Great Coxwell News and Blog

Bridging the Gap

8/2/2019

Is an intergenerational project, taking elders into Faringdon Junior School.

I need to recruit some more elders (over 50 yrs and generally living independently) who may enjoy the contact with children - this month’s sewing event is a bit of a one-off, so anyone interested may not enjoy sewing… the events can cover local history, writing a song, artwork, day trip to Hill End centre – a two-way exchange of skills and information – and fun. No cost, no commitment.

If you know anyone who may be interested, please pass on this letter attached or my details.

Thank you so much

Dog Mess

8/2/2019

There are increasing amounts of dog mess on the village pavements and footpaths. If your dog poops anywhere near where people walk it is your legal duty to pick it up.

Fire at Chowle Farm

8/2/2019

Very early yesterday morning (0300hrs), the fire service were called out to a fire at Chowle Farm. The old farmhouse, the B&B, was on fire. By 0330, there were five appliances present at the incident. 2 from OFRS, 2 from Dorset and Wiltshire plus an aerial appliances (the firefighters on this piece of equipment had come directly from the major incident at “Ocado” in Hampshire so had already been on duty for some 24hrs). Initially, the appliances had to park on the A420 which caused traffic problems. Once the incident was under control the appliances were able to go onsite – which relieved the traffic problems.

A420 Road Closure

8/2/2019

There will be some works to replace the crash barrier and signs on the A420 at Buckland junction starting Monday 11 February for 3 days under 3 way traffic lights.

A Ted Talk

8/2/2019

If you have a moment (11 minutes to be precise) take a look at this talk by a 16 year old. I found it very moving and inspirational.

TALK OF THE WEEK

Greta Thunberg: The disarming case to act right now on climate change

Household Notification Letter (Voting )

8/2/2019

I am writing to advise you that there is an error on the front page of the Household Notification Letter (HNL) which requests persons to indicate whether they are over 70 instead of over 76. Whilst the notes on the rear of the form refer to over 76, this form is clearly confusing for which we apologise. The online form is correct.

I want to assure you that this error, whilst confusing and inconvenient, will not impact on a person’s inclusion on the electoral register. Please be advised that if all other details on the form apart from the age are correct you do not need to return the form. They will remain registered. We apologise for this error

Steven Corrigan
Democratic Services Manager
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils

Stay safe in the snow and ice

1/2/2019

Tips that could keep you safe: Driving in snow and ice.

Link here.

Faringdon and District U3A - February 2019

1/2/2019

The February meeting will be on Thursday 14th February in the Faringdon Corn Exchange at 2.30pm. The speaker will be Anthony Burdall, talking on Alycone Round Britain, his personal experience of sailing around Britain. The talk is accompanied with amazing photographs, taken from the water. Anthony will speak about the many “magic moments” resulting from the weather, places and people he met during this life-changing trip.

Refreshments are available after the talk. All members are welcome but visitors are required to pay £1.50. Further information available from the chairman Margaret Brown on 10367 615 385 or the web site - https:/faringdondistrictu3a.com/

Free business course in Faringdon

1/2/2019

A free five-day business course is coming to Faringdon from Monday 4 February to help people start new businesses and to support independent businesses. We are sponsoring the intensive course being delivered by the PopUp Business School at the Pump House in the town centre. It will include lots of practical sessions, advice, one-to-one coaching and build a support network from everyone attending. Following last year’s successful course in Didcot, entrepreneurs attending set up a wide range of companies including wedding photographer, a vegan fast food retailer, a life coach service and an entertainment hire company.

To book your free place, go to popupbusinessschool.co.uk/faringdon

Save money on energy bills! - Citizens Advice tips

1/2/2019

As mild December gives way to a colder, frostier new year, Citizens Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale is encouraging people to analyse their home energy spending and take steps to cut down on fuel wastage. The charity has these tips:

Check your bills carefully and make sure you're on the cheapest tariff. Most energy suppliers offer fixed price tariffs, where the price of a unit of energy will remain the same for the length of the deal. Think about switching to a new supplier (for an energy prices comparison tool, go to https://energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk). Citizens Advice has helped many people to switch successfully to a new energy supplier, so contact us to discuss your options.
Make your home energy-efficient. Insulate lofts and walls, double-glaze your windows and use thick curtains to keep heat in. Get your boiler serviced annually. Grants are available to help with insulation: call the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234, Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm.
Your central heating thermostat and your timer (or programmer) are your good friends and allies when it comes to saving money. Shave down the timings so that the boiler is only working when you need it. A thermostat temperature of 20 degrees is adequate for most homes.
Try an online Home Energy Check at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/resources/tools-calculators
For those who qualify, various grants and discounts are available to help with bills: the Warm Home Discount https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme and the Winter Fuel Payment https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Sign on to the Priority Services Register if you're of pensionable age, disabled or chronically sick. The scheme gets you extra energy services free of charge. Visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk for further information.

For more help and support, contact Citizens Advice in person or on Adviceline (03 444 111444). For locations of offices and opening hours see www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/oxfordshire-south-vale

Great Coxwell

Great Coxwell Parish Council

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