Officially the NHS clapping is over, but the doorstep concerts will continue at Stonevale for a few weeks more.

Tonight at 8pm we will perform two pieces:

Allegro brilliante by Ten Have, for the Classical lovers (Katherine and Lynette)

Let it Be by The Beatles, for the Pop folk (Richard and the GC band)

All depending on the kindness of the weather of course!
Thanks,
Lynette
​

Welcome to the first day of the month!  I hope everyone in the village is coping with this extended period of lockdown.  At least we are now permitted to meet in groups of six in our gardens, which is progress!

Our prescription service continues to be heavily used, and Jonny Farrow still picks up prescriptions from Faringdon and Shrivenham each week.  Don’t hesitate to give me a call if you are in need of any help in this regard.  And thank you to those volunteers who continue to provide support to households across the village.  Again, if you need any help or support, please make contact with me.  I am sure I will be able to find a willing volunteer to provide support where needed.

Lockdown Spotlight.  This week’s ‘Lockdown Spotlight’ falls on the Carney family, who live at Whitfields, just round the corner from the Tythe Barn.  The Carneys comprise Shaun and Debbie and their sons Liam (23) and Ryan (21) and their daughter Caitlin (19).

The Carney’s are an extraordinary family.  They are all both numerate and sporty.  Shaun is a very keen golfer, along with Liam, and is Chief Finance Officer for Signet, an international jewellery business.  Shaun was Captain of Wrag Barn Golf Club in 2018, an appointment which involved a huge commitment for the family in what was a busy year.  Debbie was a highly competitive athlete in her younger days, competing in the national AAA championships in the 200m event, but now focuses on her role as Chief Finance Officer for Swindon Town Football Club (Division 2 Champions – Hurrah!). The kids are all at University now, Bournemouth (Liam and Caitlin) or Plymouth (Ryan), and all reading finance, IT, accountancy or business studies.  Liam is about to complete his final year in the odd circumstances of Covid 19 lockdown, and due to move to his first job, having been offered a position at the Martin Baker company in Uxbridge….ejector seats etc.
​
Caitlin is clearly one of those young women who can do anything she wants once she puts her mind to it.  Encouraged by her dad, she took up golf and became Wrag Barn Junior champion and also played at County level for Wiltshire.  She stopped playing at the age of 18, (it was boring!) , but continues to play Netball and represents Bournemouth University.  She plays Rounders and already has an England cap in that sport too!

Shaun, Debbie and family moved to Great Coxwell 5 years ago from Faringdon.  They previously spent time in the USA, in Atlanta, Georgia, which is where Caitlin was born.  They admitted to one rather dubious piece of information about their holidays.  They are enthusiastic visitors to Disneyland, Orlando, Florida.  When I say enthusiastic, I mean they have holidayed there 14 times so far…Now I can understand a young family enjoying Disneyland once, when the kids are 4, 5 or 6.  But 14 times!!!.  And the Carney kids are 19, 21 and 23!  Come on!  Below is photographic evidence of the Carneys enjoying themselves once again in Florida at ‘Toy Story Land’.

How are you finding lockdown?  Debbie admitting to enjoying lockdown.  She said that she really enjoys the children being at home and working from home too.  They sit down to meals together and are clearly a very close-knit family.  When pressed, Caitlin admitted that it was a bit boring, and judged Great Coxwell as not the most exciting place to live for a 19 year old.  I felt that was a bit harsh.  After all, we do have a reading room, a church and a thriving WI movement.  What more does a young woman want?

What’s the worst thing about lockdown?  They all agreed that being cooped up is beginning to get a bit wearing.  At least the golf course is opening up Shaun.
By the way, An interesting fact about Shaun Carney.  He is related to Noel Coward!  One of Noel Coward’s famous quotes is, ‘Work is much more fun than fun’.  Really!

Great Coxwell.  1960s.
The Tythe Barn and its environs 60 years ago, courtesy of Andrew Whiting.

That’s all this week.  Stay safe.
Mandy xxx
​

Does anyone need some golf balls for practice and play?

I have a large quantity in all conditions - free - please have as many or as few as you like. 

[email protected]
(241179)
​

Songs from movies tomorrow night!

1. Ladies in Lavender  (Lynette and Katherine)
2. Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Great Coxwell Band)
3. My Favourite Things from Sound of Music (Great Coxwell Band)

This week Katherine and Lynette - Beethoven - Spring Sonata, 1st movement.

Spring Sonata

Lockdown Spotlight.  Paul Kent

Headline news.  Social worker spotted in Great Coxwell masquerading as Royal Mail postman!

Disturbing evidence is coming to light that a community social worker, Mr Paul Kent of Hayden Wick has been spotted in Great Coxwell masquerading as a local postman.  Great Coxwell Support Group Newsletter’s editor has been approached by a number of residents who have been observing Mr Kent chatting to neighbours (whilst social distancing, of course), and asking them how they are doing, whilst also delivering the post.  Alarmingly, he comes into the village most days dressed in a Royal Mail uniform and he even drives a red Royal Mail van!...

In further developments, Paul has been seen fraternising with residents’ dogs and leaving them biscuits when delivering the mail.  One local man was interviewed and alleged that Mr Kent has become very popular with pretty much every dog in the village.  He said ‘How does my guard dog stand a chance?  He is supposed to warn off visitors but nowadays he just pines by the door each morning until Paul turns up with his biscuit.  It’s a hopeless situation!’

On a more serious note, Paul has been delivering mail to our community for the past 27 years.  He was brought up in Stanford-in-the-Vale, is married to Karen and has a son, Matthew.  Paul’s daily postal round for the past 16 years starts in Faringdon and includes both Little and Great Coxwell, Buscot, Buscot Wick and Eaton Hastings.  Throughout Lockdown, he has had to come into work even earlier than normal, at 5.15 each morning to allow the post to be sorted whilst keeping to social distancing rules.  On good days, he finishes at around 2.15 in the afternoon.  Known by everyone in Great Coxwell, Paul has earned a reputation for his extraordinary kindness and consideration.  What is clear is that he loves his job and shows a genuine interest in the people he serves.
  
What you may not know is that Paul and Karen have had some challenges over the years looking after Matthew, their son.  Matthew was born prematurely, at 25 weeks and suffers from both heart and lung conditions and Cerebral Palsy.  He had to be provided with oxygen support for the first 7 years of his life, so the house was fitted with leads and pipes to allow him to move around.  As a youngster, Matthew was unable to play with other kids, but he has had great support in recent years from Crowdys Hill Special Needs School.

Matthew lives at home with Mum and Dad and has been assessed as in the ‘vulnerable category’ throughout the Covid 19 pandemic.  So much of Paul’s spare time has been devoted to keeping Matthew safe.

What has been the most difficult thing about lockdown?  ‘I have found it really difficult not being able to meet up and get close to my wider family.’

How have you found the lockdown?  ‘Ok, but ensuring I keep my distance from people during work is challenging.’

Any tips on lockdown?  ‘Enjoy your time at home!  It’s not a bad thing spending time with your nearest and dearest!’

We are very lucky to have Paul as our very own postman.  Thank you, Paul, from all of us in Great Coxwell!

That’s all this week.  I thought it might be helpful to include some useful contact details in this edition of the Newsletter (see below).

Stay Safe and best regards

Mandy xxx

Important Contact Details (for reference)

Great Coxwell Support Group - Mandy Burns. Tel 01367 240142.  [email protected]   
Great Coxwell Community Fund.  Pam Smith – 01367240233
Newsletter – [email protected]
Great Coxwell Parish Council – [email protected]
111 on Line -  https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/  Call 111 if you can’t get on line.

Elm Tree Surgery, Shrivenham - 01793 782207
The White Horse Surgery, Faringdon – 01367 242388
Shrivenham Pharmacy - 01793 783336
Shrivenham Post Office - 01793 782260

Help lines and support networks
Oxfordshire All In - A central hub for Community Support Groups
County Council - 01865 897820 [email protected]   
District Council -  01235 422 600 [email protected]
Therapy and self-development network https://www.otscentre.co.uk/  
MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing
Citizens Advice - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk 0300 330 9042

Local Food Supplies
Bloomfield’s Fine Food - 01793 783999: [email protected]
Coleshill Organics – 01793 861070
Hinton Marsh Farm Shop - 07968 866323 [email protected] 
Farmer Gows, Longcot - 01793 780555 [email protected]
Pat Thomas Butchers, Faringdon -  01367 240551  [email protected]
Andrews Butchers Highworth – 01793 762085 [email protected]

Local Take Away Food service
The Eagle, Little Coxwell – 01367 241879
The Snooty Mehmaan. Littleworth – 01367 242260
The Harbour Fish and Chips, Faringdon – 01367 244094
The Barrington Arms, Shrivenham- 01793 784692 
The Crown, Shrivenham - 01793 784584 
Prince of Wales, Shrivenham - 01793 782268 / 07876632586 
Gulshan Brasserie, Shrivenham - 01793 782388

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Traditional Baskets, Plants and more ...

To be held at Foxleys and Jenners (Jane Holmes and Gini Green)

Obviously social distancing to be observed :-)

Dear all, 

I realise that this attachment is lengthy but, I feel that circulation is important.  I know that much information is coming down to you but, may be too much is better than a little? 

The attachment has been sent by Oxfordshire County Council’s CEO Yvonne Rees and has been sent to all OCC’s Councillors.  It provides information from our critical health partners and has been circulated to key stakeholders.  Please make time to read it.

With best wishes,

Judy

At the end of the first day of reopening, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member  Cllr Yvonne Constance wanted to thank all those who visited for playing their part.
 
The sites at Alkerton, Ardley, Dix Pit, Drayton, Oakley Wood, Redbridge and Stanford in the Vale have been extremely busy since they opened at 8.00am this morning but Cllr Constance said it was encouraging that residents had understood the importance of the social distancing measures the Council had introduced.
 
"We were committed to get these seven sites open and we knew today would be very busy with people bringing in their essential waste. As expected, traffic queues have built up but our residents have played their part by being considerate and adhering to the revised site layouts.
 
"We know things at the recycling sites will be busy for the foreseeable future, so I hope people will continue to be patient. My main plea to residents is to consider whether they can wait a few days or longer before visiting their nearest site. The more we can stagger waste coming in, the less traffic will queue and the easier it will be for everyone."
 
The council asks residents to remember:

• You should only visit the site if you cannot safely store your waste at home.
• Revised opening hours: All sites will open at 8am and close at 4pm to allow them to be cleaned for the following day. Please do not arrive before 8am. 
• For an initial period, no hire vans or trailers will be permitted onto sites.
• Vehicle numbers and parking bays are reduced on site, and once the maximum is reached the site will operate on a one-out one-in basis. PLEASE NOTE the potential for long delays and queues.
• Please follow any instructions given by traffic marshals to ensure queues are managed safely
• We will continue to charge for non-household waste brought to sites and this will be by contactless card payment only. If you are unable to pay by contactless means you will not be able to deposit non household waste at the site.
• Residents must self-police and abide by social distancing of two metres from site teams and other residents at all times.
• Site teams will be there for guidance only and will not be able to assist residents in unloading their waste.
• Only one resident is permitted out of the vehicle, unless it is to remove a heavy load which would otherwise be unsafe to remove. Visits are best made by just one person per vehicle.
• In line with Public Health England guidance, residents who are vulnerable, or who are showing symptoms which may indicate coronavirus, should not visit household recycling centres.

Specific rules and restrictions will vary by site. Please refer to the county council website before leaving home to familiarise yourself with these and to avoid frustration and delay:
 
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wastereopenquestions

URL : http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council-offers-big-thank-you-to-oxfordshire-residents-as-recycling-sites-reopen/

For those of you who missed the performances last week - you can see the videos below, thanks to all the performers!

Memory
A Whole New World
Bare Necessities

More this week when Katherine and Lynette will play the first movement of the Spring Sonata by Beethoven.