|
Welcome to the Christmas edition of our Parish Newsletter.
Our village has already seen its first sprinkling of snow and
although it disappeared as quickly as it arrived, I think it’s a
reminder to us all that during spells of bad weather that we
should take time to consider the elderly and those with mobility
problems and offer to collect some shopping or medication, or
just pop in on them to make sure they are OK. Sometimes, just a
friendly chat would likely be most welcome.
Since the last Newsletter there has been a second quiz night
held in The Chequers to raise funds that will be used to help
stage our 2020 Village Bash. More of that later.
November has been a busy month starting with our now annual,
Bonfire Night on the 7th November which was very well supported.
Thank heavens the weather was kind to us, and we had a dry night
in which to enjoy the fireworks and bonfire. Thanks to all those
involved with the organisation of the event.
 |
Sunday, 10th November, Remembrance Day, dawned dry
and sunny and the service at St Britius was attended by
Wg Cdr Kev Latchman (OC 99 Sqn) accompanied by his Sqn
Standard party.
Wreaths were laid at the memorial by Wg Cdr Latchman,
the Parish Council and the WI.
A special wreath of purple poppies was laid to remember
all the horses and other animals that were killed during
WW1.
|
 |
99 Squadron Standard
from RAF Brize Norton |
|
A purple wreath signifies remembrance for animals
killed during conflict |
 |
At 2pm, a Street Naming Ceremony took place at Brize
Meadow where some of the descendants of the men who came
from Brize Norton who lost their lives in WWI, members
of the Parish Council and officials from Bloor Homes
came together to officially unveil the names the first
four streets in Brize Meadow.
Each sign was blessed by Rev Andrew Tweedy and Rev Ian
Howard. The event was also attended by some of the new
residents of the estate where at least 30 homes are now
occupied.
Thanks to Bloor Homes, Les Goble and Alison Riseley for
making all the arrangements.
|
| The Brize Norton War Memorial |
|
By the time you read this Bev Campion will be busy putting
together the finishing touches for her Christmas Market on
Sunday, 8th December to be held at the Pavilion and the Elder
Bank Hall. There will be local crafters ready to show off their
skills and goods and help to get us into the festive mood!
The end of a year is always one of reflection and thanks so I
would like to thank all the contributors, editors and
distributors of this Newsletter - your support is much
appreciated and often not properly acknowledged. From the many
varied articles and the numerous activities that have taken
place in the village this year, it’s obvious that we continue to
have a vibrant and active village community. Organisers of these
events and the many other activities that are ongoing in the
village will be busy planning for next year’s events. These are
often people who give their time freely for the benefit of us
all and work hard to provide entertainment and pleasure for our
Community. Thank you to you as well.
On behalf of the Brize Norton Parish Council, this leaves me
only to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New
Year.
Wendy Way
| |
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
Wreaths laid by the Parish Council
and RAF Brize Norton |
99 Squadron |
|
We are pleased to introduce you to your councillors, with
their key responsibilities:
Wendy Way — Chairman
Keith Glazier—Vice-chair & Village Maintenance
Ben Campion – Liaison with Brize Meadow
Les Goble – Neighbourhood Plan
Pip Squire - Planning
Chris Woodward — Properties Maintenance
Cllr Alex Postan WODC (District Councillor)
Cllr Nicolas Field-Johnson OCC (County Councillor)
Please contact the clerk.
clerk@brizenortonparishcouncil.co.uk
Do you follow us on Social Media? Keep up-to-date through
photos, history, information, questions and events
| Join us |
 @brizenortonvillage |
 @BrizeNorton |
| On Thursday, 7th November the village
held their annual Bonfire night. The Allotments
Committee built an impressive bonfire. Brize Norton
Primary School built a formidable guy, and members of
St. Britius Church provided a delicious spread,
including hotdogs, soup and cakes.
The Humble Bumble Cafe , supplied warming tea and coffee
and the Pavilion Bar distributed alcoholic beverages as
we watched the fabulous fireworks over the fence.
The church raised £159.00 during the evening.
This serves as a reminder of how lucky we are to live
in a village that is so proactive and how many
hard-working members of our community pull together to
create some wonderful entertainment.
|
 |
|
   |
Back in 2014 I completed a 300 page book entitled "Brize
Norton and World War One". This is available as a pdf on the
community website at
www.bncommunity.org. I am embarking on a similar work
looking at World War Two. I am pleased to have the Parish
Council's support for this project which, with luck, can be
available for the commemoration of VE Day next year.
It would be a great help to have knowledge of anyone from
Brize who served our country during WW2 with details of their
service record - which part of the armed forces, when and where
served, etc. Fortunately few were killed but many will have been
conscripted both men and women.
With your help we can build a picture of life during those
dark times. I would be happy to come and chat about your
families experiences or receive any information you are willing
to share. Please contact me by email at p.holmes@brizenorton.org
or by phone on 01993 843856.
Thanks in anticipation
Dr. Phil Holmes
 |
Friday, October 11th saw The Chequers host the
second quiz night to raise funds towards next year’s
Village Bash. Tim Gush was our Quiz Master for the
evening and the room was packed; we even had one
team sitting just outside in the bar area as they
were determined to join in!
Thanks to everyone who supported the evening and
helped to raise a whopping £350.
Thank you to Tim, all those who helped organise the
event and everyone who provided raffle prizes.
|
| Since opening our doors on the 24th August we have
been overwhelmed with lovely customers young and old,
human and canine! Those of you who follow us on Facebook
will see some of the exciting things that have been
happening in the cafe such as the McMillan coffee
morning raising an amazing £335.
We have hosted our Brize Norton pre school who
brightened our morning when they came in for their
morning snacks! We also held a half term Halloween craft
morning where pumpkins were carved and some crazy, scary
crafts were created!
We have started our weekly knit and natter group and are
currently planning our very first Christmas craft market
which we hope you can all attend!
With our weekly specials and array of home made yummy
cakes we are loving serving you all, trying some of your
recipes and receiving some of the gorgeous gifts you so
kindly bestow on us! The allotments produce a particular
favourite!
So from all the staff at Humble bumble we thank you
from the bottom of our hearts for your support, kindness
and cake and coffee loving natures!!
Here’s to a very exciting 2020... |
 |
NEWSLETTERS
The Parish Council publish this newsletter, which should be
distributed around Brize Norton village at the beginning of
March, June, September and December. If you wish to submit an
entry the deadlines are the 15th February, 15th May and 15th
August.
We would love to hear from other students or members of the
community, to submit a written piece involving their interests
or recent experiences for the next copy of the newsletter.
Contact the
clerk@brizenortonparishcouncil.co.uk.
As always, we are very busy in our little school. Academically
we have a lot to celebrate – last summer’s results were amazing,
with us being more than double the national average for children
reaching the more able level in Reading, Writing and Maths at
age 7 and 11. We even had a mention at Prime Minister’s
Questions on 10th July when Theresa May said, “What matters is
the quality of education our children receive and in Brize
Norton they are receiving first-class education.”
We are, however, struggling financially, due to static funding
and the increased cost of running a school over the last few
years. The governors are discussing what we can do about this,
but we are hoping to raise the money for a new classroom which
would enable us to increase our pupil numbers (by a little – we
don’t want to change the nature of the school) and therefore our
income. Watch this space for a fund raising appeal coming soon.
Not that we are letting that stop us: we have continued doing as
much as we can along-side our regular lessons. Highlights of
this year so far have been:
 |
Our Maths team coming first in the Carterton
Community College Primary Maths challenge
|
Fun times at Forest School for all our Foundation
Stage, Year 1 and Year 2 children every week
|
 |
Cold but exciting inter-school sports matches
including hockey, foot-ball and cross country
|
 |
 |
Roots to Food” day in which all children cooked a
meal from scratch
|
Both Harvest Festival and Remembrance Day at St
Britius’ Church
|
 |
|
Plans for two Christmas productions are coming
together and between now and Christmas we will all
go to the theatre.
|
We also have a new, exciting, refreshed garden area, thanks to a
team of parents and other volunteers who gave up a whole weekend
to clear, chop and prepare. It will be wonderful to see the
garden beds fertile again and the children able to cook what
they have grown themselves.
As always, if any community members would like to volunteer in
school, please get in touch with the school office, and
prospective parents are welcome to come and meet us.
On Sunday 10th November, families and descendants of the WWI
fallen named on the Brize Norton War Memorial were invited by
Bloor Homes, to the street naming on Brize Meadow.
 |
 |
A service of remembrance was held in the open
air, with the last post being played, a minute of
silence and tributes to the service men, before the
Rev Andrew Tweedy and Rev. Ian Howard blessed the
streets with holy water.
Many thanks to Bloor Homes, who arranged the
event and press coverage in local papers to
commemorate the event.
|
| Members of the Bellenger family opening
the estate |
|
|
As you know, Brize Norton Parish Council has worked hard to
develop relationships with Bloor Homes and is active in building
links with our village. It was fantastic to meet family members
who remember those lost during the war , who were so proud to
have their family name immortalised in such a way. It was
wonderful to see so many people there to celebrate, including
the new residents of the estate.
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Descendants of Archer Place watch
while the road is blessed |
The Faulkner family stand proudly
around Faulkner Place |
Wendy Way, Chairman of the Parish
Council, Rev. Tweedy and Rev Howard on Parker Close |
It was lovely meeting your colleagues yesterday and wish to
thank the Council for their part in arranging the ceremony. Our
family particularly appreciated the poignant service of
remembrance and thank all those presenting it.
I loved meeting other families but there were none of the
present generation who knew anything about Percy.
My only disappointment is that we don’t have a photo of Percy. I
would be most grateful for any members of our extended family
and friends to look in their photo albums for any photos that
might include a view of Percy.
Betty Parry (Timms family)
| I would like to thank every one for their support
this year. |
 |
At the time of writing I am about to count up this years
collection but would like to thank all of the businesses that
had collection tins but especially the
volunteers that turned out during a very wet and cold couple of
weeks and of course all of the people who purchased poppies.
Thank you once again, Barbie Thorne
We are a small village charity which provides a small monetary
gift to Widows & Pensioners at Christmas time
If you are a Brize Norton resident Widow/Pensioner & would like
to be added to our list please let me know by mid-December.
Fred Bellenger 841189
f.bellenger@sky.com.
The deadline to apply for 3 and 4 year olds to attend primary
school is 15th January 2020. Apply on-line at
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/primaryadmissions.
Preschool has had a great start to the new academic year with 16
new children join-ing our preschool. We have another 6 children
joining us after the Christmas holidays. As a result we are
extremely busy with only very limited space available.
Preschool runs from the Elder Bank Hall term-time only
Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm and Friday 9am-12pm.
Children can start at preschool once they have turned 2.
Prices start at £12.50 per session. Funding is available for 2,
3 and 4 year olds subject to terms and conditions.
For more details please see our website
www.brizenortonpreschool.com or call 07769617696.
PLAYHOUSE PANTO—BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
BY ALEX RISELEY (YEAR 10 BURFORD SCHOOL)
 |
This year, I auditioned and have been chosen to
participate in the Young Company in this years
Christmas Pantomime of Beauty and the Beast at the
Oxford Playhouse Theatre.
It is my second time performing in the panto and
I love it as I feel that I come alive on stage. Mr
dream is to become a professional actor. The Young
Company support the professional actors on the stage
with dancing and singing.
The show is lively, funny and entertaining for
all the family, with all the elements of a
traditional panto.
Written and directed by Steve Marmion, the lead
actors are Ricky Oakley, Daisy Elwin and Paul
Barnhill.
The cartoons are drawn by Korky Paul who wrote
the Winnie the Witch series.
|
NEW UNDER 14 FOOTBALL TEAM
BY MATTHEW RISELEY (YEAR 8 BURFORD SCHOOL)
My friends and I regularly play on the recreation
ground., so we want to make our own football team.
Many teenagers train with local clubs, but are
frustrated that they don’t get much match time as
the same children are chosen regularly. By forming a
new team this will give both boys and girls, who
love playing football, a chance to train and also
play matches.
The Brize Norton Senior Football Club and the
Sports and Social Club are very keen for us to join
them and have offered to share their training time
on Tuesday evenings. We can register to participate
for the local leagues in June. Meanwhile, we hope to
play friendly matches with local clubs.
We are looking for anyone under 14 to join us who
would like to play football. We are also looking for
a coach and parents to help train us.
If you would like to join us, please contact
Matthew Riseley on 01993 846648 or by e-mail at
clerk@brizenortonparishcouncil.co.uk
|
 |
This turned out to be a very special Event this year as it was
our 20th Anniversary of our opening our village gardens for the
National Garden Scheme. Prior to this for 2 to 3 years, we
opened our gardens under the Alan Titchmarsh’s, Gardens Great
and Small, charitable Event. It began all of those years ago
with just 2 gardens and in the course of time it has escalated
to 12 gardens and the Church Flower Festival up to the present
day. It also culminated to the presentation to several garden
members of an engraved stainless steel gardening trowel,
provided by the NGS for the opening of their gardens over 10 and
20 years, in appreciation of their continued support over this
period.
On the open day this year the weather was kind to us. Also, by
opening earlier in the month than previous years, we were
inundated with visitors coming to us from far and wide that made
many pleasing comments about the splendour of all of our
gardens.
I would like to thank Mary Holmes for organizing the wonderful
Flower Festival in our small Church and the WI members for their
continued support in providing teas and cakes for this Event at
the Elder Bank Hall. Also, to thank the gardeners that provided
plant sales, additional beverages and cakes on the day that was
used to raise the following funds for support of our own village
charities, namely:
| Church - £188.29 |
 |
Over 60’s Club - £188.29 |
| Brownies £188.29 |
Horticultural Event - £188.29 |
The total amount raised on the day for this Event was £1739.39.
Furthermore, I would also like to thank Mr Barnett of Astrop
Farm and the owners of the Masons Arms for allowing us to use
their premises for additional car parking for this event.
Also, I would like to give thanks to all of the gardeners that
took part in this event, for without their hard work and
commitment this Event would not take place.
We all feel that it is one of the most pleasant ways of fund
raising for all of these various Charities. Therefore, if there
are any gardeners who would like to open their garden and to
take part in this annual Event, then please contact the
undersigned by the end of August to enable us to register your
garden with the NGS for entry into their Yellow Book.
Lastly, I would like to thank all of the residents in our
village that came along on that hot Sunday in June to provide us
with monies for these Charitable causes.
Jean Butcher for and on behalf of the Gardens Open Day Group.
Parish Council meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each
month. Meetings are held in the Brize Norton Sports and Social
Club, opposite the Elder Bank Hall and the public are welcome to
attend.
The next meetings are:
Monday 2nd December 7:30pm
Monday 6th January 7:30pm
Monday 3rd Februay 7:30pm
Monday 2nd March 7:30pm
If you wish to bring an item to the council’s attention at a
meeting, please contact the clerk at lease one week prior to the
meeting in order for the Council to discuss the matter brought
before them.
Members of the public are welcome to attend council meetings.
Monday 7:45 Elder Bank Hall, & Wednesday 8:00
Brize Norton School,
Both toning, conditioning and circuits
sessions are for any ability with a no pressure atmosphere, £5
per session.
Contact Tom Wattleworth on 07892945060 or TW-FITNESS
on Facebook
 |
We have been having great fun working towards our
latest theme badge award, we have been learning
first aid among other useful skills. We had a great
early Halloween party and it was lovely to see so
many friends enjoying themselves.
Unfortunately, our numbers are very low and
unless new girls come along and join we may have to
think about closing or joining with another Brownie
pack to keep going. So, if you wish to keep Brize
Norton Brownies in the village please think about
joining or registering your interest by going online
at guiding join us or contacting Barbie Thorne on
01993842013 or call in to Elder Bank Hall on a
Monday between 6:00 and 7:30.
Hope to see you soon,
Barbie Thorne 842013 or go on the Guiding website
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk
|
|
 |
| We wish to thank everyone who came out to brush up on their CPR
skills in September at the CPR and Defibrillator training
session with Christopher Tancock of Pint of Life. |
 |
| |
Members of the WI with Christopher
Tancock from Pint of Life |
 |
The WI supports our community and there are a several events
that we shall participate in:-
On November 10th, President, Shelagh Chatterton, was hon-oured
to lay a wreath at the St. Britius' annual Remembrance Day
Service.
On December 8th, the WI will support our new village
cafe, Humble
Bumble, Christmas Craft Fayre. We congratulate them on this
initiative as it is a festive way to bring residents together
during the Christmas season and a fun way to support the
talented 'crafty crafters'.
The WI members will attend the annual Christmas Carol Service to
be held at St. Britius Church on December 22nd. |
 |
|
Pint for Life |
|
The wreath laid on the
War Memorial by the WI |
Upcoming meetings:-
January 14th - 'Alpacas - A world of fabulous fluff', by Jane
Abbott
February 11th - Valentine's Day Cake Decorations, by Jane Dyson
March 10th - Annual General Meeting.
We extend an open invitation to all of the Ladies in the Brize
Norton village and neigh-bouring areas, especially Brize Meadow,
to join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the
Elder Bank Village Hall, for an enjoyable evening of fellowship
and a bit of fun.
Contact Shelagh Chatterton, President for additional information
at Tel: 01993-843136.
We are delighted to be able to report that, following a period
of vacancy, Rev Ian Howard has been appointed Team Vicar
Designate to the benefice. He will be licenced officially as
Team Vicar by the Bishop of Dorchester in the spring of 2020. St
Britius will continue to be served by the clergy team of Drew,
Ian, Lyndsay, Billie and Stephen with Drew and Ian being the
principal clergy contacts. |
 |
| |
Rev Tweedy and Rev Howard |
Our fundraising was boosted by selling out of hotdogs, soup and
tray bakes at the village bonfire event. Thank you to the
Parish Council for promoting this event and to everyone who
supported us. Thank you also for all those making donations for
the T4U Christmas shoe box appeal; we have sent 31 complete
boxes from the school, village and church donations.
|
 |
We were pleased to welcome the Standard party of 99 Squadron RAF
to the Remembrance service on Sunday 10 November and also the
school for their service on Monday 11 November. From the
collection at the service we have made a donation of £182 to the
Royal British Legion.
|
|
|
99 Squadron at the
Remembrance Service |
In the run up to Christmas we invite you to join us on Thursday
19 December (6pm to 7.30pm) to SING CAROLS in the village – if
you would like to join us please contact Carolyn for timings and
route (844102).
|
 |
We look forward to Advent and our Christmas services and welcome
you to:
- CANDLELIT CAROL SERVICE on Sunday 22nd December at 6.00pm; a
service of nine lessons and carols and the children’s Nativity
Tableau – we invite all children at-tending to come dressed as
shepherds, angels, wise men and people of Bethlehem (we also
have some costumes). Please contact Carolyn (844102) for more
details. Hot mince pies and refreshments are served after the
service.
- MIDNIGHT MASS Christmas Eve at 11.30pm
- FAMILY SERVICE Christmas Day at 9.15am
and looking forward we
will be celebrating CHRISTINGLE AT CANDLEMAS on Sunday 2
February 2020 at 9.15am.
For details of the church services refer to the notices on the
church door or log onto the website
www.bncommunity.org
|
We wish you all a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year.
|
 |
We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month with an outing
or a meeting. We are a village group of 26 members. Meetings are
at 4 Squires Close at 2pm. We enjoy sandwiches, tea and cakes,
thanks to June, Connie and Benita.
We have recently enjoyed talks by Martin Way on the Cotswold
Wool trade, seated exer-cise with Sue and poems by Doreen and
also a meal at The Chequers.
Our future programme is as follows:
Tues 19th November Coffee Morning 10.30am at Joy’s, 4 Squire’s
Close. Bring and Buy, Raffle, Everyone welcome
Tues 3rd December Flower arranging by Anne
|
|
Tues 17th December Christmas meal at The Trout, Lechlade
|
 |
For more information, ring Joy on 842373 or look on the village
notice boards.
We meet every Thursday evening in the Elder Bank Hall from
7.30pm-9.30pm. We dance ballroom, Latin and sequence dances to
CDs. We have tea and biscuits in the interval. For more
information please ring Joy on 842373.
|
 |
Witney - We meet at the Windrush Leisure Centre, Witney at 10am
on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. We do two walks; one is
1-2 miles long, the other 2-3 miles both ending up with a cup of
coffee! For more information ring Joy on 01993 842373.
Carterton - On Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays we meet out-side
the Town Hall, Carterton at 10am. The walks are 1–2 miles long.
For more information contact Barbara Goudal on 01993
|
 |
 |
OVER 60’S CLUB
COFFEE MORNING – TUESDAY 19th NOVEMBER
Everyone welcome - 10.30am 4 Squire’s Close
Bring and buy and raffle
|
DECEMBER
Monday 2nd December 7:30pm Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 3rd December 2:00pm (Over 60’s) Flower arranging
Sunday 8th December 3:00pm -7:00pm Christmas Market Elder Bank
Hall
Tuesday 10th December 7:30pm (WI) Christmas Lunch
Tuesday 17th December 2:00pm (Over 60’s) Christmas meal @ The
Trout
Thursday 19th December 6:00pm -7:30pm Carol Singing
Sunday 22nd December 6:00pm (St. Britius) Carol Service
Tuesday 24th December 11:30pm (St. Britius) Midnight Mass
Wednesday 25th December 9:15am (St. Britius) Family Service
JANUARY
Monday 6th January 7:30pm Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 7th January 2:00pm (Over 60’s) Sing-a-long-with Cliff
Tuesday 14th January 7:30pm (WI) ‘Alpacas—A World of fabulous
fluff’
Tuesday 21st January 2:00pm (Over 60’s) Quiz and Chat
FEBRUARY
Sunday 2nd February 7:30pm (St. Britius) Christingle
Tuesday 4th February 2:00pm (Over 60’s) Talk from Ben
Monday 3rd February 7:30pm Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 11th February 7:30pm (WI) Valentines Cake Decorations
Tuesday 18th February 2:00pm
(Over 60’s) Coffee Morning
MARCH
Monday 2nd March 7:30pm Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 3rd March 2:00pm (Over 60’s) Meal at the Chequers
Tuesday 10th March 7:30pm (WI) AGM
Tuesday 17th March 2:00pm (Over 60’s) Olive – Paris to Pigs
APRIL
Tuesday 7th April 2:00pm (Over 60’s) Hilltop Garden Centre
ST. BRITIUS
Weekly Wednesday Fellowship 12:30pm to 1:30pm There is soup,
cheese, doughnuts and a warm welcome.
Contact Ben Campion 358690
for more information.
Sunday St. Britius’ Church services 9:15am
Wednesday evening Holy Communion service at 7:00pm
Mondays and Wednesdays 8.30am– 8:45am Morning prayers.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:00pm. Evening prayers
|
