Oxfordshire plan 2050: Drop-in exhibitions

Please see www.oxfordshireplan.org which includes an introductory video and the attached scan.

The nearest drop-in exhibitions will be held at the Guildhall, Abingdon on Monday 25th February and the Cornerstone, Didcot on Wednesday 27th February. Both these events run from 3.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m.

The Consultation period ends on 25th March and so this item can be discussed at the Council’s March meeting.


Introducing the Oxfordshire Plan

We’re planning for a better Oxfordshire and want to hear your ideas

Join us to have your say

For more details visit www.oxfordshireplan.org

Anglo-Saxon Craft Courses at the Sylva Wood Centre

Saxon Building Woodwork, or ‘Treewrighting’ – with Damian Goodburn

Learn about Anglo-Saxon building woodwork, based mainly on the study of surviving wooden remains, including a review of relatively new evidence, with live demonstrations of tools and techniques, and opportunities to watch treewrighting in action. Led by leading archaeological woodwork specialist Damian Goodburn BA PhD.

Saturday 23rd March 2019, 10.00am-4.00pm Cost £75.

Treewighting and Timber-framing – with the Carpenters Fellowship

A series of unique one-day courses learning & developing skills and knowledge in the making & raising of a timber-frame using traditional tools and techniques. March courses will focus on treewrighting, while July courses focus on raising the building. Multiple days can be booked. Hot drinks and food included.

20th,21st,22nd, 23rd & 24th March 2019, and

3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, & 7th July 2019

9.00am-5.00pm. Cost £100 per day.

Hurdle Making – with coppice worker and craftsman Simon Farndon

Students will be taught hazel splitting and how to make hurdles on the Saturday and then will practise making hurdles on the Sunday.

Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March 2019, 10.00am-4.00pm. Cost £200.

Traditional Thatching – with master thatcher Alan Jones

A series of one-day courses during which you will learn traditional and sustainable early thatching methods, including those to be used on the reconstruction of the House of Wessex. There will be an opportunity to mill grain into flour and taste bread made from the wheat straw from the roof. Multiple day bookings possible.

Available on 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, & 14th August, 9.30am-4.30pm. Cost £75 per day.

Thames Valley Police

Thames Valley Police: Vamoose Burglaries

We have had a few vamoose burglaries in Didcot. A ‘Vamoose’ burglary is a name used by Thames Valley Police for a burglary that takes place specifically to the steal the keys to a high value or new vehicle.
Vamoose burglaries usually happen overnight when the occupants of a property are in bed asleep or whilst the home owners are away on holiday. Thames Valley Police would like to raise awareness as there has been a spate of recent offences across our Local Policing Area (LPA).

Recent offences have involved the offenders forcing entry to properties via the front door or a rear patio door. The ground floor of the property is then searched for the car keys. Typically, vehicle owners leave their car keys near to the front door or within a bag or coat pocket. The offenders will take the keys along with other nearby valuables such as phones/wallets, they then leave in your car! We are keen to prevent further offences and would like to offer you the following crime prevention advice:

• Hide your car keys away from windows and doors or take them up to bed with you
• If you are planning on going on holiday or will be leaving your property unoccupied for a period of time, consider leaving your car keys with a trusted neighbour or relative and where possible block your vehicles on driveways
• Ensure your doors and windows are locked, if you have a chain on the inside of your door, use it. Please see the home security leaflets enclosed for further useful advice
If you would like further advice on your home security, call 101. Ask for a member of your local Neighbourhood Policing Team to visit you.

Found: Baby Shoes on Queens Close

This was received today, if anyone recognises the items, please get in touch, and we will try to get your details across to the person that found them.

Before Christmas I found a black and gold striped carrier bag in the road outside our house in Queens Close. Inside was a nearly new pair of baby shoes, the Scientific American, a scone and jam and the booklet for the festival of Lessons and Carols. I picked them up as didn’t want the bin men thinking of removing them, and wanted to try and find their owner.

Unfortunately I had no joy (and consequent Christmas festivities meant this was then forgotten) so I am hoping maybe, that you have had someone make contact with you?