Yearly Archives: 2017

Hurst Water Meadow Trust News: December 2017

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New Trustee appointment

We are very pleased that Chris Smith has agreed to become a trustee, with effect from 1st November 2017.

Chris moved to Dorchester from London in December 2011. When he retired from an IT career in the motor trade and in financial services he became a regular volunteer in the village: excavating for the Dorchester Archaeological dig, helping to build a database for the museum, and becoming Chairman of Dorchester Tennis Club.

Chris also joined the Hurst volunteer work parties and while working on the meadows became interested in all aspects of the management of the land. Since March 2017 he has been organising the Tuesday volunteer workers on the meadows and has acquired a loyal band of regular volunteers, planning the programme of work with great efficiency to meet our long-term land management goals.

The Trustees look forward to benefiting from the experience and skills that Chris can contribute to the work of the Trust.

Winter grazing

Horses, or more correctly polo ponies, are back on the Hurst for winter grazing. Providing that the meadow is not flooded they will remain as long as there is grass for them. The regime of grazing after the hay cut helps to encourage diversity of plant species and is a feature of traditional meadow management. Often cattle or sheep are used for grazing but they would be more difficult to contain in the Hurst and less compatible with the many canine visitors to the meadows.

The Trustees thank all who have given support to the work of the Trust this year and wish everyone a happy Christmas and New Year.

Gillian Johnson (Hon. Secretary)

on behalf of the Trustees

01865 340925

email: admin@hurst-water-meadow.org.uk

Oxford to Cambridge Expressway – response from our MP John Howell

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OUR LOBBYING CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Please continue to write to the MP’s and other Government officials on the Expressway lobbying list.

Dear Mr Hill
Thank you for your email concerning the proposed Oxford to Cambridge Expressway. I appreciate the concerns that the proposals are raising and indeed share some of them. However there is also much speculation at present.

I have had discussion with the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure that he is aware of the local issues and have also put these concerns in writing to him. I have also discussed the matter with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government due to the potential issues of housing to be built along the route.

I am of the firm opinion that the route should utilise existing roads wherever possible rather than carve a new path through Green Belt land to the south of Oxford. Given that there are alternatives I believe that it is inappropriate and unnecessary to use Green Belt land for this. Further with the requirement for housing to help fund the new road there is even greater reason to avoid a route through the Green Belt.

I have also raised concerns about the transparency of the work on this project. A project of this magnitude should have ready access to as much information as possible in the public domain. I accept that some competitive data needs to remain private but feel that the lack of information is adding to speculation. I have asked the Secretary of State to intervene so that as much information as possible can be immediately put into the public domain with explanation as to what is being held back and why. I have also asked him to ensure that there is full public consultation before a route is decided and not just on the preferred option.

With thanks again for raising your concerns on this project with me.
John

NHS South: Help us plan GP services – now and for the future

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Local GP practices have been working with Oxfordshire CCG and patient representatives on plans for the future of GP and primary care services in Oxfordshire.

Throughout the summer your GP practice has joined others in Oxfordshire to talk about how they currently work, what problems they regularly face and how they could work better. We have also been talking to Patient Participation Groups to find out more about the patient experience, listening to what patients feel is important and their ideas for change.

From this ongoing engagement work with patients, GPs and clinicians in your local area, we have identified the challenges each locality faces, their priorities and how those priorities could be met.

If you are interested in helping to shape the future of GP services in Oxfordshire please book to attend:

South West Locality (Faringdon, Wantage, Abingdon, Didcot and surrounding villages):  Wednesday 22 November
Didcot Civic Hall, Didcot, OX11 7HN
6.30pm – 8pm

South East Locality (Wallingford, Henley-on-Thames, Benson, Thame, Chinnor, Sonning Common and surrounding villages):
Tuesday 28 November
The George Hotel, High Street, Wallingford, OX10 0BS
6.30pm – 8pm

These events will include a short presentation followed by round table discussions. Further information about these events are available online and if you are unable to attend but would like to have your say there is a short online survey available here: https://consult.oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk/consult.ti/LocalityPlansOxon/consultationHome

To book your place and get more information please email cscsu.talkinghealth@nhs.net or call 01865 334638.

Pre-school Assistant Job Vacancy

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Dorchester Pre-School job vacancy
pre-school assistant required

Purpose of Post:

  • To work as part of the pre-school team to provide safe, high quality education and care for young children.
  • To work under the direction of the pre-school leader and to give support to other personnel within the setting.
  • To act as a key worker to a group of children.

Key Areas:

  • Work with children.
  • Team work.
  • Liaise with parents/carers.

Hours of Work:

  • Monday 8.45am to 3.15 pm
  • Friday 8.45am to 3.15 pm
  • Half hour lunch break – 12 hours per week.

Pay:

£8 to £9 per hour dependent upon qualifications and experience, position required from January 2018 to July 2018.

Start date: 8th January 2018

Applications taken until: 30th November 2017

Interviews: w/c 4th December 2017

Please apply by telephoning Helen Morris, on 01865 341805 between 9am – 3pm or email for application form to admin@dorchesterpreschool.co.uk

The setting is committed to safeguarding and welfare of the children and therefore an enhanced DBS check would be obtained before any offer of employment.

 

Thames Valley Police

Thames Valley Police: Have A Safe And Fun Bonfire Night

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Having your own fireworks party or celebrating with family and friends can be great fun. But by far the safest way to enjoy these seasonal activities is to attend a professionally organised event.

We want everyone to enjoy a safe and trouble free Bonfire Night and are work with Trading Standards to ensure fireworks aren’t sold to those who are under 18.

Please think of others and remember that fireworks should not be let off between 11pm and 7am (this is extended to midnight on Bonfire night). And that setting off a firework in a public place is an offence.

Always follow the fireworks code: www.saferfireworks.com/

1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable

2. Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time

3. Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary

4. Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back

5. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks

6. Never return to a firework once it has been lit

7. Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them

8. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators

9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire

10. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving

You should also remember:

· Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114, EN 14035 or EN 15947

· Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks

· Always supervise children around fireworks

· Never give sparklers to children under five

· Don’t forget your pets! Keep them safe indoors and make sure they have a comfortable, quiet space to relax in.

Thames Valley Police will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour at any time of the year.

To report anti-social behaviour, call 101, the 24-hour Thames Valley Police non-emergency number. If you feel threatened, if it’s an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, call 999.