thought I'd better let them know they are going the wrong way. The driver told me they know, but because there was a queuing traffic down London Street they decided to do what they did.
When I reminded them they are breaking the law I just got a load of verbal abuse!
Just how stupid and arrogant are some people?
Name Supplied
"If people do not have the ability to read signs, they should NOT be on the road"
I know that and you know that, but the amount of people who do not DO precisely that is stunning.
Try walking up Marlborough Street towards the roundabout some days and you will find someone driving down there the wrong way!
I even took my life in my hands (drama queen, me!) one day by standing in the middle of the road and gesturing that the driver would have to go back, and got a two-fingered thank you!
Name Supplied
This is to remind those who haven't caught 'Britain from Above' on BBC1 yet.
The program aired on Sunday 17th August featured Faringdon (if you missed it, you can catch it on BBC iPlayer for 7 days after transmission date).
But in addition to that, the opening credits (repeated weekly) also feature the Folly from above, as well as the White Horse. Worth catching, some stunning footage
Name Supplied
As part of the new M.A.D.D. programe we are involved in promoting different areas of dance. In the past we have held Cajun and Salsa nights.
Anyone interested please contact Sam or Hilary on 01367243806. www.maddfaringdon.co.uk
Watch out for manholes covers missing on 13th or early 14th
was stolen from sands hill ,and across the a420 near devils corner.
Name Supplied
Does anyone know if there are any Salsa classes anywhere in Faringdon or close to?
Many thanks!
Name Supplied
Our new, well reasonably new, Sergeant is obviously doing his job by booking the wicked law-breaker who parked on the single yellow in Gloucester St.
Shame on you wicked law-breaker !
Now, please, Sergeant, get rid of the superfluous yellow line so that the same person will be able to park in the same place causing the same 'No problem to anyone' situation but without being branded as a wicked person ! ! !
O.W.
Good work, Dave.
That was exactly the question I would have asked.
It would be more than ironic if any 106 monies from Tesco was spent on a bus for the sole benefit of Tesco.
Ray
Does anyone know or is anyone a carpet fitter who could move one carpet from downstiars to upstairs and fit a new one?
I spoke to one local company who said they'd only fit if they provided the carpet and one who said he could help and I should call him when the new carpet was delivered and now his phone is constantly off.
Can anyone help?
Many thanks
Mel
Friday 15th August 2008 - 10.30pm Maximum 10 minute display.
We would like to give all local residents in the surrounding area of Sudbury House Hotel advanced warning that a firework display will be taking place at above date and time.
We will notify of any further displays as they are due to take place.
Please contact the hotel on 01367 241272 for any further information.
Andrew Ibbotson
At the Chamber meeting I asked the Tesco representative to give specific working examples of "benefits" they have given to the local community and business where similar stores have been built. The only answer they could offer was that they give Section 106 monies to the local "governing" bodies who then decide how to spend the funds.
If this is the case could I urge the Chamber and other interested parties to ensure that the decision on how how to spend these monies is opened up to the wider population of Faringdon.
I personally don't see how the suggested offer of a new bus running between the Tesco store and town is going to benefit anyone but Tesco!
David Reynolds
Faringdon
I'm all for to have them installed on the left of the Old Town Hall. People with legitimate use can come in from the other end (e.g. Deliveries for Herbs or The Crown).
Regarding potential legal users following a bus.
Well as far I know, I might be wrong here, that as part of your driving test you are also required to be able to read signs. So when the bollards are installed there will also be a set of signs which will explain this. If people do not have the ability to read signs, they should NOT be on the road
Raoul van Eijndhoven
Having just received a parking ticket for parking on a single yellow line near the cornmarket building I'd just like to ask for a bit of consistency from our various authorities.
I regularly see comments in the Faringdon Folly and on this web-site complaining about the lack of policing of illegal parking, almost always coupled with comments from the planning authorities that they aren't too worried about such parking as it acts as a form of traffic calming. It would seem that the police have a similar view most of the time since it is very rare that they do any monitoring of parking traffic.
Of course I fully accept that there are rules to be followed, and I broke them. However, let's either
a)see the rules being monitored more consistently/frequently and stop semi-official comments indicating that a blind-eye policy is in place
OR
b)get rid of the lines that are redundant owing to changes in road use/layout (as discussed in an earlier comment).
Name Supplied
2 representatives for Tesco met with members of the Faringdon Chamber of Commerce. I noted down some of the points - but in reality it is too soon for Tesco to be very specific as they are still in the land assembly stage- or so they said.
A study shows that 70% of people do their main shopping outside Faringdon
Another study indicates that 65-70% people go shopping from home
Government figures state that a main food shop is bigger than 15k sq ft(Budgens is 12k sqft)
Tescos will consult with residents when an indicative scheme is drawn up and before seeking planning permission
It will be a Food Store only- which means that up to 15% will be for non food items - cards, papers, hair and beauty, cds, wine. That % is set by the planning authority.
Stores larger than 25k sqft sell clothing(pharmacies and other services not mentioned)
Tesco prefer to be located in Town Centres/to be part of a vibrant community. The proposed store in Faringdon will be 'edge of centre' (Action for Market Towns also indicate that town centre supermarkets produced benfits for other retailers)
Tesco will give to the community - under 106. Could be a bus to bring people into Faringdon, walkway between the store and the town- to be discussed/decided
Tesco offer free parking unless it's near a station and likely to be used by commuters, or the planning authority say they can't - and this is usually if there is likely to be a reduction in use of Council carparks
140 jobs will be created, some with career opportunities
Tesco sell 98% British beef and 80% British lamb
A 15ksq ft store will require another 50% of space for parking
The Faringdon store is likely to be 23-25sq ft (plus parking)
Tesco own the petrol station and Martins the newsagent
Tesco willmodel traffic flows to assess the impact on Park Road, and whether road changes are needed
Timescales not known
Concerns expressed by Chamber members
Traffic in Park Road
Loss of jobs, as Tesco buildings replace existing businesses
Loss of Retail shops in the Town Centre
Gene Webb
Would be good if others at the meeting added the bits I failed to note down
Apparently Oxfordshire Highways are suggesting that disappearing bollards are installed to the left of the Town Hall to prevent vehicles using this road illegally. I'm told that vehicles which are allowed to use the road would have a remote device that would enable the driver to lower the bollards.
I read somewhere this was a bit problematic for vehicles following a legal user- they may not realise that there are bollards and perhaps have not seen the no entry signs- quite possible if the vehicle in front is a bus!
Name Supplied
Thank you Andrew for the apology. Must admit, they did appear to be bigger than the normal fireworks and certainly louder !.
Sudbury is a little way up the road from us but it still proved a bit of a shock to our dog - we were walking him at the time and had to make a quick dash home.
I'm wondering, it would be too time consuming for you to ring everybody who might be affected during future displays so would it be possible for you to let us know on here ?. Just a monthly list maybe or a quick posting a few days before each one ?
I'm sure the word would get about to pet owners who might be concerned.
Thanks very much
Name Supplied
Tesco has bought another empty pub in Oxford
Apparently Sir Terry Leahy daughter has just started at oxford uni.
So expect a few more in Oxford!
Name Supplied
Can we join Oxfordshire County Council?
Ray Philpott
On Friday 1st August the hotel hosted a wedding reception (as we do most weekends) and in the evening the Bride and Groom had arranged a firework display for their guests. I am now aware that this caused some distress to a number of our neighbours and would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the inconvenience caused.
A wedding is of course one of the most important days in anyone's life and we take great pride in providing for all the needs of the happy couple in making the arrangements leading up to the day. We endeavour to comply with all their requirements and occasionally are asked to allow firework displays in our grounds. We are also very mindful of local residents in the area and indeed we do have a contact list of people, particularly with pets, who we inform when such displays are taking place so that they have advanced warning and can make any necessary arrangements.
Once again I would like to apologise for any distress caused to our neighbours and would ask anyone with any concerns to give me a call so that we can add you to the contact list of people that we inform of any future displays. Yours sincerely Andrew Ibbotson
General Manager
Best Western Sudbury House Hotel
01367 241272
I thought it might be interesting to have a look at the condition survey that VWHDC have had produced.
The person I spoke to in the Vale said that as it is a working document they are not obliged under the freedom of information act to let me see it.
They said there will be a summary produced, but could not say when.
So much for transparent government
Gene Webb
There is a new series starting on BBC TV this Sunday called 'Britain from Above', hosted by Andrew Marr as he discovers how each and every one of us is interconnecting making Britain what it is today.
Andrew and the crew visited the Tower on 17th July together with their helicopter and state-of-the-art camera, buzzing around to capture the beauty of the Tower, woodland and town.
Earlier that day they were filming on the White Horse Hill which is featured in the programme.
The three-part series starts on Sunday Aug 10th on BBC One TV at 9pm. The Folly will be on the second programme on Sunday 17 th Aug, on BBC One TV at 9.00pm.
Meanwhile, if you would like to see more detail of the series and some amazing footage take a look at www.bbc.co.uk/britainfromabove.
Friends of the Folly.
More information about Faringdon Folly can be found on www.faringdonfolly.org.uk
If you want to visit the library, park in the Gloucester Street car park. You may not be aware but the school has no vehicle access and it is important that the buses which take the school children to and from the swimmming pool are able to park directly in front of the gates on Gloucester Street.
There is far too much irresponsible car parking and I'm not sure on what basis those who enfore parking restricitions in Faringdon, should make particular exception to you.
Name Supplied
I do not understand why everyone is saying that the Tesco is going to be out of town when what appears to be the intended site is own 5 minute walk from the town centre. I therefore agree with the letter from M Edwards in the folly that it will kill local business.
Actually it be nearer the town centre then the price cutters shop in the Marlborough estate therefore in direct competiton with both small supermarkets.
I would call the garage out of town and not this supposed tescos so again all arguments that is not in competition is farce.
I agree competition is good at driving down prices but at what cost to heart of faringdon.
Again I would like to again praise our marvelous town centre I had plesant morning shopping this Monday with the friendly service you get from shops in faringdon they are a real asset to this town
Name Supplied
Tesco gobbles up another pub
Supermarket chain Tesco has bought another empty pub in Oxford as part of plans to open more stores in the city.
Its latest acquistion is the Fox and Hounds, in Abingdon Road, which the company wants to turn into a Tesco Express convenience store.
Tesco already has two supermarkets in Oxford - Tesco Metro, in Cowley Road, and a superstore at Oxford Retail Park, in Ambassador Avenue, Cowley - and bought the disused Friar pub, in Marston
Road, Marston, in April, to create another Tesco Express.
Spokesman Juliette Bishop said: "Tesco can confirm that we have plans to redevelop the former Fox and Hounds Pub, in Abingdon Road, into a Tesco Express store.
"This is an excellent opportunity for a Tesco Express along the busy Abingdon Road, leading out of Oxford city centre.
Ms Bishop said the adjacent former petrol station site, which has been empty for years, was not part of its plans.
She could not give a timescale for when a shop might open and she said no talks with the city council's planning department had been held.
The store, at the junction with Weirs Lane, would be almost opposite the Nisa Local grocery shop and post office.
Mohammad Afzal, who has run the shop in Abingdon Road for more than 20 years, said: "It will badly affect my trade - not only my trade, but everybody else around it. We have got Sainsbury's down the road already.
"I would like to know why we need one down here. I think there's no need.
"The traffic in Abingdon Road is already very congested, so I think traffic-wise it will be a disaster too."
Reaction from people living in the area was mixed. Seventy-seven-year-old Bernice Morgan, who lives in Weirs Lane, said she would welcome the plans.
She said: "I think that would be lovely.
I'm an OAP and I can't go too far. The only shop we have got now is across Abingdon Road and I hate crossing that road.
"At the moment, I have to get a taxi to Cowley to go to Iceland, so this would be perfect."
But Elizabeth Laskar, who lives in Abingdon Road, was concerned about the potential impact on existing shops.
Ms Laskar, who is in her 30s, said: "I'm really into supporting local shops and if they put a Tesco there, it's going to put a lot of pressure on the local shop, which is a really nice community store. I would be the first to sign a petition against it."
Name Supplied
Once upon a time ( well, it was a long time ago) the traffic in Gloucester Street could flow in both directions. Unfortunately any parked car caused havoc so the Planners made a wise decision ( well, it was a long time ago) They decided to paint double yellow lines on one side of the road prohibiting parking at any time and single yellow lines down parts of the other side restricting parking at busy periods. They also punished anyone transgressing ( well, it was a long time ago).
Then they decided to make Gloucester Street one way. They kept the double yellow lines which was a sensible idea as it ensured a steady traffic flow but can you think why they kept the single yellow which most people (not me of course) ignore?
The Zig Zag markings are intended to prevent parking and overtaking on the approach to the pedestrian crossing outside the school. But there is no pedestrian crossing ( except when the "Lollypop Lady" is on duty).
Could you drop a hint to TP readers that you will turn a blind eye if we park to go to the library when there are no kids going to and from school ? We will promise not to tell visitors ( or your boss.)
I know that the responsibility for road markings belongs to some obscure part of the VWHDC but Faringdon is a long way from Abingdon.or so it often seems !
Optimistic Wrinkly
I wonder if you can help, I was brought up in Faringdon from the year 1937 to the day I got my call up papers in 1949, I still have a friend in Faringdon who I contact from time to time. However I digress, can you point me in the direction to getting pictures of my old Faringdon Secondary Modern School, that was in Southampton Street. I understand it has been knocked down and no longer there.
Regards Ron.Clements
arcy31@btinternet.com
Following a request to the editor, Sandra Fraser, this great article about Faringdon which appeared in the March 2008 edition of Oxfordshire Life, is now available via the internet.
It was written by Mark Child
It's really worth a read - do have a look at it: http://www.oxfordshire-life.co.uk/main-menu-oxfordshire-places-faringdon's-folly,-fortune-and-fame--72023
Gene Webb
Gene, in response to your request, I am able to transfer 1/4 inch reel tape (so long as the reel is no more than 7 inches in diameter, digitally enhance it to the highest quality and then create a CD of the material. If yourself or any other users of this website would like to take advantage of this local service at very reasonable rates, please contact me on 0777 347 9669.
Neil
Ed(GW) Thanks Neil. The tape belongs to a relative of mine - I have to get hold of it first
I have just had a chat with our new Policeman, Sergeant Maddison. He was unaware of the Faringdon Website so I have enlightened him and he has promised to check it out. I did tell him that some of the posters tend to be wrinklies with nothing better to do but I also pointed out that it reflects current thinking on matters which concern us such as Parking and illegal use of our bus lane.
He inspired me with confidence and while I'm not saying I would buy a used car from him I did believe him when he said he will take note of our comments.
So if you are reading this Sergeant. Welcome to Faringdon.
HGM
Here we go again, Hopeful as can be
Trying to win prize money by writing poetry
Now some poets write for pleasure,
and some poets write for gain.
Some people like the things I write,
but some think I'm insane.
So I dislike a contest,
where someone says who's best
There's only one person that I aim to please
and then I say.
B****r the rest !
Phyllis Stein
Yes, its that time of the year again. Just when you'd thought that nothing further was to happen, no more excitement. The Big Gigs; the Music Fests; the Battles of Faringdon; all over. But NO.... Here it is.....The 2008 Poetry Competition!!!
Summon up your muses. Get out your quills, and visit
http://www.faringdon.org/poetry2008/nvpoetrycomp2008.htm
to see details of the contest
I look forward to a deluge of poetic outpourings in due course
Hilary T.
Did anyone lose a set of keys, with the a Honda Car Key on it, in the Market Square or The Crown on Saturday Night as I appear to have them.
If they are yours let me know and I will get them back to you.
Contact me on jpgsawyer@ yahoo.com
It takes a General, a Commander to win a Battle, and the Battle of Faringdon of the weekend 21st July 2008 was the result of two years of strategic planning by Faringdon's Mayor and General, John Gillman. From the start to finish, John organised and directed the operations. He wanted this to be for the people of Faringdon, with no pricey entrance tickets, for all to enjoy. True, he encountered along the way minor skirmishes with Health and Safety men, Environmental Officers, who objected to advertising the event with signs and notices, and the Highways Authorities.
The weekend was filled throughout with well thought out events; the Battle of the King Charles I's Troops against Cromwell's men on the Saturday afternoon, followed by the confrontation in the Market Place at 6.00pm where men were shot for their participation in the earlier fight. An hours rest before another gathering in the beer tent with historic Ale flowing until early Sunday morning.
Going to All Saints Church was an experience for many where John gave us a history of the event, wreaths laid on Marmaduke's grave and Dr Graham Scot Brown aptly talked of John Bunyan's pilgrimage. Hymns and prayers came from those times.
The Sunday Battle intensified, moving closer up the hill towards the people, much cannon firing and fighting. One of Cromwell's men devastatingly killed his brother on the King's side, such was the ferocity of the Battle. Poignantly, a nostalgic time came when John, dressed in his 1646 Commanders garments, took the salute of all participants, and thanked the Sealed Knot for such a wonderful weekend.
In saying thankyou to John, we also especially thank Jane Haynes and Nick Elwell for their organising skills throughout. No General can win without his quality staff, and in Jane and Nick, he had so much detailed help.
There is in planning stage a reception and gathering for all helpers, gatemen, car park attendants and everyone involved soon. The Sealed Knot want to come again, they loved our town and the warm welcome you all gave them.
Planned to every small detail, we saw an orderly arrival of many caravans and campers, the water and food supply, hospitality stands etc., and by Monday, the fields where such Battles took place in 1646, and again in 2008 returned for their peaceful grazing in exceptional tidyness. Such was the organisation that only a Leader of men can do.
Daphne Saunders
Chairman of the Faringdon Area Project
Yet again I am crossing over to the paper shop with dog in tow and once more nearly get run down.
When are the OCC going to get and put up some BIG signs AND paint road markings to notify drivers and more importantly, when are the boys in blue going to shift there useless arses and do something.
Do I have to die first!
Colin
This committee monitors council spending, awards grants, and makes decisions that have financial implications
Mike Wise was elected as Vice chairman(Chairman is Steve Leniec)
It was agreed that Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre will offer payment via credit cards under an arrangement made by Tourism South East. It will cost £138pa, plus 1.25% - 1.5% per transaction.
FCTIC have been given postcards by VWHDC, for sale. Some have been donated to the Friends of the Folly as the postcard depicts the tower.
A number of photographs have been offered for the Faringdon 2009 calendar. More are needed.
Grants
Faringdon First responders were awarded £1350 to equip a van that has been donated by the 41 Club.
Bromsgrove Day Centre were awarded £300 towards the cost of arranging a course re fall prevention for elderly/inform Faringdon residents
Faringdon Whist drive was awarded £332 for 5 new card tables
Council Accounts
AH proposed that the way capital money is held in the accounts is changed. As far as I could understand this will mean that money earmarked for captal projects in the budget will be held under the same budget heading as the council reserves. The effect of this is that if money is unspent, the the council reserve figure will appear to be higher than if these monies are held separately. The FTC Finance officer, the Town Clerk, was against this and felt it would be misleading for townspeople.
The motion was agreed (of 7 councillors, 3 supported, 2 against, 2 abstained).
Corn Exchange Lease
The condition survey report has been received. It was said there were no surprises. The toilets(particularly the gents) was the major item, the roof was not highlighted as a major issue though there are some minor repairs needed, plus decoration.
The terms of the lease were discussed. It was thought that VWHDC and FTC would split any costs 50:50. The lease term is 10 years, there is a peppercorn rent, FTC would be responsible for insurance costs.
The discussion on break clauses was unclear to me. Any time after one year was mentioned, but also a minimum term of 10 years. No mention was made of notice periods, though if ever FTC did terminate the lease then the building would need to be returned in a certain condition. ( I think the condition now, rather than after the works mentioned above have been carried out).
Mike Wise asked that the full costs and income of running the Corn Exchange under the lease were calculated in order to make an informed decision.
A working party will meet with VWHDC to discuss the lease, and the assistance VWHDC would provide if it was decided to move FCTIC to the Corn Exchange office area.
No mention was made of the FTC office moving to the Pump House
It was stated that FTC intend to hold a town meeting sometime in September, to ask the town their views
Pump House - It was suggested that 'something needed to be done' about the Pump House- so that it is better used.
Land adjoining Willes Close - It was agreed to apply for change of use (£150 to be paid from reserves)- to allotments. It wasn't mentioned what the current permissible use is. (this former school playground/field land was covenanted to Faringdon by Oxfordshire CC)
SSSI land off Fernham Road - This SSSI land, will become owned by Faringdon (currently in discussion with builder Ede, who gifted the SSSI).
House owners in Fernham gate whose gardens back onto the SSSI have removed the boundary fence and erected another to include between 2.5 and 3m of SSSI land in their rear gardens.
FTC are to write to builder EDE, as current owner of the land.
Climate Change - Mike Wise is to be the Finance committee representative on the Climate change working party
Employment Tribunal - the case was dismissed
Council Meetings are likely to be held somewhere with disabled access
Personal comment
The above notes are my memory of the meeting (>3 hours long!). There are some points that are a bit unclear - but as you know the public are not allowed to ask questions except at the Public question time agenda item- and then having given prior notice.
I went to the meeting to hear about the Corn Exchange and the suggestion from Venues 'David Price (the chair) felt it was important that FTC looked at the big picture across venues, their uses, the finance, the pros and cons. Others at the meeting agreed with this, but thought that it was being done via the Finance meeting ' To my surprise, even though there were 4 councillors at this meeting that were also at the Venues meeting, it was not mentioned.
I have heard informally that if secondary glazing is installed in the Corn Exchange, air conditioning will be required.
Gene Webb
I was intrigued to see that staff in supermarkets are obliged to wear nappies as they are given insufficient time to use the lavatory.
Although I have scrutinised Budgen's staff carefully on my recent visits there I can see no tell-tale bulges, nor have I detected any leakage.
It is gratifying to note that modern nappies are so unobtrusive.
HT
Whoever was responsible for the decoration of our new Boots building deserves a pat on the back. Josiah Wedgwood would be proud.
People sitting in the bus shelter watching the law breakers ignoring the signs will now have something calming to look at..
Well done !
Art Lover
I notice from the post regarding the council meeting that young people would like somewhere to meet and play tennis and basketball. Faringdon Community College has several tennis courts and a basket ball court which stand unused all summer long.
Up until the end of term and the nets were removed there were lots of people young and families using the tennis courts. Some however are in a poor state of repair.
My suggestion is that all the groups in Faringdon pull together and make the most of existing facilities instead of looking for money to provide more. Money could be spent on these areas to provide better courts and CCTV to prevent vandalism. Everyone would benefit - FCC from better quality courts and the community from evening, weekend and holiday use.
Name Supplied
Does anyone know of a reliable service to copy voice from reel tape to CD?
I guess the tape was made in the 1960/70s
Gene Webb
Thought I'd go along to the Council Venues committee meeting (22/7)to hear what is happening about the Corn Exchange- it was last on the agenda so was not talked about until 8.50, and then not for long.These are my notes of the meeting - and hopefully are accurate, but of course I don't go to all meetings and therefore don't have the full detail.
VWHDC will be closing the cash office in the Corn Exchange on 1/10, and FTC are considering whether to move the TIC into the open area in front of the offices(not into VWHDC cash office), so that an information service can be provided to people who are accustomed to getting VWHDC information from Cash office staff. It seems that the VWHDC solution to this is to put a computer into the library
Whether this is a possibility is dependent on FTC signing a lease for the Corn Exchange.
The condition survey has been received and from the sound of it there is about £30k to spend - a largish proportion on the toilets, particularly the gents.
When the lease is needed to be signed was mentioned, not whether it will be. No mention was made of FTC moving to the Pump House.
David Price (the chair) felt it was important that FTC looked at the big picture across venues, their uses, the finance, the pros and cons. Others at the meeting agreed with this, but thought that it was being done via the Finance meeting (next meeting 23/7 - so I went to that too)
Other subjects discussed.
Common Room for Youth activities.
2 6th form girls have been co opted to provide the Venues committee with information from other young people about their needs.
Sophie Cave reported that they want a room for playstation games, TV and the like, and for the summer somewhere to meet, play basketball, tennis etc. They like the idea of a cinema and occasional discos.
FTC intend to hold an open meeting for teenagers in September.
No mention was made of the Cromwell Centre becoming the Youth venue.
Corn Exchange/Bar franchise
Hilary and Sam Prince have, as the franchisees, been co opted onto the Venues committee. The agreement is soon to be signed
There was a long discussion about lower hire rates for non business/profit making organisations. It was agreed that this is not always clear cut, so deciding on a case by case basis will continue, with decisions to be made by the chair and vice chair (Julie Farmer)
The Corn Exchange has few bookings during August (this is normal), so the venues caretaker is carrying out some park superintendant duties as he is on extended sick leave.
It was thought that maybe bookings this year are down, so a year on year comparison is to be produced.
Oxford Countywide Rural and Community Touring scheme.
It was decided to fund 2 performances, to be chosen by the Town Clerk.
It was agreed that more publicity is needed asin the past audiences have been small.
Pump House
It was stated that this building is under utilised.
£850 is to be spent in removal of combustible materials from the old theatre and bar, in order to comply with insurance requirements.
2 radiators need to be replaced - the paint is peeling and they are not suitable for thermostatic control. The ££ for this is to come from the climate change budget of £5k.
FTC would like to put thermostats on all rads (Climate change initiative), but have been told that the radiator connections are unsuitable and the radiators would have to be replaced.(FTC do not want to do this)
Apparently there is a heat control for each floor, operation of which is now understood, so controlling the temperature should not be a problem
Pump House theatre and bar
A working party was set up to look into use/repairs/costs of these rooms. No meeting date was discussed.
It seems there is a fire safety requirement that access is only from the rear, and no more than 80-90 people may use the theatre at any one time.
Gene Webb
An exciting evening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When Lord Berners released the doves on the opening night, were they just red, white and blue – and was this supposed to be the colour of the Union Jack, do you know?
Gene Webb
Supermarkets present a very seductive picture to the consumer, but just under the surface it is a different story.
Research carried out in the UK some 15 years ago revealed that the average distance travelled by the food in a typical supermarket trolley is more than 3,000 kilometers. Most "fresh" produce is at least 4 days old and has passed through a number of processing and storage plants, involving subjection to very different temperature fluctuations, before getting onto the shelves. In the process, there is a loss of between 40 and 50% of the nutritional value of these foods.
Sell by dates are routinely altered in many chains, to keep fresh looking produce longer. Staff are paid very low rates and, in more than one known chain, have to wear nappies, as they are not given sufficient breaks to go to the toilet.
Huge power requirements are needed to maintain freezer and cold storage facilities, drawing heavily on the national grid and thereby encouraging wasteful practices that increase already critical global warming patterns.
Being able to buy "anything at any time" comes at a high price to our environment and farmers. The large supermarket chains buy their supplies from wherever it is produced at the lowest cost on the world market. Organic and conventional. This involves contracting large agrichemical oriented farms to mass produce "cheap" food. Because the price paid is very low, the farmer has to compensate by maximising production and minimising employment.
The result is the huge monocultural prairies that dominate US agriculture and have now established a significant foothold in Europe. These 'food factories' are entirely dependent upon chemical inputs: herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, nitrate fertilizers and increasingly, genetically modified seeds/plants. Their soils are so barren that they care incapable of producing any crops at all without heavy doses of agrichemicals.
The same applies to meat production. The great majority of farm animals, in order to be raised to strict supermarket specifications and time lines, are housed in vast sheds with very little room to move freely or express their natural physiological needs. Electric lighting is kept on night and day and most animals never see real daylight or indeed, the outside world. Pigs and chickens are routinely fed antibiotics in their heavilly processed and genetically modified feed, in order to speed up their rate of growth and prevent them from becoming sick. Inspite of this, mortality rates are high.
All chickens routinely have their beaks clipped in order to stop them pecking each other in the overcrowded cages in which they are raised. The feed of egg laying hens contains chemical colours to make the yolks look red. The farmer can choose from a wide variety of orange colourings. When I kept hens (free range) I was sent a yolk colour chart by the manufacturers hoping I would buy their products!
Without these colours the yolks of hens kept in these conditions would be grey and consequently completely unacceptable. Hens require access to green foods (ie grass) to have naturally orange yolks. The hens that supply the supermarket chains never get outside. They live for an average of 3 months before being culled and used for quick chill chicken dishes and dog/cat food. The same goes for birds specifically grown for meat: they are fed 24 hours a day on genetically modified maize and soya plus antibiotic growth promotors in vast indoor air controlled (no windows) sheds often containing upwards of 30,000 hens. They are slaughtered at an average age of 2.5 months, their under-formed legs barely able to hold their exaggerated weight.
On average, dairy cattle are culled (slaughtered) after just 3 lactation cycles, because they cannot maintain the peak volumes of milk demanded by the supermarkets, beyond the age of 4/5 years. Many suffer severe mastitis inflamations of the udder and hoof rotting due to the unnatural conditions in which they are kept. On my organic farm in the UK, my diary cattle averaged 14 years before they ceased commercial milk production. I then kept them on as nurse cows for raising calves.
Each supermarket planning acceptance leads to the subsequent loss of an average of 150 local jobs through the closure of local businesses (Rural Development Commission, 1992). Money which used to circulate in the local economy is lost to the global economy, thereby draining the community of its life blood.
Supermarkets require special road structures to cater for their large transportation vehicles and equally large concreted delivery areas. They are major contributors to CO2 emmissions, largely because of their vast and power hungry refrigeration units, but also because they encourage families to use cars to get to them - instead of shopping locally.
Tesco's profit margins increase every year - and are now regularly in the 3.5 billion pound area. They are the leading exponents of a centralised market economy and have no interest in supporting local communities or stocking local food. Their representatives often claim that they will take an interest in purchasing locally - to placate any critics - but in reality they source 98 percent of their produce wherever it can be purchased most cheaply and most easily on the national and world market.
All in all they are at the front line of contributors to a degraded food growing environment on a global scale; inhumane animal welfare practices and the undermining of the integrity of local communities.
Any community that wishes to encourage a robust local economy would be well advised to steer well clear of such marketing practices. In Faringdon's case, courting such trading runs directly counter to the stated goals of the FAP as well as the recent "health check" criteria for a more self supporting and inclusive community involvement in the town's development.
Julian Rose, Hardwick Estate, Whitchurch-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
If people are interested there are now well over 200 diverse photographs to look at from last weekend's Battle for Faringdon, posted by 11 local (flickr) photographers on a flickr site called Battle for Faringdon 2008.
The direct link to it is http://www.flickr.com/groups/853558@N22/pool/
Al Cane
Speaking as a M.A.D.D. person, running the bar for the Sealed Knot, I have to put on record that I have rarely met a nicer bunch of people and would welcome them back again, although it would be nice if it was not assumed that plastics grow on trees.They have to be replaced.
Di's and John's parties seem to have gone swimmingly but we were running a creche on Sunday.
However, I know I sound like a moaning Minnie but apart from being totally shattered, we enjoyed and learned from the experience and will be there for the next one. yours,
Hils and Sam M.A.D.D.
Two of the entries from the Young film Makers Competition that was held at the Faringdon Arts Festival can now be viewed at the following URL http://www.members.lycos.co.uk/scottgil/
If you just keep watching the winning one will play after the first one in total the video will be around 12 minutes long
the Final two will be added once they have been compressed for Web Viewing
Thanks
Scott Gildert
I not sure if the curpits are human I know from dogs we occasionally take care of are very partially to our strawberries
I only got to try one and what about the Birds do they not like berries?
Name Supplied
I think that you need to add johny bird to your list of potential culpits.
As soon as the berries are ripe (as with cherries) they will strip the bush of fruit without trace. The only way to prevent it, is to pick before ripe or net the bush.
Devil's Advocate
Oxfordshire Highways will be undertaking carriageway repairs on the A420 commencing 28th July for 6 weeks. The repairs will involve the reconstruction and resurfacing of worn out areas of carriageway. The traffic management will consist of night time road closures (20.30 to 05.00). The closure will commence at the Wantage roundabout and end near to and west of Carswell Lane. Local access will be maintained to Littleworth along the A420 as far as it is possible. The night closures generally are expected to commence on the 12th August, and to continue for three weeks. Outside of this period there may be the need to close the road for a short time to undertake work safely in order to maintain the work on programme and to ensure that the works are complete within the six weeks.
See nvpressrelease.htm for more information
Well done John Gillman.
Absolutely wonderful weekend that has lifted the profile of our town.
I didn't record it on TV as I thought I would be able to replay on BBC IPlayer and I didn't know what time it was on anyway. Not so - they don't do IPlayer for local news.
So if any one has recorded it and can copy/lend me a copy, I would be truly grateful.
Couldn't watch it myself as I was stuck in the carpark then helping clear up.
Then at a seminar on the towns behalf in Oxford.
Can I go to sleep now.
Jane Boulton (Town Councillor)
The Arts Festival this Year was Over £8000 to put on and i know that a quarter of this went on childrens events.
It is good to have things like Bouncy Castles Quad Bikes and Big BOuncy Slides. but they all have to be paid for and I know I Parted with a good £40 of my money and that was without Buying food or drink.
and those type of thing are not based around the Arts
This year we had:
Grafitti art
Film Makers Competition
Kids Junk Modelling
Toddlers Singing
Puppet Making WORKSHOP
Puppet Show
Sony Play Station Guitar
Hero Street Dance Workshop
and all but the puppet show everything was free
now to me that is money well spent and all the events were very well attended. and based around the arts. their was also a wide variety of music at the festival
from opera to Musical theatre to cheesy pop and
Rock.
Original music and also covers.
so the Attractions like what was at the battle of faringdon don't really apply to an arts Festival. we may well just call it the faringdon Carnival.
Scott
Martin - Do you think you using tesco online helps fund the tescos attack on rural towns etc.
Ray - i know bugdens is a franchise .
But they still have to stock a certain percentage of bugdens named brands,
Dont think they are stocking coleshill veg for your health and well being.Its beacuase its the in thing to do ????
Andrew - I agree with you about varied hours opening ,Not everbody is blessed with being able to shop in the 9 to 5 window.
I know of only one local shop to open on a sunday 9 to 1 pm.Thats why iI spend my money there on sundays not halfords etc.
Shaz - great post ever job is important checkout girl or doctor makes no diffrents.
simon
ps hamish sorry the tesco debate is so sanctimonious
I would like to thank Eddie Williams for the kind words about my company.
One small correction on the original posting.
My contact number is 07834 164 375
Raoul van Eijndhoven
Could the lady or gentleman who helped themselves to all the gooseberries from my granny's back garden, kindly not. I was going to make some lovely crumble, but apart from two I found on the floor you've taken every single one of them!!!! This is not only trespassing but it is also stealing.
Anyone else had fruit taken?
Name Supplied
Yes I would like to agree that the Battle of F weekend was extremely good, especially the range of children's activities and food stalls.
Is there any possibility that next year's Arts Festival could hire some of these children's attractions.
I've heard that FTC have a budget of £6000 for events, and so instead of wasting part of it on the MADD festival why not spend it on bumping up the attractions of the already enjoyable Arts Fest?
Ray
The Videos will be posted soon they need converting to a smaller size so that they can be viewed without using too much bandwidth plus also we need somewhere to host them they will be available to view soon
Scott Gildert
What a brilliant weekend- thankyou John Gillman for organising it.
There are many more people now, who know about Faringdon and it's importance in the civil war
For those who want to read more there are several links worth looking at on www.faringdon.org/hyhistory1.htm
Gene Webb
Please don't knock the Community Bus and its very dedicated group of volunteers.
My guess is that any body saying that it runs about half empty isn't one of the many many people in the town who need to use it because, they don't have a car and need to shop in the town (probably don't have computers to buy from ASDA, TESCO or Sainsbury's online. Need go to the doctors or haven't had a trip out of Faringdon for many months. Or disabled the list goes on.
Also it is a thought that when you see the bus half FULL 3 or 4 people might have got off at the previous bus stop.
Also some of us use it rather than taking a car into town and try to reduce the traffic and our carbon footprint. Just a thought!
There are many people in this town who can't go to the big out of town supermarkets, therefore cannot take advantage of cheaper food prices. These very often are the poorest and most vunerable in our society. Perhaps they would like a choice as well. Just to add to the debate.
Name supplied
Have a look -lots of faces of Faringdon
www.flickr.com/groups/772559@N25/
What has happened to the winning video(s) from Scott Gildert's artsfest workshop - Is there a link to it/them?
videohound
Dear name supplied
I wasn't making fun of Cllr Hickmore's inability to spell but merely trying to lighten the mood, albeit in the childish and public school boy manner of private eye, as sadly the whole tesco debate is all a little sanctimonious and actually doesn't show the town in a particularly good light, if the only opinion was gathered through reading the .org forum.
No doubt this post will be objected to by a section of the posting community who will claim the valuable right to share their opinion but merely operate on the basis of I've already made my mind up don't confuse me with the facts.
At least I haven't threatened to cancel my subscription (another private eye reference)
Hamish Millar
Yes you do get a refund of your 40p on production of a receipt but only if you've spent over £10 - not much good if you want to pop in for five minutes for a loaf of bread or a stamp!!
If Faringdon Town Centre is to survive we must have free parking like Witney, Abingdon and Wantage all have. As far as I know Faringdon gets no benefit from the parking monies taken - that all goes back into the Vale Councils purse. It's about time this was changed surely?!
Controversial I know but if I need a loaf of bread and it's going to cost me £1.40 at Budgens because I have to pay parking (and have to fiddle about entering my registration number...and there's another talking point, grrr!) I'm more likely to nip into Tescos for two minutes and buy one for £1.00. In an ideal world I'd always support the Town Centre shops but I also have to budget realistically!!
Name Supplied
Why do I get the impression from the "not in my backyard "posse, that they view the posters for Tesco's as waffling, plastic bag using, uneducated burger chomping morons. While the against Tesco's brigade, are the educated, jute bag carrying, Ive lived in a city, Ive seen the future (garlic bread) jolly decent people sort.
"The only benefit I can see is shelf stackers and check out staff", whats the heck is wrong with that, we can't all be captains of industry, I know which group I would like to be stuck in a lift with.
Shaz. a checkout girl, and proud of it!!
Simon, you make a very good point.
I fully agree that customers should put their money where their mouth is. In fact, I would like to spend more of my money in the butchers, bakers and local shops when it is convenient for me. Hence why I have suggested they could open late night one evening a week.
However, I am not trying to personally attack people who choose to spend their money in supermarkets. I am trying to focus discussion on the clearly detrimental effects Tesco would have on Faringdon as a market town and trigger discussion on what local shops can do to serve customers better.
Andrew
Actually I was wrong to object Tesco.
I apologise for my suggestions that a supermarket would do everything possible to achieve maximum turnover in one building in turn closing down Faringdon town centre and removing all profit from the local area.
Now that I hear Tesco suggest providing a bus service to bring in customers from local villages AND Faringdon town centre while providing opportunities to capture every market in one new shopping mall experience I am converted. I for one cannot wait for a Clinton cards and an Orange mobile phone shop to replace these unnecessary bakers, butchers and delis we currently have, that's progress.
It looks like we can be confident they may allow local business to relocate to their site, thank you Tesco, I was wrong to doubt you.
Andrew
Simon
Faringdon's Budgen's is actually a franchise, and as such is owned by a local businessman. Tesco's isn't. That's the big difference.
Budgen's sells local produce, Tesco's doesn't.
I can happily say that I support a local shop by using budgens.
Ray
I do shop with a major supermarket, however online. I make use of their endless lines of goods and enjoy the choice. However, this doesn't mean I want one on my doorstep!
I wonder, how many of the pro Tesco brigade live on or off of Park Road? This is the major trunk road through the Town and is busy at peak periods. There are a large number of children who have to cross or walk along the road to school. The increased traffic we will get with a Tesco's is going to make their trip even more treacherous.
Let's have larger schools, doctors surgery etc to cope with the increased housing. These are things you can't do online, as you can your shopping!
Martin Harries
My thoughts
looking at the comments most of posters on here dont like the thought of tescos coming.
So am i right in thinking that you only buy from small local shops and never use major shops .
If you use budgens then you are using a quite large company 225 stores.
So my question to anti tesco poster, where do you buy your goods can you hand on heart say I buy all my bread in london st bakers and all my meat in one of the two butchers.
If you can fair enough but if you cant then dont you think it is a bit rich ,to come on here saying i dont want a tescos but i will shop at it so long as it is not in faringdon.
So there it is
where do you get you shopping from ???? I am very interested in where the anti faringdon tescos poster get shooping from.
I know that we use 90% supermarkets in one shape or form eg budgens in faringdon or co op, tescos of sainsburys.
Be honest in your replys
regards simon
Yes, Hamish, a bit unnecessary to pillory AH for typos, but an independent and professional review would be welcome. Perhaps it could look at comparable towns to Faringdon, such as Langport, Somerset, (rather than crow about Inverness) which has had a Tesco's for around five years now, and I believe of the existing shops there none has had to close. Moreover, I am told that more people go there now to the supermarket and visit the town shops as well, than formerly.
If all the ranters on this site don't want Tescos, why don't they simply avoid it and stop trying to dictate life for the rest of us. Its a possible supermarket which would serve the whole area, not a strategic nuclear strike on Faringdon, that we are talking about.
Name Supplied
The scheme includes the Gloucester St and Southampton St car parks
There are many participating shops that offer a refund of one hours parking(40p), on production of a receipt when purchasing goods
Look out for the sticker in the shop window
Name Supplied
This year's competition had 28 entrants (plus 1 lost application)
Judging was 21/6, 22/6 by Jim Ludlow from Lechlade
The winners are:
Commercial premises- Faringdon Motorparts
Private garden - Ann Garratt
Communal garden- Eastfield Court
Patio - Jessie-May Barrett
The overall winner being Eastfield Court
Presentation Sat 19th 11am, Pump House
The competitiion was organised by Alan Hickmore
FTC councillor
This Free bus service Tesco's are looking to supply is ludicrous. The only benefactor will be Tesco.
The bus will bring Tesco's customers from outside Faringdon and surrounding villages!
We already have a community bus service run by dedicated individuals. Why the need for another bus service? > Are they hoping to kill of our community bus too?
Maybe they will even re-brand the bus? Tesco's community bus!!
We don't need Tesco or their cash enducements!
What real benefits can Tesco offer Faringdon?
Keen to hear other residents' comments
"Every Little Helps"
Neil
In reply to Alan Hickmore regarding Tescos I hope to towns people are listened to wether they want a tescos or not. So far it seems to be a 50 - 50 split.
One thing we can ask for is not another bus, the community bus at the moment is used yes but not full to capacity.
So yes lets ask for additional parking that is definately a problem which could be solved from the 106 money and not for personal causes.
We want people to use the town as well as another businesss and has anybody thought what would happen to a large site like Budgens if they were to go or would Tescos take over the whole town!!
Name Supplied
Thanks for the corrections pedant!!
Alan Hickmore
FTC Chair of Planning
Its good to see that the tesco proposals, according to Cllr Hickmore, will be subject to a pedant (albeit an inde one probably a lot of staring at shoes and mumbling) and a proffessional review.
I'm pleased that matters will be dealt with so seriously but surely an independent and professional review would be better. (one for pedants corner/column in private eye)
Hamish Millar
It's good to see that the Town Council is seeking a proactive consultation with Tesco.
However if they also seek to promote local businesses should Tesco not also be invited to put their proposals into the Faringdon Advertiser and Community Times both of which are independent Faringdon based businesses.
David Reynolds
(unashamedly publisher of one of them!)
I recently attended a meeting at which Councillor Hickmore stated that if Tesco's made the decision to come to Faringdon the Town Council would hold a referendum so that the whole town could decide what they wanted.
Has this now been abandoned?
Name Supplied
Following a series of rumours, Faringdon Town Council planning committee invited representatives from Tesco to visit and give us the facts as they now are.
Tesco have purchased the former JDS site. They are also in negotiation with other premises near by.
They are at a very early stage in the process and no final decisions have been made by Tesco as to the size or type of supermarket they envisage, indeed the final decision as to whether to go ahead in Faringdon is still being discussed by their commercial section.
If they decide to go ahead, they will seek to consult with the Townspeople before seeking planning consent. >
The committee have suggested a consultation method that will be meaningful, there is no point in consulting on the basis of hearsay and rumour, it should be based on facts.
The method that we have suggested is:
Tesco will be invited to put their proposals into the Folly or Whats On? Others will be invited to make their comments in the same edition.
This will be followed by an exhibition by Tesco of their proposals at which they will ask for suggestions.
We will then hold a Town Meeting at which the Tesco representatives will be present to answer any questions.
Finally an indepedant and proffessional opinion poll will be held to find out the Town's views.
This suggestion was well received by the Tesco representatives, but we are awaiting conformation when they have made their commercial decisions.
If this proposal goes ahead, there will have to be some "section 106" (planning gain) issues to suggest. So far the suggestions are: a dedicated bus to bring people in from nearby villages and from the Tesco site to the Town centre; the provision of start up shops nearby; help with parking. We would welcome any suggestions from you.
As an important side issue, there is the strong possibility that a site will become available onto which the existing businesses will be able to relocate.
The FTC planning committee has not taken a view on this proposal, but will await the results of the consultation process.
I hope this clears up some of the issues that have been worrying people.
Alan Hickmore
Oh dear. I see it all. This morning just before dawn, I had a vision of how Faringdon will be. It is Christmas Day, future, sometime in the twenty first century. (It is hot - global warming; and shops must now remain open 24/7 - inclusivity and not to offend minority groups)
We are in London Street, shell of what used to be a thriving etc. main street in a busy market town.
Old Ma Taylor is hobbling slowly down the street, supported on her zimmer. She is one of the oldest surviving inhabitants, having been completely reinvented by the new PFI/NHS polyclinic on the edge of town.
She heads for the Crown, now a broken down bar room, where her old friend, little Stevie Wright, is waiting. "Howdy, Ma" he greets her, fingering his few grey hairs. Ma squints at his balding pate
"Been for a haircut?"
"Yup"
"Joycey gone to....to.....T...?"
"Yup"
They sit disconsolately inside the shabby bar, a warm thin beer between them. Outside, a single street lamp flickers, (It is council policy to light the streets during the day: health and safety) briefly lighting up the semi derelict ruins of what used to be the thriving etc. Paint peels from the buildings, the rendering from the Crown's facade lies in bits on the pavement, where it has been since 2010. (The pile of crumbling building material has now been listed and must remain)
A dark cloud hangs over the area, evidence of the polluting atmosphere from the all-embracing Park Road SUPERMARKET, the Sodom and Gomorrah that is Tesco. In the unnatural, darkly shimmering heat-haze, an untidy ball of tumbleweed rolls by, tendrils trailing, its lazy progress gathering fag-ends and dog detritus. It meanders on past the neglected empty hulk of what used to be a thriving etc. Budgens. Ma Taylor and Stevie hear the far-off sound of raucous merriment and crashing cash registers, they see the eerie neon-glow of greed that palls over the town, causing its once thriving etc. centre dilapidated and deserted, and turning Faringdon's friendly townsfolk into ravening monsters, unable to think for themselves, lured by the false promises of mammon, the freely available pile-it-high sell-it-cheap rubbish food, garish clothing and a car park without ticket machines or officious attendants.
Ah, Tesco's car park! (by now covering half the county) Streams of pasty, obese rural peasants drive their trucks in an unending line past the once thriving etc. industrial estate. Inside the car park, they do not leave their cars, but proceed through the drive-thru junk food dispensary and sit slavering over their coke-and-(extruded potato powder) fries BOGOFS. Embarrassing sounds of lewd writhing and slurping emanate from their vehicles as they settle down in front of the giant widescreen cinema.
Back in town our pair are joined by Paul, the oldest surviving Dalek. "Fancy a pint, Paul?"
But before he can croak out the affirmative 'Yup' Ma stiffens
"Hey" she whispers. "Hear that?"
The others strain to listen.
"If my hearing aid serves me right, there's somebody a -coming"
The trio peer through the door.
Outside, the light resembles that of an eclipse; weirdly gloomy, still as limbo. Two tiny, wizened figures come tottering slowly out of the haze. They stand, expressions grim, facing one another at either end of the once thriving etc. market place. Their hands are poised over their holsters.
Stevie gulps, "My God, its....."
Ma's eyes widen in disbelief
"Sam Prince and David Reynolds!"
Paul, shocked, topples over.
They wait, transfixed, to see who will draw first.
In the distance, above the tinny racket of cash flowing a western ballad drifts from Tescos stupendous surround sound multi million pound open-air cinema (The obligatory contribution following their successful planning application)
"Do not forsake me oh my darlin'.....on this our wedding da...ay...."
Steve slowly turns to Ma, his face ashen,
"High Noon" he mouths
"Not again..?"
"Yup."
Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose!
name supplied
There is a Unison poster advertising their strike on a pole outside the Council office
Special dispensation?
Name Supplied
Just wanted to say we enjoyed this event.
Also does anyone know the contact details for the guy who did the "Dalek Invasion" David Price was the name I believe.
Would love to be able to hire his Dalek & Tardis for my sons birthday in November.
Angela - SITV
Fantastic production by the Junior School children. So good to see so many children having such fun and so they're so talented
It's on again this afternoon and tomorrow evening
Well worth going
Gene Webb
Open 11- 5pm, both Saturday and Sunday.
There should be a pretty good view of the Battle for Faringdon from the Belvedere room
Gene Webb
The Sealed Knot will be re-enacting the battle of January 1646 when Cromwell's Red Coats, seen above, advanced on Faringdon from Radcot. The garrison in Faringdon beat off numerous attacks by General Cromwell, but as a result the town was very badly damaged. The church lost its steeple, many houses were burnt down and over 330 families were made homeless. The last Royalist commander, Sir Marmaduke Rawdon, is buried in All Saints Church.
Gates will open at 10am at Church Path Farm, at the top of the Market Place, where a Living History site will be displayed, together with numerous sideshows, slides, jousting apparatus, stalls and refreshments. Below the farmhouse is the actual historic battlefield, with cameo performances during the morning and military activity in the Market Place culminating in a full size re-enactment on the actual battle site starting soon after 2.30pm. There will also be a cameo performance outside the Old Town Hall at 6pm on Saturday.
Wreaths will be laid on Rawdon's grave during Morning Prayer on Sunday at 1030am and another re-enactment on the field around 2.30pm
Read more about the Civil War and the part Faringdon played on www.faringdon.org/hyBattleforFaringdon.htm
We could always turn the old jds site into a travellers site.
Some welcomed them more than tescos????
simon
I am neither panicking nor unusually wound up, merely trying to trigger some discussion around what local businesses can do to more successfully give customers what they want. After cutting through Jim's waffle the only positive point I can see being made is that Tesco will bring jobs as shelf stackers and checkout attendants. I do not see this as a huge benefit to the town; the real money and profits do not stay in the local area.
I believe growth for Faringdon would be fantastic if managed organically and I welcome new affordable and well planned housing. I am not anti-change and certainly not grumbling about the good old days. A supermarket, however, would be a step change to the town and would certainly affect the town centre in a negative way leaving few options for customers, this loss will only be felt after shops and other businesses have closed down.
Hilary, I see no reason why the centre should be gridlocked; we have a well planned bypass and the only through traffic need be from Radcot bridge, there are also 2 well placed car parks, albeit ones which could be cheaper/ free. The existing road layout is surely better then that in Abingdon, Wantage, Lechlade and Burford. Why do you think the shops in Faringdon can't offer convenient opening hours or ranges and prices as other local towns?
You suggest that there is no need to be defensive about the town in which you live, in particular where people choose to shop. I think there is every need to be defensive about changes you believe will harm your local environment. I do not want to see Faringdon as a clone town or have a dead town centre and I am also certain shopkeepers would choose to continue thriving, profitable businesses. My suggestions so far are that shops should adapt to meet customer needs.
I do not naively believe that Tesco does not know how to make profit from high turnover and low margin; they are clearly a very successful business model. But I do not think that attracting shoppers purely on price brings any other tangible benefit to the town, it is a false economy placing price ahead of quality and service.
It is slightly perverse that I, as a consumer am suggesting to shops that they stay open later to allow me to spend more of my money locally. Shouldn't it be the other way around?
Andrew Robertson
THE only MSP to join the objectors to Tesco's proposed fourth superstore in Inverness is celebrating after councillors threw out the controversial multimillion-pound development.Green MSP Eleanor Scott is tickled pink with a decision by members of Highland Council's area planning committee to give the thumbs down to the application to create a 4,400-square metre supermarket at Ness Side. She was just one of more than 3,000 people who rose up in a display of public indignation to protest against the plan.
A green light would have paved the way for a massive store, individual shops, a petrol filling station and sites for the construction of a hotel and a doctors' surgery - as well as parking for almost 400 cars. Dr Scott, has previously accused Tesco of using aggressive tactics to put local shops under pressure. She has further claimed that the retailer's operational policy "trashes the planet on a daily basis, all in order to line the pockets of fat-cat shareholders". In the aftermath of the planners' decision, Dr Scott said: "I am delighted it has been chucked out."It is much larger than was originally proposed. It is too big and people simply don't want it." She said approval would have consolidated Tesco's "stranglehold" in the city.
The group already has a market share of 51 per cent of Inverness food sales - the highest percentage of any UK city.
Dr Scott, convener of the Scottish Green Party and spokeswoman on rural development, added: "Our concerns are not confined to Tesco but to all big supermarket chains."
Among the party's fears are the packaging of produce, the food miles clocked up by delivery lorries, the fact the company does not buy from local sources, and the belief that it forces "pitifully" low prices on suppliers.
The MSP was one of 73 people who wrote letters of objection to the council.About 4,000 more signed a petition.
Planning officers recommended the application be rejected on the grounds that it was contrary to the Inverness Local Plan, as the size of the foodstore would undermine smaller stores in the Ness area. Courtesy Inverness Courier
Name Supplied
Your June 2008 issue reported Tesco was considering the purchase of the Redlake site with development not to be undertaken for some years. By July 2008, Tesco had bought the site, proposing a "superstore" and were negotiating for more land to add to the massive Tesco portfolio worldwide.
Much cheaper food can be provided by stores other than Tesco, (Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons) without fear of such encroachment on our town and it's character. The Co-op has its Fair Trade label.
Tesco is known for its greed and was responsible for the start of the demise of small shopkeepers in the UK and beyond. Tesco customers will buy as much as possible under one roof, load up and drive away. "Superstores" stock almost anything, which would bring the last straw to our local businesses. All would be under major threat of closure, removing character and choice from Faringdon. We could become the town of Tesco surrounded by housing. The centre of our community could die.
Tesco are not making these proposals for the convenience of the local population and their store could not be sustained wholly by the local inhabitants. Much more traffic, including large lorries, would invade us.
QUALITY OF LIFE IS PREFERABLE TO ANY CARROT TESCO MAY DANGLE!
Mary Edwards
Just a reminder that the Faringdon Twinning Association AGM is to take place tomorrow, 16th July, at 8.00pm in the Old Town Hall. Everyone is welcome.
Also that we have a trip planned , leaving on Thursday 30th October and returning on Sunday November 2nd (in half term week). As yet we have no further information about the visit but will get a letter out to you shortly.However the coach is booked and if we get a full coach it will cost about £80 , half price for children under 16.
If you are interested in going please contact Jeanie on 240374 or email jeaniepugh@talktalk.net.
A deposit of £20 will be required by mid September
Thank you everyone for your kind comments about the Faringdon Arts Festival this year. It was nice to see so many people come out and join us.
I have noticed that there was a comment from someone about the Art Exhibition in the Corn Exchange. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the art work from your younger members of the community. Just to way-lay your fear about vandalism and theft, when we arranged the exhibition we were very careful to inform all the teachers that there would be no one to man the exhibition. All the teachers knew this and were happy to put the art work forward.
I would like to thank everyone who volunteered there time in making this Festival such a success.
Thank you.
Julie Farmer
Come on Faringdonians, let's be a bit more positive. The reason Tesco comes to a town is because it sees an expansion of business in general, not an opportunity for monopoly. However, the arrival of a major supermarket does mean that life changes. So:
1) Local businesses have to adapt to a change in their customer base. Some locals will go to Tesco by choice, but others will still be in or near the town and need their basic supplies from local stores they can reach without a long walk (or short drive). So provide good quality basics to that customer base.
2) When out of town customers enter Faringdon, let's give them something of value that they can't get anywhere else. We have specialist traders who can benefit from an increase in people around - two examples might be Rob The Cheese and The Nut Tree. And, if you are male, you can also avoid joining your partner in Tesco and go for a haircut (2 good choices). If you are female, there is (I believe) a good ladies hairdresser in the town.
3) Car parking in the town must be a comparable cost to parking in Tesco. That means it is either free or EASILY reimbursed by traders.
In the past, Tescos have been blamed for a lot. I lived in Cirencester for many years and it wasn't Tesco or Waitrose that conspired to kill the town centre. It was greedy councils who pushed up the business rates so that the local greengrocer (very popular and successful) and other retail businesses could not survive.
So come on, think positive, think what you could do to take advantage of the Tescos of this world and we ALL win - and, dare I say it, I won't have to drive to Wantage, Witney or Swindon for the "big monthly shop"!
Steve Wright
The Faringdon Flickr Group have started post their photo's from FAF 2008 on this website: http://www.flickr.com/groups/772559@N25
Enjoy the photo's, we have enjoyed taking them.
Raoul van Eijndhoven
Member of the Faringdon Flickr Group.
I must agree with everything that was written in your post Hilary. A lot of what I read on here is from Moralistic dictators, self appointed of course.The Tesco's topic seems to me to be the sky falling on Chicken Littles head, a lot of running around in a panic, the post's are full of heat, very little light. Just because someone has seen the film, read the book and worn the t shirt, why should they try to stop me from seeing the film...........well you get the idea, yes? Are we locals so stupid that we need to be told what life is like in the scary city, or what to do to have a fulfilled life and a fullfilled freezer?
If the evil that is Tesco's should ever come here, may I ask a question?, how many of you would apply for a job there?, none of you I bet, however, there are many people, Faringdon people, that would, Faringdon people that have lived here all of there lives, they don't feel the need to come on here telling everyone how smug they feel having organised the families meals for the week,they just get on with life, mundane as it is. I would argue that 75 per cent of us go out of town to shop, either at Sainsburys,co-op, Morrisons or dare I say it, even the dreaded Tesco's. We must be the only market town around here that has to do that,all that money going out of town, not to mention the villagers and their money driving past our town.
Anyway I feel that I have wound you all up enough to give many of you palpertations, by the way Tesco's are doing a BOGOF offer on smelling salts this week..........every little helps.
Jim Horton
I was passing the Corn Exchange at the weekend as I frequently do. There was an exhibtion, I gather, of local school-childrens' work. I only discovered this, having walked through the open doors because of the signs inside.There was no person looking after the exhibition at all and it was very vulnerable to vandalism and / or theft.
Thank goodness that Faringdon is generally a safe town otherwise lots of childrens' efforts, not to mention possible exam-work could have been for nothing.
Why were there no adults responsible for their work on display?
Where was the advertising for the exhibition? I saw nothing but the work there was wonderful, from the little-ones to the big-ones.
I am so glad I saw it and well done to the Exhibitors, one and all.
Name Supplied
Hmm. I didn't think my post would be interpreted like that.... Rather, I was trying to be supportive of Faringdon as a great place to live with advantages that may outweigh the limitations.
I have freely admitted in a different forum that I would be a willing customer at Tesco if it comes to Faringdon; not suggesting crime and chaos will follow in its wake. Leaving a larger, more anonymous and less friendly district was a good move for me and, I suspect, for other 'incomers'. I am not among those who wish to see Faringdon locked in a time-warp. I am saddened every time a private enterprise fails through lack of public support or a public service disappears in spite of the wishes of those it purports to serve. With luck, 106 monies and agreements with developers will add to the town's facilities.
Perhaps increased housing will give rise to an improved bus service and that will be of great benefit to many, including myself, who may wish to shop for goods or seek entertainment of a kind and at a price or time not available here but who are currently limited by lack of transport etc. Or the businesses in town will evolve to meet the needs of the population.
Until then, please accept my statement that it is possible to live within the limitations of the town as my point of view, not as a condemnation of those who take other options.
And while I'm here, I'd like to add my congratulations to the organisers, volunteers and performers for yet another superb Faringdon Arts Festival.
Sheila
What a lovely, lovely Arts festival that was.
Sarah Oliver
I recently had a big problem with my computer over a weekend and had difficult in finding anyone to respond quickly.
I contacted Quidne IT Ltd, a Faringdon company run by Raoul van Eijndhoven. Raoul happened to be available, responded very quickly and did an excellent job of fixing the problem, as well as resolving lots of other more minor issues.
I've already passed this on 3 of my friends who are also delighted with the service.
I know how difficult is to get good service and advice, so thought it would be of interest.
Great to have someone around who responds quickly, knows what he is doing and doesn't charge the earth.
Contact details for Quidne IT:
Phone: 07834 164 375
Email: info@quidne-it.com
Web: www.quidne-it.com
Eddie Williams
Well done Dave,