Parishioners will be aware that historically the Precept in Great Coxwell has been lower than that of many comparable villages in the Vale that do not offer the same facilities (such as the play park and the Parish Room).  Parishioners will have recently been notified that the annual Precept for Great Coxwell has increased by 57 per cent for the coming year.  For a band D property this is an increase from last year of £16.83, making the total cost £46.28 per annum. 
  
Before making this change, the matter was carefully discussed by the Parish Councillors at the public Parish Council meetings held in the Parish Room on 12th September 2016 and 14th November 2016.  (The minutes of those meetings can be obtained here). In addition, two extra-ordinary Council meetings were held on 5th September 2016 and 5th December 2016.  (Again, the reports of those meetings will be posted on the parish website).

The decision was taken to raise the Precept because the Council has become aware that over the next few years there will be some very large maintenance and repair costs for the village play park and Parish Room.  Funds must be available to meet these costs.  In recent years monies raised by village fund-raising initiatives (Monthly Teas, Christmas Fair, Artweeks etc.) have been used for the running costs of the park and Parish Room.   Unfortunately, these funds alone will not to be large enough to meet these anticipated costs.   

The Council and Officers understand that this increase may have caused concern amongst Parishioners. We strive to provide good, well-maintained and safe facilities for the benefit of parishioners and always seek the best value-for-money when ordering goods and services.  We would like to reassure everyone that we will continue to do so. 

If you have any questions or suggestions, please come along to our bi-monthly public Parish Council meetings.  The next one is at 7.30pm on Monday 8th of May 2017 in the Parish Room.

Saturday 25th March is nearly here...
 
BAFTA Saturday @ The Regent Cinema in Faringdon Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange will be buzzing with activity this Saturday as we offer 3 films in a day! 
Do come along and join us for 1, 2 or 3 films! 
 
***  TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR ***

• Kubo & The Two Strings (PG) 
  Film starts 12.30pm, doors open 12.00 noon
  
• Arrival (12A)
  Film starts 4.00pm, doors open 3.30pm
  
• I, Daniel Blake (15)
  Film starts 7.30pm, doors open 7.00pm
  
• 
  

Tickets available on the door - Adult Day Pass £7.50 / Child (U18) Day Pass £5 for 2 or more films. Normal ticket prices for one film: £3 U18s, £4 Adults, £10 Family 

For more info phone Faringdon Town Council Info Centre 01367 242191 

We look forward to seeing you all! 

With kind regards 
 
Billie Hayter
Faringdon Regent Cinema
Tel: 01367 242191

Footpath numbers can be found on the following on-line map: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/sites/default/files/folders/documents/environmentandplanning/countryside/definitivemap/defmapPDFs/SU29SE.pdf

I have (notionally) divided the parish into three sectors:

1/ North of Highworth Road
2/ South of Highworth Road, but North of Church
3/ South of Church.

I have surveyed all of the paths in the northernmost section.  The only issues to report are that bridleway 1 which crosses a ploughed field has not been restored subsequent to ploughing and part of the right of way is not extant.  The way-marking for bridleway 3 in front of Badbury Hill House is unclear and could be improved.

The middle section is mostly done.  Footpath 21 also crosses a ploughed field and is not extant.  The stiles on footpath 13 are higher than recommended by the guidance, but I suspect that there would be little value in raising this as an issue with OCC and the Ramblers Assoc.   The bridge at the village end of this footpath is narrow and has no handrail.  We have already flagged this up with the OCC but no action has been taken yet.  I will follow this up with the Council and the Ramblers Assoc.    Footpath 17 is the steep cobble section leading up to the church.  I've been up it recently.  Although there is some moss on the stones, the footing was firm.  I suspect that it could be slippery in the wet and/or frost, but am concerned that if we raise this as an issue it might lead to replacement by concrete steps and a steel handrail.

I’ve still got most of the southern section to inspect, although there are few paths in this sector of the parish

I will report all of the issues discovered to the relevant parties.

I hope to have completed my exploration by the summer and will report again.

Ian Mason

March 19th - Stonevale concert.
May 6/7 & 13/14 - Artweeks in Oxfordshire and in the village.
July 16th Sunday - Village fete - more information to follow.

Our website co-ordinator is stepping aside at the Annual Meeting and we are looking for someone to take over this role.  If you are interested, please get in touch.  Meanwhile, you can view a job description here.

Live at the Tithe will not be taking place in 2017.  We would like to thank all of the organisations and volunteers who helped over the last four years.  Many of you will know that Live at the Tithe was a project led by Jay & Ray Mathews and Chris & Derrick Beer.  Sadly, Ray Mathews died in December 2016.  Although he was seriously ill at time of Live at the Tithe 2016, he still contributed greatly to the planning of the event.  Ray will be greatly missed for his contribution in so many ways.  He was a brilliant artist, especially the painting of portraits, his graphic design skills were considerable and he was a superb musician.  Above all else, he was one of those who you only realise how much they gave when you have lost them.  In the circumstances, we feel sure that everybody will understand why Live at the Tithe has been "rested".  Who knows what 2018 may bring?