News
Cricket field – 60 say yes! – have you given your support??
At least 60 Whitchurch residents have already expressed their support for approval of the planning application that is the key to the village’s acquisition of the cricket field. Many more are needed! Are you one of those who are thinking of commenting but haven’t got round to it yet? If you are not sure how to do so, see the flyer delivered to all houses at the weekend, which explains. The Parish Council asks you to take part and send your comment now, either online or by letter, to make sure SODC can see the real strength of support in our community for the scheme.
Read the flyer, see a visual impression, and find out how to comment.
The SODC link is http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/planning/ApplicationDetails.jsp?REF=P10/E0945
The latest possible date for receipt of comments is 13th August but the earlier the better.
Date/Time : Wednesday, 28th July 2010 15:58
Bridge company explains fast-tracking of reconstruction
At a meeting of local parish council representatives in the Village Hall on Wednesday, the Whitchurch Bridge Company and its advisors explained why they were aiming to start the reconstruction work as early as October next year. The company confirmed that a temporary footbridge will be provided during the traffic closure period and that full public consultation meetings will be held before the planning application is submitted.
Read a report on the meeting here.
Date/Time : Saturday, 24th July 2010 12:35
Bridge rebuild now more urgent, scheduled for 2011
The Whitchurch Bridge Company has announced today that it is bringing forward the planned reconstruction of Whitchurch Bridge from 2013 to 2011.
The company’s professional advisers at Oxfordshire County Council are concerned about cracks, monitored in recent years, at the tops of the piers. A recent inspection of the 108-year-old structure has revealed that the structural integrity of the bridge could be affected earlier than previously estimated.
The Planning Application will now be submitted as soon as possible to enable the work to proceed. Work is expected to start in October 2011 and be completed in April 2012. The bridge is expected to be closed for six months. The Company will provide a temporary footbridge to maintain a pedestrian link between Whitchurch and Pangbourne.
In the meantime, immediate temporary repair work will be carried out on the pier capitals without closure of the bridge.
The full press release can be read here: http://www.whitchurchbridge.com/
Date/Time : Monday, 19th July 2010 12:59
Cricket field application – now is the time to express support
The joint application by the Parish Council and the Whitelock family has now been registered by SODC for the construction of a single dwelling and a car park near the school in Eastfield Lane. If successful the family, owners of the cricket field, will gift it to the community in perpetuity. It will then be available for additional sports and village events with no possibility of further development of the land.
To see an impression of the proposal click here.
To see full details of the application visit the SODC planning page: http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/planning/ApplicationDetails.jsp?REF=P10/E0945
Chairman of the Parish Council Harry Butterworth, in a leaflet to be distributed to all houses in Whitchurch, urges all residents to write comments in support before the end of this month. He suggests that the easiest way to do this is online, by clicking on the 'Comment now’ button.
“The SODC Planning Officer has said that while she cannot support the application as it is contrary to existing policy she recognises the community benefit that the proposal would bring. If we can show that there is a sufficient community gain for the village and plenty of village support for the project, the Planning Committee of SODC councillors are able to give permission even though it is against planning policy. This has happened before and we anticipate that we will be able to make our case with your help.
The Parish Council and the Whitelock family have worked hard together to prepare a planning application that takes into account the interests of the village and the school and provides all the necessary documentation which includes a transport statement, flood risk assessment, advice about the trees and an ecology report, so as to maximise the chances of a successful outcome for the application.
We believe that the following are the key benefits for the village and you may wish to include some of these points in your correspondence: to secure this important open space in perpetuity for village use – fetes, exercise, picnics and general recreation; to allow cricket and, in the future, junior football, tennis and other outdoor sports to be played; to enable the sports field to be used by children from the adjacent primary and pre-schools; to provide an appropriate amount of off-street parking, relieving Eastfield Lane; and to protect environmental features such as trees, hedgerows etc and allow use of parts of the site as a nature area.”
Date/Time : Saturday, 17th July 2010 19:27
Fire service rescues calf from river
Emergency service vehicles streamed down Eastfield Lane yesterday evening in response to a 999 call from a boat owner who was concerned for a calf that was struggling near the river bank.
Four fire engines, a fire rescue boat on a trailer and the fire chief’s BMW arrived at a spot halfway along the lane and mounted the operation across John Hatt’s field. The team succeeded in rescuing the Friesian calf and watched it trot off to join the rest of the herd.
A resident of Eastfield Lane provided the story and photo. If you come across a story you want to share with others in the village, send it to the News Editor at the address on the Find Us/Contact Us page.
Date/Time : Sunday, 11th July 2010 08:52
Parish Council says NO to huge care home
At a crowded meeting in the village hall yesterday residents spoke of their concern at the enormous size of the extension planned by the owners of Eastfield House.
Neighbours on each side of the care home, Neil Huntington and Nick Bolton, explained that they had carefully studied the details of the planning submission and considered that its true size had been misrepresented. They said the planned extension is about three times as big as the original house and that this had been disguised by computer graphics using such devices as low viewpoints and imaginary trees to prevent the large scale of the extension being appreciated.
The meeting was shown the image above, illustrating how the extension dwarfs the existing house. To compare the areas of the original house and the extension click here. Read also the letter linked to the news item below.
Others queried why in a Transport Assessment written in support of the application there appeared to be no recognition, despite its 50 page length, of the most important factor – the narrow bottleneck in Eastfield Lane at the High Street end.
Many others spoke of their concern at the excessive size of the development for a residential area, for a small village, in a conservation area and in an area of outstanding natural beauty. After discussion, the Parish Council decided that the application should be refused on the grounds of being un-neighbourly, inappropriate for the area and far too large.
SODC has invited comments on the application by 22 July. Comments can be made on the form provided on their website or by writing a letter. The link is http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/planning/ApplicationDetails.jsp?REF=P10/E0852
The Chairman said that it was important for as many residents as possible to comment in writing as soon as possible.
Date/Time : Tuesday, 6th July 2010 12:16
Eastfield House care home applies for huge extension
The owner of Eastfield House and 16 other luxury care homes in England, Majesticare of Heanor, Derbyshire, has submitted a planning application for a refurbishment and major enlargement of the Whitchurch facility. This includes demolition of outbuildings and wings and the construction of a large three storey extension to the building. The number of beds is set to increase from 27 to 45. Detailed plans and photos can be viewed on the SODC website at http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/planning/ApplicationDetails.jsp?REF=P10/E0852
SODC has invited comments on the application by 22 July. Comments can be made on the form provided on their website or by writing a letter.
The viewable documents include two computer-generated pictures (one is shown above) that purport to show the proposed facility. However a resident of Eastfield Lane, Neil Huntington, has pointed out in a letter to the council that these avoid revealing the great size of the planned extension and are therefore misleading. Read the letter and see a sketch showing the size of the proposed construction here.
Date/Time : Thursday, 1st July 2010 18:40
Evening walk in balmy weather
The Whitchurch Society’s first evening walk yesterday attracted about 25 villagers who enjoyed perfect sunny weather. At 7pm Eric Hartley set the party off along Hardwick Road and up Path Hill, on a route giving views of golden fields. This led conveniently to The Sun at Whitchurch Hill where all were able to relax in the garden before heading west across the main road and returning via the War Memorial.
Those with time and energy to spare are invited to an unrelated event on Sunday 11th July, clearing the weed growth along the edges of The Cut (the footpath linking Swanston Field with Eastfield Lane). Become a Village Volunteer and join a small work party between 9.30 and 10.30am on that day. Just bring gloves and tools.
Village Volunteers have recently completed the task of restoring the eight public seats in the village.
Date/Time : Friday, 25th June 2010 19:02
Volunteers smarten up the village
Observant residents may have noticed recently that some of the public seats around the village have been refurbished. The work is being done by a two-man team of volunteers. On the left of the picture is Keith Brooks of the Environment Group and on the right is Stephen Trinder who chaired the Village Plan.
At the Manor Road junction the team found they needed to start by tidying up and they filled three bags with rubbish (click here for more pictures). The seat at the Hardwick Road junction needed dismantling and extensive repair and the owner of the art gallery opposite joined in to help. Work continues on the seats, seven in all.
Volunteers are needed to tackle other jobs that will keep our village looking attractive. Would you like to be involved in a one-off project of this sort? Please contact Stephen Trinder for ideas (or to suggest an idea) on 984 2610 or s.trinder@virgin.net .
Date/Time : Sunday, 13th June 2010 14:08
The Greyhound reopens and has plans
The Greyhound has reopened, after a week of rapid refurbishment following the departure of the previous landlord, with the prospect that it will once again become a central feature of Whitchurch life.
Experienced publicans Frank and Dawn Olley have signed a lease partnership with Punch Taverns under which they plan to improve the facilities and offer a wide range of beers and wines. Dawn says that refitting of the kitchen is a priority and this will be used to prepare delicious sandwiches and baguettes rather than full restaurant meals. The loos will be renovated. The garden will be improved. She and her husband, who are already living on the premises, hope to expand the public area by opening a snug bar in the room on the right as you enter from the high street.
Frank and Dawn remain involved with The Gatehouse pub in Wallingford, which is run by their son. They have vacated their previous country pub and home which was in Great Tew near Chipping Norton, in order to move to Whitchurch. Dawn says that already the cricket club and the camera club have made arrangements for weekly meetings at The Greyhound. She and Frank look forward to getting to know many more village residents and hope they will appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the gradual improvements.
Date/Time : Monday, 7th June 2010 15:25
‘Mystery’ car puzzles residents
A blue Toyota people carrier was recently parked for several weeks, apparently abandoned, in the private parking area at Old Barn Close, off the High Street. Residents concerned at the loss of parking space informed the police of a ‘suspicious vehicle’. The Police came to inspect it and placed a ‘Police Aware’ sticker on the windscreen. The same car has now reappeared in Hardwick Road, having been moved to the parking area below Hillside, where it is collecting tree debris and providing a puzzle for a different group of residents.
Date/Time : Saturday, 5th June 2010 16:59
Police warn of forged £20 notes
Thames Valley Police issued a community message yesterday urging retailers and residents of South Oxfordshire to be vigilant against forged £20 notes, a number of which are circulating in our area. Their advice is:
“You should look out for the feel of the paper: a real £20 note will be made from good quality paper and a forged one will be of poor quality. Print detail such as the hair on the picture of The Queen will be poor on a forgery.
What should you do if you think you have a counterfeit note? Counterfeit notes are worthless and it is a criminal offence to hold onto or pass on counterfeit notes. If you suspect a note is counterfeit, take it to the police as soon as possible. They will give you a receipt and send the note to the Bank of England for analysis. If the note is genuine you will be reimbursed.”
Date/Time : Friday, 4th June 2010 18:13
Boat club arrives in Whitchurch
One of the Thames Valley's largest recreational boating clubs, the Goring Gap Boat Club, is now based in Whitchurch. To find it, turn right at the Hardwick House entrance gate into Sheepwash Lane and as you approach the river you will see a boathouse on your right. The club shares this with the Oratory School.
Club chairman Richard Bowsher says “We are always keen to encourage people to take up rowing and enjoy the river. Our intention is to remain at the Oratory site for the foreseeable future, and we’d be happy to have more members from Whitchurch. We have an event this Saturday 16th May – a Round the Island Head & BBQ at which non-rowers are welcome to join the fun. Please feel free to come along.”
The club offers starter courses in rowing, a touring weekend in June (see picture), the Goring & Streatley Regatta in July, a coastal rowing weekend in August, and more. For information see their website www.goringgapbc.org.uk .
Date/Time : Wednesday, 12th May 2010 12:58
New book group gets reading
A new book group has been set up locally thanks to the ‘Have your say!’ page of the Whitchurch Web. Felipa House, who moved to the village last October, used the page to advertise for members to form a group. She received a number of replies and the group held its first meeting in January. Members meet in the evening at The Greyhound, on the second Wednesday of each month, for a drink and a discussion of that month’s chosen book. New members are always welcome. For further information please email fmthouse@waitrose.com
Date/Time : Thursday, 6th May 2010 16:52
Cool day for Cowslips
The annual WoTHabs Cowslip Day at Chalkhills (formerly Bozedown Vineyard) was held on Sunday. See photos in the Gallery. Hardy families who braved the rain and the cold wind to walk or tractor-ride up the hill were rewarded by the sight of a carpet of delicate yellow cowslips on the chalk downland. Though visitor numbers were understandably lower than usual, those who turned out enjoyed spectacular views over the village and along the valley towards Reading. Children competed in a wildlife quiz and all appreciated the tea and cakes served in the barn. WoTHabs volunteers were ably helped this year by Goring Heath Scouts - their first challenge was to round up the sheep that had escaped into the woods overnight.
Date/Time : Tuesday, 4th May 2010 15:43
New Dolphin Centre topped out
A topping-out ceremony was held on Wednesday to celebrate completion of the steel frame and roof of the new Dolphin Centre building which has been visibly rising on the Pangbourne meadow. The Centre will open this summer and will have 50% more space than its predecessor. Kayaking, canoeing, climbing and off-road cycling will continue to feature. The main hall will provide space for many sports including archery; the entrance hall will contain a climbing wall, and there will be good river views from the balcony.
The original 1950s sponsor of the Centre was John Dolphin, who lived at The Mill House, Whitchurch.
Clive Williams OBE, Chairman of the Dolphin Centre Management Committee, has kindly provided the Whitchurch Web with an account of the history of the Centre. Read it here.
Date/Time : Friday, 12th March 2010 16:41
Photos of Whitchurch in the snow
Several people have sent in photos taken in recent days when the village took on the look of a traditional snowy Christmas card. To see them, click on an image in the gallery on the home page. Thanks to Claire Scott, Jennifer Bruce and Mike Scott for their contributions. Thanks also to Nick Brazil for his many photos, also in the gallery, showing the chaos and the beauty of the transformed landscape.
The Whitchurch Web team wishes you a Happy New Year!
Webmaster David Robinson
Website host Phil Weir at SiteSpider
Photographer Nick Brazil
Events Editor Pam Scott
News Editor Richard Wingfield
Date/Time : Friday, 1st January 2010 10:14
High Street weight limit confirmed
County Councillor David Sexon confirmed today that the 7.5 tonne environmental limit for traffic on the B471 has been formally approved.
This means that anyone seeing a vehicle of over 7.5 tonnes in the village, which is not delivering or collecting its main cargo within the village, will be able to report it.
For further information about the weight limit and for details of how to identify and report an offending lorry, please click here.
The environmental weight limit, which was introduced to maintain the rural character of the B471, is independent of the Toll Bridge structural weight limit, though both are at the same level of 7.5 tonnes. When the Toll Bridge is reconstructed in 2013/14 the structural limit will disappear but the environmental limit will remain. The bridge will be rebuilt to a standard strength so that it can withstand the loading from a rogue heavy lorry whose driver has ignored the environmental limit.
Date/Time : Wednesday, 4th November 2009 15:33
New book on Whitchurch history
Local historian Peter Hawley has been delving into fascinating corners of Whitchurch’s history. Relics & Monuments, launched at yesterday’s village fete, is a paperback of 107 pages with many colour photographs. For those who have wondered why there is no riverside road to Goring or why our war memorial was not built on the former public quayside near the mill, this is the book. Its scope stretches back to the Bozedown Hill camp of 500 BC and forward to the disappearance of one of the county’s finest manorial barns from our High Street in the 1960s. Peter connects Whitchurch’s distinguished residents with the Abolition of Slavery, the Matabele War and a Patagonian Mission. The book even recalls the singing of the female workers on wartime manufacture in the Swanston squash court. Copies obtainable from the Whitchurch and Goring Heath History Society, price £7.95. Contact Vicky Jordan 0118 984 3260 or vickyjordan5@hotmail.com
Date/Time : Sunday, 6th September 2009 17:13