June 2019 Volume 25 No. 9

Distributed free to over 2500 homes in and around BensonBulletinBensonThe

Village NewsActivitiesInformationLocal EventsandGuide to Local Services

This Month...● Parish Notes● On ABenson Allotment● Bensington Society● Benson Nature Group● Local Plan● AAA Testing

© Bob MartinPage 4

Rose Teas EwelmePage 30

1BBBB

CONTENTS

Editor’s ColumnChristopher Swann writes...

Volume 25 No 9Published byBenson Bulletin News AssociationPrinted byNP Design & Print Ltd, Wallingford : 01491 824827

In Memoriam --------------------------------------- 2The Benson Plan ----------------------------------- 4 Benson Patients’ Panel ---------------------------- 6 The Millstream Centre ---------------------------- 8 Understanding The Holocaust -------------------10 Bertie West Memorial Field -------------------- 12Parish Notes ---------------------------------------14The Davey Consort ------------------------------16Music At St Peter’s -------------------------------18 The Bensington Society --------------------------20On A Benson Allotment --------------------------22Miltary Wives Choir ------------------------------24The WI ---------------------------------------------26Benson School ------------------------------------28Ewelme Rose Teas -------------------------------30 Watercress Painters -------------------------------32 Wallingford Events -------------------------------34 Diary -----------------------------------------------37

email your letters/articles to

bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk

or deliver/send them to

Benson Parish Hall

AdvertisingTo advertise in BB contact Christopher Swann on

01491 200965 or bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk

Benson Volunteer Helpline

For assistance with travel to/from

medical appointments

Office hours: Mon-Fri 9-11amCall: 01491 825992

to ask for help or to volunteer

Spring being a tough act to follow,

God created June.

(Al Bernstein)

Zzzzzz... Zzzzz... What?What angel wakes me from my flow’ry bed?Write an editorial? Goodness and I was

having such a nice Midsummer’s Dream...What is going on? Everyone pushed for a piece of the BB this month and some of you will be disappointed – I only have so much room. But a quart has gone into a pint pot after more squeezing than is perhaps decent. There are Plans and Fun and Serious Subjects and more Parish Notes than you can shake a stick at and two new Local Councillors rearing to go and Activities which would exhaust you if you did them all. Our community is alive and kicking and long may it be so.And risking the wrath of those against change there is some. I have brought the Benson related stories together and left the listings and Wallingford goings on until the end; to be fair it does have it’s own magazine.And a gentle reminder that the deadline for copy is not the date you suddenly remember you haven’t sent copy in that you want published. And please also bear in mind that we don’t publish in August so anything you want in for that month, including diary entries, has to go in the July issue which will be coming to your doormat soon.

But June eh?If a June night could talk,

it would probably boast it invented romance.

(Bernard Williams)

There is something about an English summer that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Nature lies back and relaxes as the crops ripen, animals bring up their young and sunbeams dance over the fields… at least that’s the theory. But frost is never far away and the sad brown potato crops on the allotments bear witness to it’s sudden sharpness. I love Midsummer and some years past we went to Shakespeare’s “Dream” at the Globe Theatre in London on Midsummer’s Eve. The sky was clear and as night drew a veil over the young lover’s confusion it seemed all was well with the world. Given the chaos we are living through I hope to find that moment again soon.

“I have had a dream,

past the wit of man to say what dream it was.”

2 BBBB

Is a free service for those who have difficulty reading

Contact Keith Tibbs for more detailsTel: 01491 838689

BBBBThe Talking In MemoriamDiana Younger

We would like to thank your readers for the many kind letters and support received following Diana's sudden and tragic death. Howard Chadwicks have told me that donations totalling £1335 have been sent to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance service in Diana's memory.

David, Hannah and Jane.

In October 2017 George was suddenly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was originally given just three months to live but typically he refused to accept that and went on to confound everyone with his determination to live and enjoy life for as long as possible.

However his heart remained in Benson and with their many friends in the area built up over forty years. Whilst he was always busy he was never too busy to share his love of life with those around him … and those who didn’t know George personally might remember him driving round the village in his beloved Austin Healey 3000.George died peacefully on 16th March in Sobell House at the Churchill Hospital. He is survived by his three sons Jamie, Kit and Jonty and his five lovely grand-daughters.

George was a past Chair of the Benson Bulletin

In MemoriamGeorge Craig

We were all amazed at his strength and tenacity but knowing him perhaps we should not have been.Soon after getting married in 1971 George and Ann took a year long journey through Africa before settling down to their careers. They moved to Benson in 1978 where they settled down to bring up a family and George also went on to set up a small chain of pharmacies in the area. This included one in Benson with Peter Rose, the local GP, and which is still serving the community today. George was always proud that his work could help people and improve the healthcare system. He was also involved in village life and became a scout leader enabling a generation of kids from Benson to gain experiences and try activities that they would otherwise probably never have known. After he retired George worked on the Benson Bulletin and served on the Benson Parish Council for ten years and continued to take genuine satisfaction in being able to support his community.George and Ann continued to travel and visited some far flung places whilst George continued with his hobbies of sailing and Real Tennis.

Ewelme Primary SchoolGovernor Wanted

Would you like to make a real difference to Ewelme Primary School, a Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School founded in 1437, and develop your leadership skills as part of the Board of Governors?We are looking for people to bring their life skills and passion for children’s education to our Governing Board. You will have the opportunity to work as part of a dynamic team and be able to offer 1-2 evenings each month during term time. Induction and full training will be provided. More information can be found on the Ewelme School Website: www.ewelme.oxon.sch.uk - So, if this opportunity appeals to you please get in touch with a short description of what you feel you could bring to the team of governors at our historic and ‘Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools’ rated “Outstanding” school. Please contact Sam Masters, Joint Chair of Governors: smasters@its.jnj.com

Afternoon TeasSt. Mary’s Church, AldworthStart 5th June and then every

Wednesday in June, July & August2.30 – 4.30 p.m

Delicious homemade cakes in the company of The Aldworth Giants

For further details contact: Gill Wilding 01635 578624 or

gillwilding@hotmail.com

Above sent in by Linda Youthed

3BBBB

S G Locksmith Services your friendly local locksmith

Lock Opening, Replacement or RepairKey CuttingEmergency EntryDoor Maintenance

Phone: Steve on 07788 595451

LB Plumbing

fully insured • free estimatesfor fast friendly reliable service tel 07981 642688/01491 8344847 days a week

toilets, taps, showersimmersions, leaksand more

4 BBBB

On the front of the Bulletin this month is a painting by Bob Martin. Bob has lived in Benson most of his life. He grew up in the ‘Lamb and Flag’ pub in Brook Street and now lives in Old London Road. His inspiration comes from past photographs of the village, then he uses his imagination, and not inconsiderable skill in acrylics, to bring old Benson vividly back to life, partly as he remembers it himself, and partly with joy. He has a small output having learnt art at school and returned to it in later years. He is also a drummer and singer (of hits from the past) and he has the largest collection of vinyl I have ever seen – look out for him on eBay if there is a blast from the past you are keen to be reacquainted with. The sense of Benson even permeates his house as sometime he paints on the walls of his rooms - an echo of the ancient tradition of fresco - and then puts a wooden frame around the finished work. He paints, as all the best artists do, not only with skill but also with love. (Ed).

Bob Martin

Artist

An NP delivery team has been formed, reporting in to the Parish Council. This team, which includes members of the NP development team as well as councillors, meets regularly to ensure that the plan that the community voted for is realised in practice. The team's work is supported by a number of expert groups like the Transport Group and Benson Nature Group. Cala Homes (BEN1) is the most advanced development, with planning permission now granted for both phases. We’ve been working with Cala across a range of areas to make sure the infrastructure and amenities they provide meet the needs of our community as closely as possible and conform to the standards specified in the NP:• The new community facilities building is now a 1.5 storey building, rather than the single storey originally promised - this will mean significantly more hall space is available to the village for sports, clubs and events.• Cala has agreed to reduce the heights of their apartment buildings and to avoid dormers on houses which overlook the open countryside.• We’ve influenced the design of the new nature park on the west of the Cala site, including layout, habitats and the target species we want to encourage. We hope to connect up the new park with Warwick Spinney and with footpaths towards Warborough. Creation of the park starts this summer but will inevitably take several years to reach maturity. • The site will also include a skatepark, which many teenagers and parents in the village have requested. We’re just at the beginning of discussions about this and the team will be running focus sessions for the key age groups (8-18) in early summer to make sure the design reflects the aspirations of its future users.

Full proposals for the other sites - David Wilson Homes (BEN3/4) and Thomas Homes (BEN2) - cannot be submitted until technical details for the Relief Road (particularly those relating to flood measures required at the western end) are finalised and agreed with

Oxfordshire CC and the Environment Agency. We are hopeful that the final report on this will be agreed before the end of the summer.

Discussions with Oxfordshire CC are well advanced on a proposal for a light-controlled crossing over the A4074 by the Marina, together with safety improvements to the bus pull-in nearby. Proposals are also being examined with OCC to address the problems (obstruction, safety issues and mess) caused by cars parked on the grass verges opposite the bus stop.

We have identified sites around Benson where new signage and dropped kerbs would aid pedestrians and pushchair/mobility scooter users. Proposals on this will be taken to the Parish Council shortly.

Some infrastructure projects will make use of the enhanced Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding that a village with an adopted NP receives. Benson Parish Council now gets 25% of the housing levy paid to SODC by developers, rather than the 15% share it received prior to plan adoption.

BB’s DeadlinesCopy: 12th of month previous Advertising: 12th of month previous

5BBBB

ANTIQUE & MODERN

FURNITURE RESTORATION

Traditional French PolishingRe-polishing Staircases/Doors/ Kitchen WorktopsDoors and wood floors fittedSpray FinishingKitchen refurbishmentAny carpentry workundertakenRing James (Chalgrove)Tel: 01865 890436Mob: 07796 966123

6 BBBB Continued overleaf...

Benson Patients’ PanelFenella Galpin, writes ...

Benson Millstream Centre Geraldine Gault, writes ...

Getting Active – Feeling GoodIn Benson we are lucky to have many opportunities for this with over 30 village clubs and groups. The Flyer in this issue of the Bulletin details the programme for the Celebrating Benson’s Green Spaces event on June 8th. Activities will be taking place in St Helen’s Churchyard, and also in the Youth Hall where you will be able to learn about the range of activities available in Benson for all age groups, and to take part in taster activities. Come along between 0930 and 1200 and see what is available.

PPG Awareness WeekI was reminded that 10th – 15th June is PPG (Patient Participation Group) Awareness Week. Since 2015 it has been a requirement for all GP practices to have a PPG, although

FundraisingOur Cake Sale on May 11th was a big success and we raised just under £500. A huge thank you to all our generous bakers and to everyone who helped on the day.

Benson Open Gardens This annual event takes place on Sunday 9th June from 2pm to 5pm, with delicious cream teas at the Centre until 6pm. We will have around sixteen gardens this year, six new ones plus old favourites, and for the first time a number of allotments. Do come along, support the Centre, and bring your children as this year we have a Benson Rocks competition. In many of our gardens a rock painted with a flower or vegetable will be hidden where it can be seen from a lawn or path - no walking on the gardens! The children leave the rock in place and record what they find on a form and submit it for the competition prize.

VolunteersIf you can spare an hour or two on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays you’d be very welcome. It doesn’t even have to be every week. We need help with veg prep, table set up, meal serving/clearing, serving hot drinks, collecting and taking home our members, and occasionally just helping our frailer ones to get around. If you can spare some time then email millstreamdaycentre@btinternet.com and put ‘Volunteering’ in the subject line.

A big thank you to all who took part in the Benson Village Easter Bunny Trail over the Easter holidays. We had an amazing response and over three hundred families took part which is fantastic. It raised a great amount of money for FOBS (The Friends of Benson School charity). There were four lucky winners: William Rawlins aged 9, Thomas and Evelyn Rattley 5 and 4 years old, Callum Marsh aged 5 and 6 year old Olivia Steele-Smith. Well done to all of you! Also a big thank you to the Benson Co-op and the wonderful Derry’s Den for helping with the trail. I can’t thank you enough - especially when Derry’s Den kept running out of maps, and printed more for us.The Benson Bunny already has big plans for next years trail so keep an eye out for details.

Benson Easter Bunny Marie Finch, writes ...

Centre HireOur Centre can be hired on days that we are not open as well as evenings and weekends. Our rates are competitive. We have a commercial kitchen, and the added benefit of a pretty courtyard garden. If you are interested in hiring the Centre, drop in and see Donna who can tell you more.

400 Club ticketsThe first draw of the year took place on Wednesday 17th April at the Centre and the lucky prize winners were:£30 - 145 - Mike Hartshorn Clifton Hampden. £30 - 376 - Mrs Lynn Barwick Roke. £30 - 137 - Wendy Perrin Brook Street Benson. £30 - 866 - Ken Pegg Fyfield Barns Benson. £30 - 28 - G & B Verdon Castle Square Benson. £40 - 775 - Mrs J Fisher Old London Road Benson. £40 - 940 - Adrian Tilbury Benson Waterfront. £50 - 1000 - Julie Richards Papist Way Cholsey. £50 - 77 Wendy Simon Berrick Salome. £50 - 359 - D & C Cussens Berrick Salome. £100 - 694 - John Knapp Green Close Benson.Thanks to our supporters and a special thanks to our hardworking collectors for making this yet another record year. Income to date is £4,825 with more to come from ticket sales for the remaining 4 draws. This is already an increase of over £300 on last year’s total. Half of the money goes to the Centre’s running costs and the other half for prizes. There are opportunities to buy for the remaining draws. Just call Rob Wadley on 07432 118894. The next draw is on Wednesday June 12th.

7BBBB

Chiltern DomesticAppliances

Est 1985

Whirlpool

Siemens

Neff

Creda

Candy

Tel: 01491 638146

Servicing, Repairs and SalesWashing Machines, Tumble

Dryers, Dishwashers, Electric Hobs and Ovens

Bosch

Hotpoint

Zanussi

Hoover

Indesit

Miele

and many more...

Daria Masterman Licensed Acupuncturist now in

Benson

Allergies? Aches and pains? Anxiety and depression? Morning sickness? Acupuncture can help ease the above and many other conditions.

Why not book yourself in for a free 20-minute consultation with Daria on

daria.masterman@gmail.com or call on 07889 460322

8 BBBB

And a note for your diary: The Radcliffe Orchestra will be giving

a concert of the music of Grieg and Mahler On June 8th at Tingewick Hall,

John Radcliffe Hospital, OX3 9DU at 7.45. Tickets £12 Concessions £10 Free for Under 16s.

Tickets at the Cairns Library or on the door. All proceeds will go to the Oxford Branch of CRUSE.

Cruse is the largest specialist

bereavement charity in the

U.K. Founded in 1959, it has 134 branches and

more than 5,000 volunteers throughout the U.K. Over 80,000 people contact Cruse each year for help and information. Our national helpline number is 0808 808 1677.The head office of Cruse Bereavement Care is in Richmond Surrey. All around the country there are satellite offices responsible for their own funding and organisation, with guidance from head office. Our local office and counselling rooms are based in the Wesley Memorial Hall in New Inn Hall Street, in central Oxford.Our trained bereavement volunteers offer support to anyone over 18, bereaved through the death of someone close, living in Oxfordshire. When contact is made, we give support over the phone, through our

friendship and drop in groups or in one-to-one counselling sessions, and we run a supportive signposting service for people recently bereaved through suicide. In addition, we offer support to homeless people in their hostels. We visit people at home or see them in our counselling rooms in Wesley Memorial Hall, Oxford OX1 2DH. Oxfordshire Cruse gives everyone, regardless of their situation or beliefs, unlimited time to face their problems. We follow the highest standards of counselling. Cruse is an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Our Bereavement Volunteers (BVs) are supervised to monitor their work. All counselling is strictly confidential.Each session costs £27 and while there is no formal charge for our service we do invite donations. We welcome new volunteers – you might want to train or support us in other ways. We also welcome you at our talks on ‘Aspects of Bereavement’ – details below.

Contact Us10am -1pm weekdays on 01865 245398 or leave a message on our 24/7 answerphone.SOBS Group (survivors of people bereaved through suicide) last Wednesday of the month 6.30-8.30pm. Drop-In, all are welcome.www.oxfordcruse.co.uk

Talks on: Aspects of Bereavement at the Wesley Memorial Hall: Tea/Coffee from 7.00pm for 7.30 start, suggested donation £10.6th June: Arne Richards “Alternative funeral Ceremonies” - 13th June: Revd Helen Arnold “Dealing with loss in Policing” - 20th June: Sarah Burnet “Aspects of Self: A Person-Centred Perspective” - 27th June: Dr Anna Scarna “Home as a Place of Safety: But When the Foundations are Rocked” 4th July: Jana Khamis “Bereavement by Suicide and Return to Work” - 11th July: Pearline Blackstock “Compassion and Bereavement”To book your place call 01865 245398 or email oxfordshirearea@cruse.org.uk then donate at the door.

our forward thinking practice here in Benson has had a PPG since 1998. Our Benson Patients’ Panel is made up of patients and staff who want to support the surgery in providing the best service for its patients. We act as a link between the practice and the local community and seek people’s views on health services. We organise information days and health fairs, and work with other village organisations to promote self-care and healthy living in our community. We hold at least one annual public meeting with an expert speaker.We meet four times a year to: Give the practice regular feedback on services. Make suggestions for improvements. Help the practice identify priorities. Advise on plans for the future. Learn about and comment on developments in the NHS locally and nationally.More widely we respond to consultations by Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, work with other patient groups in South East Oxfordshire to help improve local services, and as members of the National Association for Patient Participation are involved in national initiatives to improve the quality of primary care in the UK.We are always looking for active new members on the Benson Patients’ Panel, so if you are interested in getting involved, please email: bensonpatientpanel@gmail.com

9BBBB

Oxford 01865 772996Stadhampton 01865 400244Deddington 01869 337500Mobile 07711 443050

JEMCHIMNEY SWEEPING

COMPANYNO FUSS•NO MESS•NO PROBLEM

ADVANCED PEST

CONTROL SERVICE

EstablishEd 1970

HOUSEHOLD GARDEN & FARM

PESTS

MolEs. MicE, rats, rabbits, wasps and all othEr insEcts

DEALT WITH PROMPTLY

CALL LEE CARRINGTON

TEL: 01491 835610MObILE: 07970 010214

Computer Repairs, Virus Removal, Computer Lessons for Beginners,Set up Email, Broadband, Wired & Wireless NetworkingCall Russell on –01491 838727 or 07770 934677Email: russell@russit.co.ukhttp://russit.co.uk

10 BBBB Continued overleaf....

A hard-working employee who is also a devoted family man gets offered the job of a lifetime. With a house and benefits included as well as the promise that his family can come with him and will also be generously accounted for, why on earth would you pass that up? Maybe that's what Rudolph Höss thought when he was offered the job as commandant of Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp.The Oxford English dictionary defines a perpetrator as a person who carries out a harmful, illegal or immoral act. I however believe that this definition could be and should be improved by simply referencing that perpetrators are also human beings - just like you or I - products of the society they lived in. They aren't mad outcasts, or evil villains, but are often contributors to their communities, with friends, families, jobs and hobbies. To understand the Holocaust, we need to understand this.Understanding the Holocaust from this point of view was one of the aims of the Lessons From Auschwitz (LFA) Project, set up by the Holocaust Educational Trust, which I recently partook in. It consisted of two seminars that aimed to teach us about the Holocaust and included a powerful speech from Holocaust survivor Susan Pollock and a one day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland.Stalin said “a single death is a tragedy, a million deaths are a statistic”. Whilst I don't think many people are inclined to use Stalin's ideologies in everyday life, I believe that when it comes to the Holocaust, this is all too common an opinion. Similarly to how one of the LFA’s main aims is to install the idea that perpetrators were human beings, one other aim is to ensure that those who lost their lives during the Holocaust are not forgotten about and regarded as a statistic rather than human beings.Focusing only on statistics prevents us from understanding how and why the Holocaust happened. It is a common mistake that there were only Jewish victims; although in actual fact, whilst the Holocaust may have originated due to the passing of anti-Jewish laws in Nazi Germany, 1933 and 90% of the deceased victims of Auschwitz were Jews; 200,000 victims were Poles, Roma gypsies,

Soviet prisoners of war or from other ethnicity groups.For me one of the most eye-opening features of the exhibit in Auschwitz was the book of names, which shocked me, not only due to its size, but also the focus on the individual victims. One half of a massive page consisted only of the name David Katz, clearly a common name, yet each David Katz was still regarded as an individual, with personal details about each man: Katz, David, 1910, Senec, Czechoslovakia, Place of death unknown; Katz, David, 1912, Satu Mere, Romania, Murdered in Auschwitz, Poland.As our world today deals with the rising threats of global warming and everlasting damage to the environment, it is still important to remember the harmful actions that took place in the past. It is likely that future generations will never hear from survivors of the holocaust the way we have been able to and therefore our society’s understanding of the holocaust may disappear over time. It is the aim of the Holocaust Educational Trust to prevent this from happening. So please, talk to your children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents and friends about the Holocaust and ensure that awareness and understanding of what happened will never fade away.

Orla Fernie is 17 and currently attending Wallingford Sixth Form.

Why We Need To Understand The Holocaust

Orla Fernie, writes ...

AAA SCREENINGAll Men Over 65

An NHS screening programme that aims to prevent hundreds of premature deaths is available to all men aged 65 and over in the Thames Valley area.Around 3,000 people, most of them older men, die in England and Wales every year from abdominal aortic aneurysms, which are formed when the main blood vessel in the body weakens and expands. The NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme aims to prevent around half of those deaths.The risk of having an AAA is higher if you:- Smoke or have ever smoked.- Have high blood pressure.- Have a close relative (parent or sibling) who has had an AAA.Men in the Thames Valley are invited for screening during the year they turn 65 while all men over 65 who have not already been screened can arrange an appointment. Men are six times more likely than women to have

11BBBB

MICHAEL GEE

MARKET GARDEN

Find us at: PYRTON

Nr. WATLINGTON

OX49 5AN

01491 612479

Basket and Patio Plants Hanging Baskets and tuBs

seasonal Bedding and VegetaBle Plants Perennials and HerBs

ComPost, Canes and sundries

St Marys Dental Practice

Well established Private Dental practice in the heart of Wallingford, providing

patient centred care.

Our Aim is to ensure your dental needs are taken care of by a well established

stable quality dental team.

New patients welcome, membership plans available.

Dr Ash Ratti BDS (Hons) Kings College London

St Marys Dental Practice, 21a St Marys Street,

Wallingford, OX10 0EWContact 01491 825252

www.stmarysdental.co.uk

12 BBBB Continued overleaf....

Bertie West Memorial FieldConcerned Reisdents, write ...

A male relative of mine died suddenly from an AAA. It is a silent and devastating killer. Please consider taking this simple painless test if you qualify. (Ed)

Parish NotesElizabeth Lemaire Writes...

Parish Councillor Vacancy

Benson Parish Council currently has 11 out of 12 Councillors for this coming term and is seeking to co-opt a qualified person who is interested in being considered to fill the vacancy.To qualify for co-option as a Parish Councillor, applicants must:• be a Commonwealth citizen, or citizen

of the Republic of Ireland, or a citizen of another Member State of the European Community,

• be aged18 years or over,• be an elector of the parish, or• during the whole of the last 12 months

have occupied as owner or tenant land or other premises in the parish, or

• live within 4.8 kilometres (three miles) of the parish boundary.

The Full Parish Council meets on the evening of the fourth Thursday of every month and Councillors are also expected to attend at least one committee meeting every two months.If you are passionate about the village and its community, and have the time to give to attend these meetings and keep up with Parish matters throughout the month, please send a brief synopsis stating your reasons for wishing to be a councillor, previous community/council work, other skills that you can bring to

an AAA, which is why only men are screened.Jeremy Perkins, director of the local programme, said: “The screening test is a simple non-invasive ultrasound scan, similar to that offered to women in pregnancy, it only takes around 10 minutes and you receive your result straight away. Screening is important because it can prevent many avoidable deaths by spotting aneurysms early, so they can be monitored and treated if necessary. I would urge all men aged 65 and over in Thames Valley to consider seriously the offer of screening, especially if they are in a high risk group.”Men over 65 who have not previously been screened can contact 01865 572636 to book an appointment. More information about AAA screening is available on NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk/aaa.

The concerned resident who wrote in last month’s BB about the planning application for vehicular access to Bertie West Memorial Field was quite right about the worrying implications for future development of this green space, which was gifted to the children of the parish as a play area.The planning application, submitted by Benson PC, states the proposed vehicular access is solely for maintenance. The parish council has promised residents of Horseshoes Lane that the gates will be locked at all other times so as not to add to an already difficult traffic and parking situation, which gives some comfort although there is no way to guarantee how they will be used in future.

We are told the need for vehicles to get on to the field is to dig out the blackthorn hedge along with roots, suckers and saplings that have been allowed to grow into the field over a number of years, as there has been no regular scrub management on the field. Local residents learnt at the last parish council meeting that their plan is to bring in heavy machinery and dig down to remove all the blackthorn roots which now extend beyond the hedgerow into the field. This would transform a quiet, secluded green space for children’s play into something more resembling a building site!

We have consulted experts in blackthorn management and found contractors willing to undertake the work necessary to clear the scrub and remove the invasive blackthorn without using large mechanical diggers. They reassure us they can do this using the existing pedestrian access. We have presented this to the parish council, along with offers of volunteer help, as an alternative plan that would not destroy the ambience and character of this delightful little field. By June the SODC planning department may have made their decision as to allow vehicular access or not. Whatever their decision, we have asked the parish council to give serious consideration to managing the field in a more sensitive and appropriate way as per our proposal. It will require a budget of course, but will be far cheaper than expensive gates and bringing heavy machinery on site. A much better use of public funds!

Please see PC Response p:14 (Ed)

13BBBB

POLARIS

TAxI SERvICE

07889 055820Email: bookings_polaris@outlook.com

NEW VEHICLE TO CARRY7 PASSENGERS

CALL BEFORE 10pmFor night time services Sunday to Thursday

J R Hospital £30.00

Advance Bookings For AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Stephen McClean

14 BBBB

Parish Notes (Cont.)

Continued overleaf....

the council, career and interests to the Clerk, Elizabeth at: clerk@bensonpc.org.uk Benson Parish Council, Benson Parish Hall,Sunnyside, Benson,Wallingford OX10 6LZ01491 825038.

The Benson Parish Councillors for the new term are:

Patricia Baylis, Rob Jordan, Fiona Lovesey, Steve McCann, Teresa McTeague,

Phil Murray, Dave Olley, Bill Pattison, John Sharman,Tom Stevenson,

Michael Winton. Councillors can be contacted through the

Parish Office Benson Skate Park

The Neighbourhood Plan Delivery Team is working with CALA to draw up plans for the new skate park which will be built on Phase 2 of the CALA development, with an estimated date for completion of September 2020. The plans will be on display for consultation on Saturday 15th June 10am – 2pm in the Parish Hall Lounge. This is open to all the community,

Potential Users Of A Skatepark Please Attend And Offer Your Opinions! Wallingford School Community

Projects TeamStudents of Wallingford School have been busy working extremely hard around the village undertaking maintenance tasks. So far, they have repainted benches, weeded and laid mulch around the saplings planted in the recently laid Parish Hall car park hedge, rubbed down and re-varnished the village centre planters and cleared a wildly overgrown area behind College Farm by the garages. Their effort has been tremendous, and we thank them greatly! And thank you to the Head of Wallingford School, Mr Willis, for sending in these teams of such hard working young people to play an active part in their community. Huge thanks also go to Grundon Waste Management Ltd for not only supplying a skip for the clearance work, but also for promptly removing some asbestos which was found on site during a pre-work commencement inspection.

Bob’s Corner WallThanks go to the Benson Co-op manager and staff for their assistance in making the arrangements to repair the wall at Bob’s corner that was hit back in March by one of their delivery drivers. The driver was most

upset by the incident as he had been doing his very best to squeeze his lorry into the delivery entrance between cars parked on the double yellow lines either side of the entrance and pressured by the queues of traffic forming either side of him.

PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINESResurfacing of Castle Square

We have received notification from OCC that carriageway resurfacing from the War Memorial to Mill Lane will be taking place for the duration of 8 nights starting on 5th August 2019. Night shifts are usually 8pm to 6am. Access to residential properties within the road closure will be maintained at all times, however vehicles will not be permitted to park on-road.

Rivermead Paddling PoolEmergency repairs were carried out to the paddling pool following some tiles working their way loose, in order that it can be open now until the end of the summer – weather permitting.

Great British Spring Clean 2019Thank you to all those who turned up to participate in the Great British Spring Clean around the village and Preston Crowmarsh. And thanks to BIFFA who collected the waste which included 12 tyres that were found in the ditches in Preston Crowmarsh.

Rivermead Thames Path EntranceRepair works to the Thames Path entrance at Rivermead have now been completed to make the ground surface through the gateway level. Thanks to the OCC Countryside Access Team and the Thames Path National Trails Team for arranging and carrying out this work.

.Bertie West Memorial Field

Neighbouring residents of the field attended the meetings of the Recreation and Lands Committee on 18th April and the Full Council on 25th April to voice their concerns and objections to the Parish Council’s planning application to create a vehicular access to the field. The purpose of the access is to gain entry to maintain the land, which has large amounts of Blackthorn, by machinery. The Parish Council agreed that if permission is granted by SODC, the creation of the access and installation of gates will be held off to allow neighbouring residents to make other arrangements to maintain the land without the use of machinery. It was also agreed that the Parish Council will seek to put a covenant on the land to prevent building on it in perpetuity.

15BBBB

16 BBBB Continued overleaf....

www.bensonbulletin.com

Play area provisions The Council has recently received numerous requests to replace the play equipment in the Sunnyside play area. As a result, the decision has been made to reinstate the Youth Facilities Working Group to progress this as a project. Please contact the Parish Office if you have any suggestions or would like to get involved and join the working group.

Benson Youth Club The Club has had a clear out of old equipment from its cupboards in the Youth Hall to make room for new equipment. Thanks are due to Hazell and Jefferies for their support of the Club.

OCC Councillor surgeries A reminder that if you wish to speak with OCC Cllr Mark Gray, his surgeries are held every fourth Thursday of the month at 7pm in the Parish Hall, prior to the Full Council meetings, please come along to see him.

Communication If you have any views on how best the Parish Council can communicate more readily and widely in the Community, please send your ideas to the Parish Office. And don’t forget to like our Parish Council Facebook Page.

All Change At The District Council!

Many thanks to all of you who voted on May 2nd. Following the elections, there are big changes to the Council in South Oxfordshire.Elected on May 2nd were:12 Liberal Democrats - 10 Conservatives5 Greens - 3 Labour, all from Didcot3 Henley Residents 3 Independents.Already one Independent has joined the Greens, one Independent has joined the Liberal Democrats and one Conservative has become an Independent Conservative! By contrast, before the elections, the Council consisted of thirty two Conservatives, two Liberal Democrats, one Labour and one Henley Resident. The residents have clearly voted for a major change in local leadership and we are excited to have the opportunity to implement that change.Your two local councillors are now Andrea Powell (Green Party) and Sue Cooper (Liberal Democrats).As the leader of the largest party, and a highly experienced Councillor, Sue was elected as Leader of the Council at the first full Council

meeting following the elections on Thursday May 16th. Since the Lib Dems and Greens combined hold the majority of seats on the Council, they have agreed to continue to work in partnership, supported by Labour and the Henley Residents, when they agree with what we hope to do for the residents of South Oxfordshire.Top of our agenda are ensuring that the SODC Local Plan meets our environmental aspirations and is supported by the majority of our population, getting more truly affordable homes in our area and ensuring that the Council finances are secure into the future, but there are plenty of other issues to tackle!If you have an issue that concerns the District Council, you can email either of us at sue.cooper@southoxon.gov.uk or andrea.powell@southoxon.gov.uk. Or follow Andrea on Twitter at @AndreaJPowell2 for news from SODC.

The Davey Consort at St BirinusJohn Murphy, writes ...

The Davey Consort’s Music lists to the end of July have now been published and in July we return home with music by English composer Christopher Tye. Tye is mainly connected with his role in the chapel royal of Edward VI where he played an enthusiastic role together with Thomas Sternholde – possibly at the young king’s direction – in shaping the music for the new Anglican liturgy. Perhaps he is best remembered for furnishing the tune to “Whilst Shepherds watched their flocks” which came from a four-part setting of his verse translation of Act of the Apostles. The First Book of Common Prayer was published in 1549 and came into use Whit Sunday of that year. This year is therefore its 460th anniversary and, twenty years in preparation, the First Prayer Book is generally acknowledged to have been Thomas Cranmer’s masterwork. The Archbishop in particular lavished immense attention to the composition of the Collects and Propers of the season. Tye used this First Prayer Book as his muse as well. However - as with composers on the near continent - Tye had also composed music for the Mass. It is apt therefore that at Whitsun (9th July) Tye’s “Westron Wynde Mass” will be sung. The following Sunday will feature Tye’s “Mean Mass” and finally on Sunday

17BBBB

EST 1990

STEVE WILKINSON & SONEst:1990

Painting, Interior and Exterior, Plastering, Stonework,

Fencing, Patios, Repointing Brick and Stone etc.

Telephone: 01865 891554Mobile: 07885 538514

Warborough & Shillingford Pre School

WASPS is a small and welcoming pre school in beautiful Warborough.

It’s a venue chosen by parents in the village and beyond.

30 hours funding availablePlaces for 2 year olds

Wraparound care providedOpen 9am-5.30pm

Early drop-off available After school club until 5.30pm

Holiday club 9-5.30pm (Easter, Summer)Free flow indoor-outdoor activities

Covered outdoor spaceNew outdoor play area coming early 2019To arrange a visit or for more information,

please contact Synetta, the Pre School Manager, on 01865 859933.

The Bubbly Business Concierge

The Business and Lifestyle DeskGifting time to those with busy lives

Working with businesses and private individuals either virtually or at their

home/office. Need help with your ‘to do list’?

To find time to work on your business rather than ‘in’ your business?

An event or party to plan? Social media help?

Book-keeping or just help getting organised?

As an experienced PA, I now offer my services to help with work/life balance.

hello@thebubblyconcierge.co.uk07904 083216

www.thebubblyconcierge.co.uk

Fyfield ManorBed and Breakfast

* 3 large period rooms *Double occupancy from £90 - £98 per night

including full breakfastSingle occupancy from £75 - £85 per night

including full breakfast Reduction for room only on request

Self-catering apartment - Price on requestTel 01491 – 835184 Fax 01491 – 825635

Email chris_fyfield@hotmail.co.ukwww.fyfieldmanor.co.uk

18 BBBB

Music at St Peter’s WallingfordRoger Morgan, writes ...

News & Diary DatesAvailable on ‘A Church Near

You’ website: www.achurchnearyou.com/benson-

st-helen/

Canons’ Room HireSt Helen’s Church, Benson

This is a great venue for meetings, birthday parties or gatherings of up to 50 people.

Kitchen and facilities. For more information contact:

www.achurchnearyou.com/benson-st-helen/ or Tel: 01491 836172

A big anniversary! Saturday 29 June will mark 250 years since St Peter's was opened after its complete rebuilding of the 1760s. On that very day the young prize-winning Consone Quartet play Boccherini, Beethoven and Mendelssohn quartets on period instruments as part of the continuing summer season of Music at St Peter's. Earlier in the month on 8 June we have a great cello/piano combo of Jamal Aliyev and Jâms Coleman giving us works by Bridge, Bloch, Brahms and Chopin.Full details can be found at www.musicatstpeterswallingford.org.uk or pick up a colour brochure with pictures at your local library or Wallingford Town information Centre. Or ring me, Roger Morgan on 01491 837494 and I will send you one. Tickets are £16 on line via our website, or in person from Just Trading, 17 St Mary's Street for £15. Seasons are still great value - £90 for the remaining 7 concerts. All our concerts start at 8pm - Seats are unreserved, so get there in good time for the best choice. Do join us!

23rd June (Corpus Christi) the choir will sing Tye’s “Missa Euge Bone”.

The feast of Peter and Paul (Petertide in England) will feature the Byrd five Part Mass. In July the plainchant Mass will be Mass XIII “Stelliferi conditor orbis” Motets featured in the same period will include works by Morales, Handl, Asola, Zarlino as well as William Byrd.Finally, all the organ voluntaries between May and July are taken from J.S. Bach’s collection known as Clavierübung III (1735-9). Composed for didactic and devotional purposes, these works cover an enormous range of styles, idioms and contrapuntal devices.

Franz Schubert’s “Winterreise”

Schubert’s “Winterreise” song cycle was performed in Dorchester Abbey on April 27th by Mark Padmore accompanied by Ryan Wigglesworth to raise funds for the Davey Consort. The evening was well attended, and raised about £3000 towards the Organ fund. It also raised the bar of performance to an extraordinary pitch of artistry which brought the audience to its feet.“Winterreise” made the Song Cycle into a major compositional form. After Schubert, most composers for voice tried their hands at setting groups of poems, notably Berlioz, Mahler, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Richard Strauss and Britten. Mark Padmore, world famous for his Evangelist in the Passions, has made the Schubert song cycles a special study and their performance is a central part of his repertoire. After the concert Mark explained how he has developed a deep affinity for the “Winterreise” with its two parts each of 12 songs. He felt it was best to sing the entire cycle through. In performance Padmore’s sensitivity to the mood and tone of the songs with their haunting bitter-sweet quality was masterful. He brought out the sombre and bright tones with vocal panache. His tenor voice, although light, has a great range and depth and colour. With this wonderful vocal technique Padmore almost paints each poem, and this makes of the twenty-four parts a greater whole, rather like each one was a detail from one of those vast complex winter landscapes by Bruegel. The songs were performed without an interval. Mark and Ryan both performed exquisitely and together they cast a spell over everyone. The last three songs left many in tears. At the

end there was a rapt hush before a loud burst of long and well-deserved applause. Mark Padmore has generously indicated he will come back to Dorchester to sing again for the Davey Consort at the budding St Birinus Festival.On the Davey Consort Web Page www.thedaveyconsort.co.uk you can now find more about becoming a Friend or Supporter. There will also be a Mailing List Membership which gives those who join early notice of forthcoming events.

19BBBB

Wallingford Baptist ChurchThames St, WallingfordMinister: Pastor Simon HudsonTel: 01491 839904Email: pastorsimonwbc@ymail.comWebsite: www.wallingfordbaptist.co.uk

Sunday Services at 10.30am & 5.00pmHoly Communion 3rd Sunday each month• Crèche / Sunday School on Sunday mornings• Toddlers group (Tue 10-11.30am) term time• Regular youth & children’s groups term time• Annual summer holiday club• Weekly ‘Oasis’ group for those aged 55+• ‘Alpha’ courses

Wallingford Methodist ChurchSt Leonards Square, WallingfordMinister: Rev Jocelyn BennetTel: 01235 813242 Email: joss@bennet.orgWebsite:www.wallingfordmethodistchurch.org.uk

Sunday Services at 10.30am & 6.30pmLunch on Tuesdays 12.30pm - 1.30pmFriendship Group alternate Tuesdays 2.30pm‘Tots Time’ Wednesday 9.30am - 11.00am Boys & Girls Brigade Wednesday eveningsCoffee Morning every Thursday 10.30 - 12.00 noon

Church of England Parish of Berrick SalomeSt Helen’s ChurchVicar: In Vacancy Churchwarden: Dr. Marian Shaw - 01865 890915

Sunday Services at 11.00am1st Sunday of Month - Family Service2nd Sunday - Holy Communion (BCP)Other Sundays - Family CommunionBaptisms & Weddings to be arranged with the Vicar

Ridgeway Community ChurchThe Ridgeway Christian Centre21b/22 St Mary’s Street, WallingfordGareth Lloyd-Jones (Senior Pastor)

Sunday Services10.00am Worship & Ministry at Christian CentreFor all other activities see our websitewww.ridgeway-church.org.uk or telephone 01491 832718

Wallingford Quakers13 Castle Street, WallingfordEnquiries to Warden Tel: 01491 837835

Meeting for WorshipSunday at 10.30am with Children’s Class.Discussion groups during the week.

All welcome, please contact Jocelyn for details

The Church of England Benefice of Benson with EwelmeSt Helen’s Church, BensonSt Mary’s Church, EwelmeRector: The Revd Dr Patrick GildayBenson Vicarage, Church Road, BensonEmail: rector@sthelensbenson.org.ukTel. 01491 838 535For wedding and baptism enquiries, please see the Rector after a service.

Sunday ServicesBenson08.30 Holy Communion (1662)10.00 Parish Eucharist (Common Worship)3rd Sunday of the month: Family Eucharist with orchestrawww.sthelensbenson.org.ukEwelme:11.15 Parish Eucharist (Common Worship)3rd Sunday of the month: Family Eucharist

The Catholic Parish of St BirinusDorchester-on-ThamesPriest: Fr. John Osman, MA., STL.,Bridge House Presbytery1 Bridge End, Dorchester-on-ThamesTelephone: 01865 340417

Holy MassMon, Tue, Thur, Fri 9.30am, Wed 8.00amSat 6.00pm Vigil Mass for SundaySun 9.30am (Berinsfield Church) 11.00am Solemn Mass ConfessionsSat 5.45 - 6.15 or upon requestExposition & Benediction of The Blessed Sacrament: First Sunday of each Month 5-6pmChildren’s Liturgy of the Word

20 BBBB

The Bensington SocietyJohn Murphy, writes ...

Only reapers, reaping earlyIn among the bearded barley,

Hear a song that echoes cheerlyFrom the river winding clearly,

Down to tower’d Camelot:And by the moon the reaper weary,

Piling sheaves in uplands airy,Listening, whispers “‘Tis the fairy

Lady of Shalott.”(Alfred, Lord Tennyson)

At this time of year as I walk the fields around the village, Milo happily in tow - off his lead, bouncing ahead on the rubber-legs of youth with me hobbling along behind – perhaps by the open meadows along the river with their daisies lazily bobbing in the breeze or by statuesque cowslips clustered in stand-offish clumps or across carpets of brilliant buttercups, effortlessly reflecting the golden sun; bees and butterflies, dragonflies and midges fluttering and hovering over them; perhaps in another field I’ll eye lugubrious brown cows cautiously munching and warily world-watching and flicking flies aside with their tails; and in another I’ll see green wheat ripen to golden corn basking dreamily in the sun; and wherever I walk there is the symphony of full-throated birdsong, each virtuoso in a gregarious competition and just for a second it feels quite possible that I might come across one of those medieval reapers who heard the eerie song of the Lady of Shalott….When Toni Mount speaks to the Society on the subject of the “Medieval Housewife” on May’s last day we will have a chance to learn something more of the day to day reality of life in the Middle Ages than the glorious idylls spun into poetry by Tennyson. The following day Toni also speaks at Benson Library at 2.00pm as part of the Crime Month about her latest Sebastian Foxley novel, The Colour of Lies. Toni’s talk brings to close the first half of the society’s year. The Society meetings will recommence in September with a talk by Dr Caroline Bowden: “Thames Valley Recusants and the Convent at Bruges”. Many of you well know our local area had a very strong continuing Catholic life after the Reformation. On 25th October Mark Lewis will address the society on William Morris and the Arts and Craft movement.

All the society meetings take place in the Village Hall. There is a licensed bar and a wonderful supper for £5.00. It is hoped that newcomers to Benson will come to one of these meetings. They’re sure to receive a warm welcome and if you are new to the society be sure to come to the Welcome Table where our Chair David McGill will be there to greet you.In April, Chris Hearn from Loddon Brewery gave a fascinating, entertaining and informative talk on how the brewery came to be and how the beers are made. Chris brought hops and barley for us to smell and his passion for what they do captivated everyone. As a consequence there are plans a-foot to make a visit to Loddon Brewery one of our future outings. Meanwhile, the first of this year’s outings is due to take place to Polesden Lacey on 23rd May and will be followed in June with a visit to the Weald and Downland Living Museum near Chichester. Finally, before our first meeting of Autumn there will be a visit to the Battle of Britain Bunker in Hillingdon. The last outing of the year will take place on 14th October to the Post Office Museum and Railway in London. As well as the outings, you can find the Bensington Society Web Page www.bensington-society.com links to various local groups to which the Society is affiliated.

There are many paths for pilgrims of all kinds to take about the village – from those originally taken in the dead of night from safe house to safe house by Catholic Priests – like Priest’s Moor Lane in Warborough or Papist Way in Cholsey. There are even more ancient paths for us twenty-first-century walkers with our dogs to follow not least the Ridgeway which I’ve now walked as far as Lewknor and under the M40. Nearer by - crossing the Thames at Benson - affords one of the best views at this time of year - as the wide river sweeps up to Shillingford and down to Wallingford with the riverbanks fully clad in their leafy shawls, with the swans and moorhens and ducks taking the slow lane where reeds provide some cover, whilst rowers racing or bargemen in their skiffs or pleasure-seekers in their river boats pass on towards the remnant ruins of Wallingford Castle……

By the margin, willow-veil’dSlide the heavy barges trail’dBy slow horses; and unhail’d

The shallop flitteth silken-sail’dSkimming down to Camelot:

21BBBB

phone james (Chalgrove)01865 890436 / 07796 966123

• decorating services• interior and exterior• paper hanging• coving• home maintenance

NORMAN WEST & SONDEVELOPMENTS

(ESTABLISHED 1967)SMALL WORKS & MAINTENANCE DEPT

ALL TYPES OF WORK UNDERTAKENi.e. Decor, Gardens, Fencing, Patios,

Walls, Extensions, RepairsN.H.B.C. Reg.

NORMAN 01491 838662 LEE 01235 818850 0787 9244851

LOCAL GARDENER / HANDYMAN

Mature gent with many years experience

No job too small – competitive ratesSwimming pool maintenance

undertaken

Call Alvar on

07901 833132 or 01491 836265

21 St Mary’s Street, WallingfordTel: 01491 825224

T.W. HaydenHeating Services

Tel: 01865 340720Mobile: 07813 904055

E-mail: Twhayden@outlook.com

All plumbing and heating works under taken. Free estimates.

22 BBBB Continued overleaf....

On a Benson AllotmentLinda Parkin, writes ...

Benson Nature GroupVal Siddiqui & Edel Mcgurk, write...

Amphibian Safari, Kick Sampling,Bug Hunt and Churchyard Festival

Can you name an amphibian? This, and other questions from Dr Angie Julian of the Amphibian and Reptile Group UK drew an enthusiastic response from the 17 assembled children and 20 accompanying adults. It kicked off a lively and fun amphibian safari at Ewelme Cressbeds Local Nature Reserve on the evening of 16th April. Having established there are no crocodiles in Ewelme, the children, equipped with fishing nets, were led on a kick sampling foray in the Cressbeds, where a bullhead (fish) and large numbers of shrimps and other aquatic invertebrates were discovered. Being close to its underground source and the stream is not affected by chemical run-off from agricultural activity at this point and so is great habitat for these creatures.Tom Stevenson, BNG’s Chairman, also explained the background to the Cressbeds. (For more information, a guided walk and short film about its history take place at 10.30am (winter) and 2pm (summer) on the first Sunday of each month at the Visitor Centre (OX10 6HJ). After this, everyone proceeded along the edge of the stream and over the road bridge to the Old Mill Pond. In the twilight, a common frog and several smooth newts were detected using hand torches to the great delight and excitement of adults and children alike - “newtopia” as one of them described it. The following morning Angie returned to assist BNG members to place some square black reptile mats around St. Helen’s churchyard. They will be left there over the summer and examined on a regular basis to establish what reptiles (hopefully slow worms) and amphibians are present. As part of Cherishing Churchyards Week, Benson Nature Group has been working with

Before turning to what’s afoot on my plot, I just want to linger awhile at the entrance to the allotment site. What was becoming an unsightly dumping ground has been transformed of late, with the planting earlier in the year of a selection of mixed native hedging and, more recently, the creation of separate dedicated areas for deliveries of compost and bark chippings. We plotters are so lucky to be so well looked after, and thanks go to the Parish Council and all concerned.

And now I’m off down the main path, admiring the recent clearance of a neglected plot, the perfect row of broad beans on another, and on through my gate – only to discover that Mr Mole has paid a visit in my absence. And oh, those blackened potato tops! I had heard the forecast, I had covered them (albeit with old net curtaining rather than fleece), but the hard frost in the first week of May (-3ºC can you believe?) had done its worst and practically all of us had suffered the effects: a setback but thankfully not terminal. The asparagus, under its temporary polythene cloche, had fortunately survived unscathed this time. We can only hope that it’s now safe to plant out all those tender plants, hardened off and eager to escape the confines of their pots – though I find it’s a good idea to hold back a few spares just in case.

The sugar snap peas are made of tougher stuff and are busily twining their tendrils into their, hopefully pigeon-proof, twiggy tunnel (my blackcurrant prunings having come in handy here), whilst in the cutting garden the sweet peas, with just a little coaxing, are beginning to make their way up their hazel wigwams. I’m always disappointed how short their flowering season tends to be, but now gather that this can be extended by applying rather more tlc than has been my wont, in terms of regular generous feeding and watering.

In addition to statice (sea-lavender), which I’m growing for the first time this year with a view to drying the flowers for winter colour in the house, another new introduction to the flower patch is phacelia, better known to vegetable gardeners as a green manure which is dug into the ground before it flowers. I came across it in bloom last summer on a neighbouring plot and was enchanted by its colour and sweet fragrance. It’s listed as one of the top 20 honey-producing flowers for honeybees

so, all being well, they and their wild relations will be making a bee-line for that part of my plot before long. As it’s also an excellent cut flower with a long vase life I wonder why it has taken me this long to come across it?My next most pressing task is to strain and bottle my latest brew of nettle tea, so I can keep all these plants supplied with the nourishment they need to give of their best.

23BBBB

24 BBBB

Continued overleaf....

Independent Financial AdviceInvestments - Pensions

Life CoverIncome Protection

Critical Illness Cover - Estate PlanningBusiness Protection Workplace Pensions

Wills and Trusts - Funeral Planswww.redkitewm.co.uk

enquiries@redkitewm.co.uk

PAUL RUSHERHome Improvements

• Fitted Kitchens

• Wardrobes & Cupboards

• Also Wall & Floor Tiling

Mobile: 07885 462613

Email: rusher218@btinternet.com

(based in Benson)Free Quotations

References Available

the Parochial Church Council and others around the village to participate in St Helen’s Churchyard Festival on Saturday 8th June. Bring the family along to celebrate the nature and heritage of our churchyard. BNG will be running moth trapping, a wildflower walk and a bug safari for children. The fun starts at 8.30am when we will open the moth trap, followed by bacon butties and the rest of the programme - see the enclosed Flyer for more details. Come and visit us at our stand in the Canons’ Room where you can learn more about our activities, provide feedback, become a member and/or even volunteer to help!Our final activity for June is another family fun event – Kick Sampling and Bug Hunt - that will give children and opportunity to discover mini-beasties up close. This time the venue is Millbrook Mead at 2pm on 22nd June. To find this location, see the “Benson’s Green Network” section of our website www.bensonnaturegroup.com.

Benson Choral Society Roger Morgan, writes...

We earned critical acclaim for our last performance of Elgar's ‘Kingdom’, but now lighten the mood for our Summer Concert in Dorchester Abbey on June 15th at 7.30pm. We have a long-established relationship with York-based composer Andrew Carter, and this time we sing his Benedicite, inspired by quirky carvings in York Minster, which is a freely adapted anthem of praise, full of colour, contrast, syncopated rhythms, and fun.

Benson

Our aim this year was to promote Military Wives Choir Benson and support as many events as we could in the local Community; we have made a good start.In January we actively sought a Musical Director. We are very grateful to Dr Chris Hood for stepping into the breach so that our choir rehearsals could continue. At the spritely age of 81, he certainly puts us through our paces and the ladies are really enjoying our restructured Wednesday sessions. Especially good for the diet as we appear to be eating less cake and doing more singing! Chris has introduced us to Hugh and Judy, who have accompanied us on the piano and this has added a new and fun dimension to our evenings.In March, whilst Chris was off on the Orient Express, we were treated to a tour around one of RAF Benson’s hidden gems in the guise of the Station’s Heritage Centre, which houses many treasures and historic memorabilia. Definitely worth a visit if you get the opportunity. During April we hosted the Benson WI for a shared evening, singing and talking about some of the similarities between the two groups and the support and pleasure gained from them. We were also very proud to be invited to

support ‘A Night on Broadway’ a local charity event in aid of “Against Breast Cancer”. This included collaborating with Stu Beech, one of Michael McIntyre’s ‘Unexpected Stars of the Show’. An amazing £1700 was raised for the charity. Over the next few months we are looking forward to supporting local Summer Fayres so we’re keeping our fingers crossed for fine weather. You can contact us at: benson@militarywiveschoirs.org follow us on FaceBook: and Twitter: @MiltaryWivesChoirBenson .

Annette Irwin (Choir Lead)

25BBBB

26 BBBB

Benson EvergreensJanet Burtt, writes...

The meeting started on a very sombre note when Linda Abbott informed us of the sad news of the death, after a fall, of Julia Minall. When I came to the club in 1992 Julia was the Leader, and through the years she has been a very loyal member, working for the club in various capacities, She will be sadly missed. The coffee mornings are still poorly attended and Linda asked that more people attend and try to bring others.Our speaker was Alan Brewer who lightened the mood of the meeting with a very amusing, and, at times, irreverent description of his career. He grew up near Farnham, went to the local Grammar School, going on to do an apprenticeship and become a Master Baker. He saw an advert for a pastry chef at Broadcasting House for the BBC, applied was appointed and eventually became the Hospitality Chef, dealing with celebrities including Fanny Craddock and Johnny, with whom he worked on cookery programmes for three months – quite long enough he felt.His next move was to BOAC where he underwent 8 weeks training in SEP (survival, equipment and procedure) He learned that it should take 3 minutes 48 seconds to clear 380 passengers off the aircraft in an emergency. He worked on Boeing 707s on ‘round-the-world’ trips which took three weeks to complete. New Zealand bought the McDonald Douglas Tristar, but had no licence to fly across the USA, so British crews took the planes from San Francisco to London and back. Alan went to live in S.F. and met many stars and celebrities as he was stationed in the first Class section, and found some of them delightful and some what he termed as “A Pain”! Alan had only told us about half his stories so we asked him to come again and tell us more as he had been so entertaining. Our afternoon finished with the usual raffle and afternoon tea before we went our separate ways, remembering that we next meet in September.

It features three choruses for children's choir directed by Judith Ward, of particular interest to Benson residents as she played such a large part in the music at St Helen's Church.We evoke Britain's Victorian naval glories in Stanford's spirited Songs of the Fleet, with baritone Michael Bundy. Finally Borodin's luscious Polovtsian Dances, immortalised by the song 'Stranger in Paradise' derived from it. Christopher Walker brings it all together with the Elgar Orchestra.Tickets £18 £15 (reserved) £12 (unreserved). Get them online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/benson-choral-society or call Stephanie on 01865 407395.

Our President Brenda Hallett gave an update on forthcoming events and a brief report on the recent OFWI Centenary Meeting at the Kassam Stadium where Benson WI was well represented. There was much appreciation for one of our group who embroidered the lovely Benson WI leaf which formed part of the Centenary Wall Hanging unveiled at that meeting by the Lord Lieutenant.

The evening continued at RAF Benson Church where members were warmly welcomed to the RAF Benson Military Wives Choir’s rehearsal starting with a digital presentation of the background of the beginnings of the Choir and its progression to where it is today. A rendition of “Jerusalem” was first on their programme and Members were invited to learn a song called "Carry Me" which, with a bit of practice, everyone sang together, after which we sat back and listened to a performance of songs from the Choir’s repertoire. Our members were delighted to have been asked to this very uplifting evening.

June is a busy month both locally and nationally for the WI. Our local group delegate will be taking the outcome of our May meeting resolutions voting to the National Annual Meeting in Bournemouth on June 5th and locally, the Oxfordshire Federation members will be using our Parish Hall again for another Art Taster Day with

Lyn Ward of the Ashmolean. For our Benson WI June 19th meeting, we are hoping to welcome back Sam Mallett from Notcutts Oxford to give us gardening advice. For more information on the WI visit www.thewi.org.uk or if you would like to visit us, please contact bensonwi@oxfordshirewi.co.uk or the Secretary on 01491 837885.

Sue Brown

27BBBB

M O B I L E F O O T H E A L T H P R A C T I T I O N E R

call: KEith JonEs McFhp MaFhptEl: 07802 784 444

OxO n FO Ot Ca r e

• Alltypesofgeneralbuildingworkandrepair• Renovationstopropertiesincludinglistedbuildings• Replacementwindowsanddoors• RepairsfromInsuranceClaims• PaintingandDecorating

Email: roypassey@btconnect.comTel: 01491 838797

www.roypasseybuilders.co.uk

Roy Passey BuildersAshcroft High Street Benson Oxon OX10 6RP

• Extensions,driveways• Kitcheninstallation• Garageconversions• Fencing

• Roofing • Bespokejoinery(windows,doors,etc.)

28 BBBB Continued overleaf....

Millstream Centre News Sylvia Baker, writes ...

Lady Sylvia Jay, who lives in Ewelme, visited the Centre and talked to us about being High Sheriff of Oxfordshire. She dressed in her full sheriff’s regalia, and chatted informally to people over coffee before giving us an informative talk about how the position of High Sheriff is filled and the charities she has chosen to support.The four charities are all connected with the support and well being of offenders prior to and after they are released from prison. Her knowledge of the problems which ex-offenders experience and the help and support available to them was extensive and she gave us a vivid picture of the causes of re-offending which is very common.We were grateful to her for giving us her time in what must be a very busy year for her. This was one of several talks we have had at the centre recently and one which gave us much food for thought.

I cannot quite believe that we are in our final summer term. The children and staff team have worked extremely hard and as headteacher and I always feel immensely proud when visitors comment on the positive atmosphere in the school and the well-behaved children. The governing Body and I have been reflecting as to how we communicate our vision to the wider community. The School Council chose a biblical quote from John’s Gospel ‘Love one another as I have loved you’, to underpin our vision statement, ‘Working Together, Valuing Everyone, Learning For Life’ We feel this conveys our school’s values based ethos and our dedication to nurturing children and adults alike. We are committed to providing the best learning environment where all can flourish and feel supported. The staff team strive to be excellent role models so that the children mirror such values in their own relationships. This is an exciting time for the school due to the increasing of our Reception intake from 30 to 45 in September 2019. The growth in local housing has seen a rising demand for school places and it has prompted the governors to raise our intake and employ another teacher. Whilst it is not confirmed when the building

of three new classrooms will commence, it is anticipated that they will be ready in time for September 2020.

Last month, the school bid farewell to Mrs Sweeney as caretaker. Despite advertising we have not been successful recruiting to this post. The Governing Body wishes to appoint an enthusiastic, hardworking and suitably experienced person to provide maintenance and security services. To ensure that all school facilities are in an excellent and safe condition.

Please refer to the full advertisement on the school website www.bensoncofeprimary.org.uk/vacancies-in-our-team - and to the advertisement below. If you have the necessary skills and can commit to 30 hours across Monday - Friday, please do contact the school office on 01491 202502.

Head Teacher Mrs Helen Crolla,

writes...

VACANCY FOR PART TIME CARETAKER

Grade 5 (£18,795 pa, pro rata)25 hours per week

Monday to Friday, 40 weeks per year (term time plus two weeks, to include INSET days)

Please contact the school office on 01491 202502 if you are interested in this position.

Full details and job description are available on the school website.

E-mail: office.3181@benson.oxon.sch.uk Website: www.bensoncofeprimary.org.uk

Musings of a Benson Cyclist Les Gardner, writes ...

Well trying to drum up interest for a Benson cycling club has not been an unqualified success. I have had five replies and they know who they are. I will contact you individually in due course. This is a shame as I know there are lots of keen cyclists out there. I am now regrettably knocking it on the head.

29BBBB

30 BBBB

Whatever happened to the Church Field?Well, there is still Churchfield Lane. As it is about to be the site for the new Care Home, “Lane” is barely the right description, and in any case, where and what was the Church Field?The answer is that it is a bit of Benson that has completely disappeared, and you will have to look hard for the signs. Churchfield Lane did and still does start at the junction of Oxford Road and Littleworth. Back in the early part of the 20th century you could have walked its length right down to Preston Crowmarsh. You can pick up that section still by walking in that direction from the bus stop on the riverside. Quite simply, the first Benson bypass, built in1932 sliced its way right through the meadow. What you see below is a wide-angle photograph taken we think in about1870, by a chap called George Wallace Badcock. I reckon George was standing just about where you now catch the ‘bus to Oxford.Well, we may have lost a lovely field and replaced it with the bypass. But at least an old codger like me can get a free ride on that bus to Oxford, and enjoy that instead. Some you win, some you lose!

Peter Clarke

Two editions ago I talked about TT bikes, now I want to talk about Road bikes. There are many manufacturers and as far as cost is concerned “how much do you want to pay”. Up to a point price means extra performance.My first serious bike was a Giant, which cost £500. It was heavy and made of steel. I then bought a Ridley for about four times the cost, and had an immediate increase in performance. Over a 20-mile circuit I could gain two minutes. Then it was a BMC at over double the price of the Ridley this gave another increase in performance perhaps two or three minutes again. Finally I could not resist buying the bike that the Team Sky riders use: the Pinarello Dogma 8 (pictured at the start of my article).The bike is light, lovely to ride and has electronic gears which are very smooth. The professionals are now allowed to use disc-brakes but I still have brake pads. The increase in performance is due to weight, aerodynamics, drive trains (electronic gears) narrower tyres and wheels.I am going to Namibia in May. It will be interesting to see if there is much in the way of cycling. The article in that case for the July edition will be a report of our trip, but only if we are not eaten by lions.

Benson Art GroupWe wanted to let loyal followers of the Benson Art Group know that, this year, we have decided, to replace our annual art exhibition with something completely different. We know villagers enjoy coming to see what we have been up to so, on Saturday November 2nd, we will be holding an open morning in the Parish Hall. Some of us will be painting, there will be other paintings on display, and we will be serving tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes. This will be a promotional event for our planned exhibition in July 2020. We hope you will make a note of the date and we can look forward to meeting old, and new, friends. More details in the October edition of the Bulletin. Trisha Scott for the Benson Art Group 01491-834734 Trisha.watercress@hotmail.co.uk

Benson Aviation Group A social group for anyone with a background or interest in aviation to share stories and memories.

The first Tuesday each month from2-3.30pm at Millstream Day Centre. £2.50.

Contact Kate for more information: katehart@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk

07827 235403.

31BBBB

32 BBBB Continued overleaf....

Mark Wilkin, writes …

Bawdy fun in Dorchester!Tickets are now available for DADS' next show ‘Sex Please We're Sixty’ which runs from Wednesday 19th to Saturday 22nd June. Due to the way this play is being staged, fewer seats will be available so make sure that you get yours early to avoid disappointment! Tickets, priced from £8 to £10, are available from DADS' normal sources including Dorchester Co-op and www.ticketsource.co.uk/dads.This fast-moving and hilarious farce is set in Mrs Stancliffe’s Bed & Breakfast where three female guests are about to arrive. Her next-door neighbour, the elderly, silver-tongued, Bud "Bud the Stud" Davis foresees the opportunity for his favourite activity, wooing the guests but, things take an unexpected turn when Henry, another neighbour who is a retired chemist. shows him "Venusia", an untested new pill, which he has developed to increase the libido of menopausal women. ‘Sex Please We're Sixty’ is saucy and bawdy and, above all else, it is tremendous fun. Come and join DADS as they demonstrate that age is just a number. After all, as one of the guests says, "Just because there's snow on the roof doesn't mean there isn't fire in the furnace."Our next play reading evening will be held on Tuesday, 25th June at 7.30 pm in Dorchester Village Hall which is on Queen Street opposite the Primary School. Everyone is welcome, whether you would like to read or just want to listen and enjoy a glass of free wine!

We had a most interesting workshop at our March session with Art Smart artist and tutor, John Harrad. John brought with him photos of Lucien Freud’s self portrait for our lesson in portraiture. He demonstrated how he, himself, would tackle this difficult subject showing us, first, a rough drawing using white chalk on black paper picking out the lights, and mid tones. He then followed this with a tutorial using acrylic paints before then showing the watercolourists how he would approach a watercolour version. As the original had been painted in oils this was quite a challenge. He also told us that when David Hockney

Thirty five ‘Roses In Memory’, donated by villagers, were planted at the end of February on the outer side of the two paths leading to the main doors of the wonderful historic Ewelme Church. Open Gardens was the inspiration for the idea when roses were taken from the Rectory garden to decorate the church.

At our request the David Austin design team kindly selected the repeat flowering and fragrant roses and specified the layout . Three fragrant carpet roses were also placed at the base of the wall of the Remembrance Garden and opposite 3 x L’Aimant roses were planted beside the Porch under the existing rose bush. Although it is unlikely in this first year that we will have a great showing , it has been decidedto celebrate by launching ‘Rose Teas’ on Sunday June 23rd from 3pm-5pm, which will be an annual event. If good weather tables will also be outside as well as inside the church. It will be a wonderful opportunity to see the roses chosen from pale yellow to white to pink and to visit our Historic Church.All offers of homemade cakes of every flavour, particularly Rose, are extremely welcome as are offers of help with teas. We also need volunteers to help water and weed particularly in hot weather.The Roses planted include: Tottering Gently By, Alnwick Rose, Ancient Marine, Boscobel, Brother Cadfael, Buttercup, Desdemona, Emily Bronte, Gertrude Jekyll, James Austin, Lady Gardener, Molineux, Tranquility, Thomas à Becket, Scepter’d Isle, Princess Alexandra of Kent, Olivia Rose Austin, Royal Jubilee, Skylark, Princess Anne, Wisley 2008, and Vanessa Bell. We look forward to welcoming you, your friends and family, to celebrate with us on this lovely occasion on the June 23rd.

‘ROSE TEAS’

Ewelme Church,

Sunday, 23rd JUNE

3pm – 5pm

AdvertisingTo advertise in BB contact Christopher Swann on 01491 200965 or bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk

BBBB

33BBBB

34 BBBB

‘Oxfordshire in the British Civil Wars

1642-51’

Stephen Barker will talk to The Wallingford Historical and Archaeological Society (TWHAS) about ‘Oxfordshire in the British Civil Wars 1642-51’.

There are few places in the county with no connections to the Civil Wars. Oxfordshire played a significant part after Oxford became the Royalist capital in late 1642 and the county was on the frontline with parliamentary Buckinghamshire. The county’s story is that of King Charles, Prince Rupert, Cromwell, Fairfax, Waller as well as a number of women who played significant parts and whose stories are being widely told for the first time. Oxfordshire’s story is that of the battles at Chalgrove and Cropredy; of amazing castles that once stood at Wallingford and Banbury and of Cromwell’s raids in the Spring of 1645. This presentation will be fully illustrated, with personal accounts, archaeology and what can be seen today.Stephen Barker is an independent Heritage Advisor who works with a number of museums, universities, charities and other heritage organisations to design exhibitions and make funding applications on their behalf. He is currently working with the History Faculty, University of Oxford and the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum. Stephen specialises in military history, particularly the First World War and British Civil Wars.

This talk will be held on Wednesday 12th June, 7.45 for 8pm, at St Mary’s Church, Wallingford. Visitors (£4) are most welcome.

Katharine Keats-Rohanwww.twhas.org.uk

WALLINGFORD COUNTRY MARKET Our Annual ‘Outside Market’ will be held in the Market Place on Saturday, 8th June,

between 8.30 am – 12 noon, which will replace

our usual Friday market on 7th June. This market will feature competitively priced plants for bedding, baskets and borders, as

well as delicious home-baked items, preserves, honey, eggs and crafts.

and Freud arranged to paint each other’s portraits, Hockney sat for 150 hours while Freud executed his portrait. Hockney, fed up, completed his of Freud in only 3 & 1/2 hours!A small group of us returned to the Ashmolean Print Room for a fascinating talk by their resident professor about J M W Turner and John Ruskin. Ruskin was half Turner’s age but was intrigued with Turner and began collecting his paintings after leaving Oxford. Ruskin was an art critic and championed the Pre Raphaelites. He wrote a book in defence of Turner who was being mocked by critics. When Turner died in 1851 aged 76 Ruskin catalogued his 300 paintings and 19,000 sketches, drawings and watercolours.

We were shown some exquisite sketches and drawings by John Ruskin. The detail of his record of the beautiful architecture of Venice, Verona, Genoa and Lucca was a delight as was his study of a velvet crab. Also on display were Turner’s depictions of Tintern Abbey, the Great Hall at Christ Church, Study of a Mackerel, Margate and Combe Martin. We will start our plein air painting sessions in a bluebell wood at Christmas Common starting with lunch at the Fox and Hounds.Our June workshop will be with Kieran Stiles who will demonstrate and teach us how to create ‘Painterly Brushstrokes’ using the so-called ‘riverscape’ ie: the brook in front of the Watercress Centre. We meet on the first Monday of each month at the Watercress Centre in Ewelme from 2-4.30 to paint together. If you might be interested to join us please do contact Trisha Scott (for the Watercress Painters) 01491 834734 or Trisha.watercress@hotmail.co.uk

David Pelling

Artist

Local artist David Pelling (S. Oxon resident for over 40 years) will be showing his collection of recent paintings at St.Helen's Church, Berrick Salome as apart of the village's "Open Gardens" event. His mix of styles includes, oils, water colours, acrylics, collage and features abstracts and figurative works. His wife Salli will be showing a selection of her recent fine embroideries. The exhibition opens Saturday June 15th from 1.30 - 6.00pm and Sunday June 16th from 2.00 - 5.30 pm. Entry free. Most works are for sale with a percentage of the proceeds going to St. Helens. There is ample parking. Further info: on 01491826126.

35BBBB

Corn Exchange in JuneJohn Evans, writes...

CINEMARegular performances normally start at 7:30pm unless stated otherwise. Tickets £8 for Adults and £5 for under 15 unless otherwise stated.

Please look on www.cornexchange.org.uk for further updates on screenings.2nd Wild Rose (15)3rd Mirai (PG)4th Wild Rose (15)5th John McEnroe - In the Realm of Perfection (PG)6th Blue Angel (1930 black and white film starring Marlene Dietrich)16th Amazing Grace (U)17th 19th 20th 21st - Rocket Man24th The Workshop (15) (part of the BFI world series films)25th 26th - Sometimes, Always, Never (PG)28th Aladdin (PG)29th 2:30pm, Aladdin (PG)29th Aladdin (PG)

LIVE SHOWS - Tickets £12Saturday, 1st June, 7:45pm “She Stoops to Conquer” - LAST NIGHT!The Sinodun Players present the classic comic play by Oliver Goldsmith. A timelessly funny farce about mistaken identity and class.

Monday 10th June to Friday 14th June the Corn Exchange Drama Festival. Come and see the best of Oxfordshire's thespian talent. See up to three plays each evening followed by an assessment of their production from the Guild of Drama Adjudicators (GODA).

Saturday 22nd June, 8pm ‘Orlando’. Dyad Productions present Rebecca Vaughan in this adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s satirical novel. Drawing on a decade’s worth of critically-acclaimed theatre-making, Dyad Productions – performer Rebecca Vaughan and writer/director Elton Townend Jones – explore what it means to find our place in the world whilst remaining utterly true to who we are. Based on the satirical 1928 novel by Virginia Woolf.

LIVE SCREENINGSSaturday 8th June, 8pm “Take That” – Live Concert via Satellite from Cardiff Tickets £12.50

Tuesday, 18th June, 7:15pm The Royal Ballet: Romeo and JulietTickets £15 (adults), £12.50 (seniors), £10 (under 18s)Thursday, 27th June, 7pm NT Live: Small IslandTickets £12.50 (adults), £10 (seniors and under 18s)From the National Theatre in London, filmed live on stage as part of National Theatre Live’s 10th birthday celebrations.

What did you say?

“Didn't realise it was so extensive” (Wallingford resident)

“The kids loved it - such fun!” (Oxford resident)

“A very well planned and laid out museum. One of the most interesting museums I have

visited” - (South African visitor)“Haven't been for some time. Great to see changes - new exhibits and other archive

rooms - (Wallingford resident)

These are just a few comments in Wallingford Museum's Visitors Book - visits that have been appreciated from far-and-wide.One of our exhibitions this year is the special 'Once upon a time ... the changing face of Wallingford'. In this journey of discovery throughout the museum, you are invited to share any local knowledge you have and to reminisce about your own history. Old and young alike can enjoy 'hands on' activities, discovering the secrets of garden archaeology and tracing the passage of time through photographs and objects, all of which reflect the changing face of Wallingford. This 'Family Friendly' exhibition runs throughout the museum, with a sheet to guide people round with a number of 'hands on' things for children.Why not complement your visit by joining Wallingford's popular Guided Historic Town Walks, held on Saturdays starting from the Town Hall at 11am? The Walks are led by knowledgeable volunteers from Wallingford Museum, last 1 - 2 hours and cost £5 per head.

36 BBBB

email your letters/articles to

bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk

or deliver/send them to

Benson Parish Hall

The Benson Bulletin is published by Benson Bulletin News Association, and delivered free to all households in Benson, RAF Benson, Roke, Rokemarsh, Berrick Salome and Ewelme. Material published in The Benson Bulletin is copyright, but the Editor may grant permission for reproduction upon request. The Editor and publishers make every effort to ensure the accuracy of printed information and can accept no responsibility for either the consequences of errors which may occur or for any product or services advertised. Neither are the opinions published in The Benson Bulletin necessarily those of the Editor or The Benson Bulletin News Association. The Editor is pleased to receive material for publication, but reserves the right to shorten, clarify or reject it at his discretion. Copy may be submitted via e-mail to bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk. Typed and handwritten copy is also acceptable and should be delivered/sent to Benson Parish Hall before the 12th of the month previous to publication. All printed photographs will be scanned and returned.

Classified Ads.... Tel: 01491 200965

The Benson Bulletinc/o Benson Parish HallSunnysideBenson, Oxon. OX10 6LZ

BBNA Committee Members:-

Chair: Jill Parrick 838634Treasurer: Steve Guppy 839636Secretary: Kate Hart 838689Advertising: Christopher Swann 200965Distribution: Ivor Allen 839003Editor: Christopher Swann 200965 Clubs Sec. Anne Fowler 201734 Emma Firth 07889 489394

Sue Brown 837885

BB’s DeadlinesCopy: 12th of month previous Advertising: 12th of month previous

Benson Youth Hall

Table Tennis (Over 60s “Go Active”) Weds 2-3pmTable Tennis Fri 8 - 10pm

Short Mat Bowls Mon 1.30-3.34pm/Wed 7-9.15pmBadminton Mon 8-10pmBingo Tues 7-9pmFloodlit Tennis Thurs 7.00pm

Benson Parish Office: 01491 825038Office hours: Mon, Wed, Thu and Fri 0930 am to 1230 pm

TO HIRE BENSON PARISH or YOUTH HALL

TEL/FAX 01491 825038

Benson Parish Hall

About Benson Bulletin bb.editor@hotmail.co.uk Est. 1994

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning by your local specialists. Most carpets dry within the hour! Trading Standards registered. Quality work at competitive rates. Call Grimebusters 01491 670013 / 01235 555533Cleaning Supplies & Machines - Hire - Sales - Advice - Repairs - Domestic/Industrial. Call Clean Machine on 01491 825600 or e-mail info@machinesthatclean.com Find us on Facebook/CleanMachineLtdLady Gardener available for general garden maintenance, also home cleaning. Reasonable rates. Phone Diana on 07880 691704The Rubbish Van The simple quick way to clear all your bulky household / garden waste. Call Mark 01235 511846 or 07770 862413 (Licensed waste carrier)Longpine Roofing & Property Maintenance. Local village family firm. Tel: 01491 652494 Email: info@longpine.co.uk

Wallingford Country MarketEvery Friday, St. Mary-le-More Church,

Wallingford 9.30 -12.00 Fresh Home Baking, Hand Crafted items

Email your club news tobb.editor@hotmail.co.uk

OxPro Carpet Cleaning, Professional Service by a NCCA qualified technician at www.oxprocarpetcleaning.co.uk. A local family business. To arrange a free quote call 07889 413128 or email: mark@oxprocarpetcleaning.co.uk

Benson Library Opening Hours Monday 2-6pm Tuesday 9-12.30pm 2-5pm Wednesday Closed all day Thursday 2-7pm Friday 9-12.30pm 2-5pmSaturday 9.30-12.30pm

DIARY 2019 JUNE

Entry into Benson Bulletin Diary is free - one line only (maximum 85 characters) - we welcomeall meeting dates from local clubs and societies and any other event.

June1Watercressworkmorning turnupat theCentre inEwelmeanytime9.30-12.301 BensonGardenClub.AnnualPlantSale. 9 am–12noon.CollegeFarm,HighStreet,Benson.1-7NationalVolunteersWeek.1-9ThyKingdomComeatStHelen’sChurch.Opendailyduringdaylight hours.2 EwelmeWatercress Beds localNatureReserveOpenAfternoon2–4.30pm.£3children free6 AspectsofBereavementWesleyMemorialHallOxford7.30pm “Alternative funeralCeremonies”£107 Carers’CoffeeMorning (free)BensonLibrarybetween10.30and12noon.AllWelcome.8 “CelebratingBenson’sGreenSpaces”From8.30am.8 9-11.30.Kidsnearlynewclothes sale.BensonVillageHall.Events4wasps@gmail.com9 TheChilternChase, to register go towww.chilternchase.org.uk9 OpenFarmSunday,CrowmarshBattleFarm,PrestonCrowmarsh, 10.00am4.00pm.9 TourdeValeCharityBikeRide.12Henley&DistrictPhilatelicSoc ‘GermanOccupationof theChannel Islands’BixVillageHall 7.4513AspectsofBereavementWesleyMemorialHallOxford7.30pm “Dealingwith loss inPolicing”£1014Benson’sGotTalent in theBensonParishHall 6.30pm.15BensonChoralSoc“Carter’sBenedicite” “PolovtsianDances”DorchesterAbbey7:30pm16BerrickSalomeOpenGardens2.00pmto5.30pm16BensonAntiques andCollectorsFair 9.00am-4.00pmParishHall.18WallingfordArtClub - “PaintingAnimals InAcrylic”Centre70KinecroftWallingford7.3019-22June DADS:SexPleaseWe’reSixty,DorchesterVillageHall 7.30pmwww.dads.org.uk19Watercressworkmorning turnupat theCentre anytime9.30-12.3020AspectsofBereavementWesleyMemorialHallOxford7 for7.30pm “AspectsofSelf”21WallingfordBlues&BeerFestival&Bringyourdog toworkday.22KickSamplingandBugHuntMillbrookMead2pmdetailswww.bensonnaturegroup.com23 ‘ROSETEAS’EwelmeChurch3pm–5pm23BensonTidyGroup2pmBob’sCorneroutsideLloydsPharmacy inHighStreet23BensonRamblers10amMeetWallingfordMktSq (picnicCastleGdsat end)4.5miles0784300670425DADS:Play reading,DorchesterVillageHall, 7QueenStreetOX107HR7.30pmwww.dads.org.uk26Henley&DistrictPhilatelicSocBarryHobbs“UnusualDisplays”BixVillageHall at 7.45p.m.27AspectsofBereavement7.30pm “HomeasaPlaceofSafety:ButWhen theFoundationsareRocked”27Ramblers. 10.amMeetWallingfordMktSqOX100EG., 6miles.Contact 0771969235529Ewelme litter pick9.30 start&finishatEwelmePavilionon the recground tea&coffeeprovided.30Ramblers. 2.30pmMeetNuffieldChurchRG95SR.6miles.Contact 07966756770

July2 BensonRamblers10amMeetSwyncombeChurchRG96EA.7miles.Contact 07976302136.4 AspectsofBereavementWesleyMemorialHall 7.30“BereavementbySuicide andReturn toWork”.5 LadiesSwishingevening, Ewelme.5 Carers’CoffeeMorning (free)BensonLibrarybetween10.30and12noonAllWelcome6 Watercressworkmorning turnupat theCentre anytime9.30-12.307 OpenAfternoonWatercressBedsNatureReserve2-4.30pm£3 accompaniedchildren free11AspectsofBereavementWesleyMemorialHallOxford7.30pm “Compassion andBereavement”20CholseyRepairCafe 11amto1.45pmat thePavilion inStationRoad,Cholsey.27BensonTidyGroup10.00amBob’sCorneroutsideLloydsPharmacy inHighStreet

Call our team for sound advice on selling or letting your prop-ertyArrange a free market appraisal with no obligation.

_______

Local staff, local offices. National Coverage_______

Please support local businesses!

Griffith & Partners is an independent, family owned and runbusiness established in 1975.

Call our team for sound advice on selling or letting your property.Arrange a free market appraisal with no obligation.

Local staff, local offices. National coverage.

Please support local businesses!

www.griffithandpartners.co.uk

Watlington Office01491 612 831

watlington@griffithandpartners.co.uk

Benson Office01491 839 939

benson@griffithandpartners.co.uk