CONTENTS · 2017-07-03 · [email protected] or deliver/send them to Benson Parish Hall Benson Library Opening Hours Monday 2-6pm Tuesday 9-12.30pm 2-5pm Wednesday Closed all

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CONTENTS

Editor’s ColumnAnne Fowler writes...

Volume 23 No 10Published byBenson Bulletin News AssociationPrinted byNP Design & Print Ltd, Wallingford : 01491 824827

Letters to the Editor ------------------------------ 2Mill Stream Day Centre News ------------------- 4Benson Plan Update ------------------------------ 6 Constituency Report ------------------------------ 8 District Councillors Report ---------------------10Parish Councillors Report ----------------------12On a Benson Allotment ------------------------14St Helen’s Church News ------------------------18Church Times ------------------------------------19Earth Trust July Events -------------------------20Benson Trefoil Visit to Bournemouth ---------20Mill Stream Surgery News ---------------------24School News -------------------------------------26 Local Clubs and Societies ---------------------28Classified Ads -------------------------------------36Diary -----------------------------------------------37

email your letters/articles to [email protected] deliver/send them to

Benson Parish Hall

www.bensonbulletin.com

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

Benson Outreach Post OfficeBenson Parish Hall Pavilion

Opening Hours:Tuesday 9.30 - 12.30 & 13.00 - 16.00

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9.30 - 12.30

Benson Volunteer Helpline

For assistance with travel to/from medical appointments

Office open Mon-Fri 9-11amCall 01491 825992

to ask for help or to volunteerOut of hours contact:

Elizabeth 01491 838580 Zoe 01491 612813

Cover PhotoOne Sunday in June, Friends of Benson School parents and children spread over 250 bags of bark at Benson School to finalise the new bark playground area. The playground equipment has been funded by Friends of Benson School and a grant from the Benson Bulletin. The area is used for outdoor learning and play time activities and as you can see, the children love

the new shady area and equipment. Photograph by kind permission of Alice

Jones-Evans.

Well summer is officially here, a heatwave and still no rain. As I have bored you many times before, please maintain a shallow bowl of clean water at ground level for all the wildlife that desperately needs it.As we know, the Wallingford Corn Exchange is currently closed for refurbishment, but they are still showing films and live performances at another venue in Cholsey. The Corn Exchange is collaborating with the Cholsey Community Development Trust and throughout the summer will be showing films at The Great Hall in Cholsey Meadows. Programme details can be found on the Corn Exchange website, www.cornexchange.org.uk, where tickets can also be booked. So, you don’t have to miss out.Have a great summer everybody, the Benson Bulletin will be back in September.

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Letters to the Editor

B i n g o N i g h t !Every Tuesday in Benson Parish HallDo you enjoy a game of Bingo, if so please come along on Tuesday 7pm

Mikron Theatre Sue Cooper, writes...

Mikron Theatre visit to Benson Tuesday 1st August 2017

The Mikron Theatre Company, who travel around the country on their narrowboat ‘Tyseley’, will be in Benson again this year performing their latest productions. The performances will be at the Waterfront Café beside the Thames in Benson on Tuesday 1st August – “Best Foot Forward” (about the YHA) at 3.30pm and “In at The Deep End” (about the Lifeboats) at 8pm. You can learn more about the 2 shows on Mikron’s website - http://www.mikron.org.uk/shows -Tickets £12.50 (£8 for children). Proceeds are to

Dear Editor,On the 20th of May, in the Mercy in Action Charity shop on Benson High Street, my son (aged 12) and I met a wonderful lady called Irene who is 93 and lives in Crown Lane. We chatted for ages and I would so like to get in touch with her again but know nothing other than her Christian name and the fact that, although she comes originally from Lancashire, she now lives in Crown Lane.Would it be possible for you to ask, in your next Bulletin, for her to contact me as we had such a fascinating conversation which has stayed with us. We’d really love to continue the chat over a cup of tea and get to know her better; she was such an inspiration! My contact telephone number is 01865 891198…we are in Chalgrove.Alison Franklin

Dear EditorJust to clarify I have spoken directly with the local councillors on the parking issues in the village and I was given assurance that some form of parking enforcement would be carried out. The highways act is very clear but many drivers show a flagrant disregard for it hence our issue. Regards,Stew Fryatt

be divided between Mikron, the Friends of Benson Library and Leukaemia Research. Please contact Sue Cooper 01491 835631 or [email protected] for tickets or further information.

Benson Art Group Exhibition Trisha Scott, writes ...

We do hope you will join us for the annual Benson Art Group exhibition which will take place at the Millstream Day Centre in Benson between 7-9pm on Friday 7th July or between 10am – 12noon Saturday 8th July.We are a very mixed group of people who relish getting together to paint every week at the Parish Hall for a couple of hours in a social atmosphere. We like to experiment with different media so you will find works in water colour, acrylic, oil, water mixable oil, pastel and pencil depicting birds, animals, flowers, still life studies, portraits and landscapes including some local scenes.We usually have in the region of 80 framed paintings plus a few mounted ones in the browser most of which will be for sale. There will also be a raffle on both days.The Benson Art Group has been, over the years, a great supporter of the Millstream Day Centre having raised over ten thousand pounds through the sale of our paintings. This show will be no exception in that the vast majority of the monies raised will go to support the Millstream in the excellent work that they do looking after the elderly of Benson.Entry on the Friday night (£3) will include a copy of the catalogue, a glass of wine or soft drink as well as some delicious canapés while, on Saturday entry (£1) will include a refreshing cup of coffee or tea and biscuits plus catalogues will be available.We look forward to seeing you over the weekend of 7/8 July 2017 at the Millstream Day Centre.

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Millstream Day CentreGeraldine Gault, writes...

Ewelme Village ShowAnn Truesdale, writes...

Our biggest fundraising event is now only days away so make sure you don’t miss it!A wide range of gardens will be open in this beautiful Thames-side village. Parking is available on the day in Preston Crowmarsh and will be well signposted. Please follow the signs to the car park and we respectfully ask that you do not park on the verges. Refreshments, cream teas and home-made cakes will be served between 2pm and 6pm at The Old Mill House, Preston Crowmarsh. Look out for the A-board if you are not familiar with the location.Ticket prices remain the same as last year at £5 per person. In the form of a small brochure, these include a map with the location of the open gardens plus short garden descriptions. If you haven’t already got yours they are available now at Derry’s Den and Millstream Day Centre, Benson, and on the actual day in Preston Crowmarsh at No. 7 Preston Crowmarsh, the car parking, and at Lower Farm Cottage. Please note that you need to present your brochure at each garden to show that you have paid.We really hope you will come along to support us and enjoy a lovely afternoon out.

Come and Join Us If you are of ‘mature’ years and like good company, a nice meal, and the opportunity to

enjoy activities, why not come along and try out what we have to offer – the first visit, with a friend, is free of charge. If you don’t feel ready to join us just yet, then why not come along and volunteer, or start and run a new activity for us – we are always open to new ideas! Just make contact with David, our Centre Manager, on 01491 834889. You’ll be made very welcome.

Come and visit Ewelme on August 28th, Bank Holiday Monday and enjoy the Horticultural Society’s Annual Village Show. This traditional event is located in a beautiful setting on the recreation ground and opens at 2pm. See a range of prizewinning vegetables, fruit, flowers, baking and crafts including children’s exhibits on display in the show tent. Bring the family. Teas and light refreshments available and there will be a brass band and a range of stalls. The prize giving will take place at 4.15pm followed by the raffle and auction of donated exhibits (fruit, vegetables flowers & cakes etc). Free car parking on site. Why not enter? Schedules available from Ewelme Village Store. Entry forms to be returned to Peter Lemaire, Firethorn Cottage, The Street, Ewelme by 1pm Saturday 26th August.

Science Exchange WallingfordAmanda Holland, writes...

The next Science Exchange meeting is at 7.30pm on Tuesday 11th July in Wallingford School Library, St George’s Road, Wallingford. Dr Andrew Singer from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology will speak about ‘The Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance and its Relevance in the Environment’. Meetings are very informal. Speakers talk for about half an hour, then we break for refreshments and return for a lively question and answer session. We are grateful that the support of local company Triaster, Wallingford School and the generosity of our speakers ensures that each event is free to attend. We are also privileged to be a Café Scientifique. (http://www.cafescientifique.org/).

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

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Friends of Benson LibraryAnna Malkin (Chair), writes...

Some of you may be wondering why there has not been more news coming out of the Neighbourhood Plan Team over the last couple of months. The reason is that this has been a period of review, planning and discussion.... review of all the 250+ comments and suggestions received on our Pre-submission Plan; planning how we should respond to all those comments - particularly what needs to change in the Final Submission of our plan; and detailed discussions within the team and (critically) with all the other parties necessary to ensure that our final plan is robust and can be delivered in practice. These activities are complicated and take a lot of time!

Central to our Neighbourhood Plan is the principle that further significant development in Benson and the surrounding area can only be sustainable if it is accompanied by the Edge Road (ER) - and attempting to secure the ER has inevitably required a series of detailed, interlocking conversations with developers, specialists and public bodies. These discussions are not yet complete, but we are now hopeful that all the necessary elements can be agreed and brought together into a single detailed ER design, which is acceptable to all parties and which can be underpinned by the comprehensive transport report that we will shortly be commissioning with financial and technical support from SODC.

On a separate but connected matter, Gladman’s appeal against SODC’s non-determination of their planning application for 130 houses on land off St Helen’s Avenue (BEN7) will be heard at a Public Inquiry on 1st and 2nd of August. Benson PC and the Neighbourhood Plan team believe that this development is unsustainable on a number of counts (noise

and safety issues from RAF Benson, lack of school places, traffic issues etc.) and do not intend to allocate the site in our final Neighbourhood Plan. We will be seeking to make our own case as forcibly as we can at the Public Enquiry, as well as supporting SODC. We would encourage as many people as possible to attend the inquiry at some point and we will advise suitable timings when the running order is published. We will also advise the venue as soon as it is confirmed.Thanks for your continued patience while we work through all these issues. Benson Plan Team

Congratulations to the winners of the latest 100 Club draw that took place on 1st June. 1st Prize (£123) Colin English of Benson2nd Prize (£61) Lady Jay of Ewelme3rd Prize (£46) Mouse Martin of Warborough

Did you know you can read magazines online for free from the comfort of your own home, or scan a barcode of a book in a bookshop on their app and order in from the library? There’s all the latest releases on DVD, eBooks, CDs and online research services. It’s great to see our Libraries are keeping up to date with digital and print for their customers. You can find out more by signing up to the Oxfordshire Libraries newsletter, just fill in your email at the bottom right of this page: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries

We are delighted and hugely grateful to the Mikron Theatre for stopping by Benson again this year and for generously donating a share of their proceeds to the Friends of Benson Library. For those that don’t know, the Mikron Theatre Co., (Mike and Ron) first started out at the Edinburgh Festival 46 years ago, and have been touring on our rivers ever since, entertaining us with stories of uniquely British things. This year they have “Best Foot Forward” about the YHA and “In at the Deep End” about the Lifeboats. Both are on Tuesday 1st August at Benson Waterfront. Tickets from Sue Cooper cooperfamy@aol.

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Friends of Benson Library (Cont.)Anna Malkin (Chair), writes...

com or 01491 935631.Please continue to donate books and bric-a-brac to Elizabeth and Ian Leppard’s sale in the Post Office, new stock is always welcome, especially as they gear up for the car boot season.

Event Organiser – Annual Grand Quiz Night. This is our main annual fundraising event, raising approximately £1,500. The Caterer and Quiz Master are already in place, as is a comprehensive checklist, however we still need an event organiser. Lots of support and contacts will be given to the Organiser.If you think you know someone who might be interested or would like some more information just get in touch with me Anna Malkin at [email protected],

In the library:Knit ‘n’ Natter: Tues 4 July, 2-4pmCarers’ Cuppa: Fri 7 July, 10.30am-12noonRhymetime: Thurs 13th July 10-10.30amFamily History: Thurs 13th July 6-7pm

Constituency Report John Howell MP, writes ...

With the General Election now behind us I am writing this on the day MPs gather at Westminster for the start of the new Parliament. I feel honoured to be back here. I am, of course, grateful to those who supported me on polling day, however once polling day is over, the successful candidate is the MP for everyone who lives in the Constituency. In my work as MP I have always worked hard for those I represent and as such I am interested to know people’s views and am open to listening to differing sides of debates as issues arise. I find such debates helpful in forming my own view, and in the end coming to my own judgement on issues.

There is little doubt that this election has drawn some important national issues to the fore and I look forward to working through these in the coming months. Sometimes

people have personal issues or problems and seek the advice of their MP. I am happy to try to help with issues where possible. Strictly speaking MPs are able to help with matters in their own constituency for which Parliament is responsible such as concerns relating to HM Revenue and Customs and the Borders Agency. However, many of the issues that are raised with me are matters for our local councils and you have elected representatives to these council who are often best placed to help. For example, matters such as planning and housing are dealt with by the District Council, whilst issues relating to highways and social services come under the remit of the County Council. Full details of the responsibilities of the different councils can be found on their websites and my office is always willing to try to direct you to the best point of contact for help should you need it. I do hold surgeries and as the constituency is geographically large, I move them around to try to be nearer to different communities at different times. However, with the use of technology many issues can be addressed more promptly using phone and email. In my experience over the last 9 years as your MP, I have found more and more issues have been dealt with in this way. It enables much more prompt action to get the ball rolling to resolve issues. Individual case issues are usually dealt with through my constituency office so in the first instance please call there if you would like help or advice.

I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months and hearing from many more on the various issues that will no doubt arise.Contact details: Email: john.howell,[email protected]: Constituency line: 01491 613072. Westminster Office: 0207 219 6676.

Nettlebed Art & Craft Show 2017Nettlebed Community School Hall

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or phone Sarah on 01491 641136

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District Councillors Report Cllr Felix Bloomfield, writes ...

Neighbourhood Planning UpdateAt the time of writing we have a number of advanced Neighbourhood Plans that have completed their pre-submission consultation and I’m pleased to say Benson is one of them, the list is as follows:Benson, Dorchester-on-Thames, Chalgrove, Pyrton, Watlington, WheatleyNeighbourhood Plans are also well advanced and close to pre-submission consultation stage for:Warborough & Shillingford, Cholsey, East Hagbourne, Goring-on-Thames, The Baldons, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Chinnor, Long Wittenham Neighbourhood Plans are currently at examination stage. If successful, they will then proceed to a local referendum. Once a Neighbourhood Plan is approved by local referendum (with a simple majority) it becomes part of the Development Plan for the district and forms the starting point for making decisions on planning applications.

Local Plan UpdateOur Local Plan: Second Preferred Options consultation closed on 17 May and over 1,000 respondents took the time to submit comments. Planning Policy is currently reviewing and processing the comments. These will be available for public viewing in July 2017

Appeals Public Inquiries* Tetsworth - traveller site of 12 pitches scheduled for the 6/7 June was postponed due to a venue issue and staffing be difficult to find near the General Election.* Thames Farm, Shiplake – appeal opened on 13 June (in respect of a scheme for 90 units refused in August 2016) Venue – Nettlebed Village Hall* CABI, Crowmarsh – appeal against refusal of new offices and residential development. Inquiry will open in the first week of July. Venue – Howbery Park, Crowmarsh Gifford.* Long Wittenham – appeal against non-determination of 35 unit scheme strongly opposed by Parish Council and local residents.

Will go to an inquiry but date and venue yet TBC.

Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy (OxIS) - Phase OneOxIS is an Oxfordshire Growth Board commissioned project involving all six Oxfordshire Local Authorities whose purpose is to identify, map and prioritise the county’s infrastructure requirements for up 2040 and beyond. The project is being developed in two phases. Phase one is complete and the report can be viewed at https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/oxfordshire-growth-board. This data will now be used as the baseline for phase two.

Biffa Bin Cleaning ServiceBiffa has launched a new bin washing service in South and Vale – residents can pay a monthly fee to have their bins washed on a regular basis. We are not involved in this service and it is not part of their contract with us, so please direct any queries, feedback or complaints about the service directly to Biffa on 0808 164 1000. There’s more information at www.biffawheelieclean.co.uk.They are currently putting bin hangers on bins in the districts to advertise the service – they are doing this with our permission.

CommunicationsRoadwork alerts straight to your inbox.You can now access the latest information on roadworks in your area from https://oxfordshire.roadworks.org/ You can also set up email alerts by clicking on the envelope icon on the top left-hand side of the webpage. It will only take a few minutes to complete your contact information and personalise the roads and areas that you’d like to receive alerts from - this will reduce the amount of emails you receive on this subject.To receive South News visit www.southoxon.gov.uk/southnews

South and Vale Community Safety PartnershipYou may have recently seen the hard-hitting BBC production of Three Girls - a true life story based on the lives of three young girls in the Rochdale child sexual abuse case. The series can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.

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Parish Notes Diane Brooks (Parish Clerk), writes ...

Parish Councillors Report Cllr Jon Fowler, writes ...

The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership have funded several projects that are designed to help prevent child exploitation in our area. One of which is ‘Chelsea’s choice’ - an innovative and powerful theatre production highlighting the serious and emotional issues of child sexual exploitation that shows how young people are groomed by adults.Recently the production company Alter Ego delivered the performance to nine secondary schools in our districts including one to parents and staff in the evening at King Alfred’s Academy, Wantage. The Community Safety Team aim to repeat the performances in other secondary schools later this year.

Wallingford Riverside Outdoor Pool Now OpenThe heated outdoor swimming pool by Wallingford Bridge opened its doors just in time for the June bank holiday. The site features a 23-metre pool, changing rooms, refreshments and a campsite. Jubilee Splash Park has already been open for a while, for younger children to enjoy. A swim costs just £4.45 for adults, £2.85 for junior/seniors or £13.40 for a family swim (two adults and two children). Regular swimmers are also able to take advantage of a season pass for £69 for adults and just £34 for juniors and seniors. Riverside Outdoor Pool is now open until 3 September (subject to adverse weather conditions ) at the following times: Monday - Friday 7am-6pm Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm. For more information about Riverside Park and Pools please visit http://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/south-oxfordshire/riverside-park-and-pools

District Councillors Report (Cont.) Cllr Felix Bloomfield, writes ...

I would like to be able to pass on some good news, but regrettably I can’t think of any this month!

BEN7 – St Helen’s AvenueAs you may be aware there is a Planning Inquiry being held for the BEN7 site (St

Helen’s Avenue) as the developer appealed on the grounds of non-determination (the District Council failed to make a decision in time).The Parish Council had been planning to engage a barrister to represent us at the Inquiry and cross examine the evidence put forward by the developer. However, in order to achieve this level of participation at the Inquiry it is necessary to obtain something called “Rule 6 status” by writing to the Planning Inspectorate. Unfortunately, the Inspector refused to grant the Parish Council Rule 6 status, stating we were “very late in the process”. Reading the Planning Inspectorate guidance published online, the only deadline I can see specified is that documentation needs to be submitted within 4 weeks of the Inquiry date and as I had applied for Rule 6 status at least 6 weeks in advance of the Inquiry, I can see no justification for refusing the Parish Council’s request.This is hugely disappointing and I have written to John Howell to make him aware of our unease at this decision.We have yet to hear where the Inquiry will be held but will advise once we are made aware.

VandalismThere have been two recent incidents of vandalism – one to play equipment at Sunnyside and another to the play equipment at Green Close. These mindless acts cost all of us, as the Parish Council has to pay for repairs from the Council Tax we collect from all residents.

Rivermead & Paddling PoolHopefully you have all really appreciated the pool and the lovely area by the river during the recent incredibly hot spell!? May we ask that whilst enjoying this facility you take care of the area and especially the pool. Therefore, may we ask you to take any food waste home with you and keep dogs out of the pool. Sunnyside Play AreaPlease note one of the multi-play pieces of equipment on Sunnyside has been fenced off and is out of use due to vandalism. The Parish Council hope to repair and refurbish the

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On a Benson AllotmentLinda Parkin, writes...

whole of the Sunnyside Play area, very soon! In the meantime, please do not use this piece of equipment.Giant Hog Weed UpdateThe new hog weed growth was treated at the beginning of June and the existing sites continue to be monitored by professional contractors. Please still make sure you do not enter the fenced off sites and keep away from any of the treated areas. Overgrown Hedges & Verges Along B4009 & FootpathsWe have reported the above and received the following response from Oxfordshire County Council: “The grass cutting programme started in May, the first phase (4 weeks) will be spent cutting the visibility splays followed by the urban and rural cuts. The programme will take approximately 10 weeks to complete”. This should mean all work will be completed by the end of July/early August!Benson Parish Council Grant ApplicationsGrant applications will be discussed at the next Full Council Meeting on 27th July. If you wish to apply for a grant from the Parish Council your completed application must be received by Friday 14th July. The main criteria used are:a. Will the grant bring a direct benefit to all or part of the Parish or to all or some residents?b. Can it be demonstrated how the grant will be used?c. Is the benefit commensurate with the expenditure?d. Does the request come from a Charity or body? Grants will not be paid to individuals.e. What other funding is available which might achieve the resulting benefit?f. Should the request be funded by another statutory body/authority?For further details and an application form please contact the Clerk. War Memorial MaintenanceWe are putting a call out for someone to help with the garden around the war memorial. We currently have one person doing this on her own, and we are concerned about her safety

Parish Notes Diane Brooks (Parish Clerk), writes ...

given the position of the memorial garden. Please can you offer help maintaining the War Memorial garden? For further details, please contact the Clerk.Road Re-Surfacing WorksThese are to take place on the B4009 and The Sands, starting on 24th July – 28th July. These should only take one day! County Councillor Mark Gray’s OCC SurgeriesMark Gray holds a 30-minute surgery before each Full Council Meeting i.e. from 7.00 – 7.30pm in the downstairs office at Benson Parish Hall. This is an opportunity for residents to raise any issues they want to with their elected County Councillor. For dates please see the diary page.Contact Details for Parish Clerk: Tel: 01491 825038 Email: [email protected]

Monty Don reminds us that regular hoeing keeps the weeds down. Worth remembering, most certainly, but it presupposes that the hoeing regime starts as soon as the weeds appear. As I have found, a more hands-on approach is called for when they are already several inches high and, in some cases, beginning to flower! At least the weeds are not the only plants which have put on a sudden spurt of growth. The leaves of my perpetual spinach seem to have taken on gigantic proportions overnight, the climbing beans and sweet peas are romping up their wigwams with equal vigour, and the courgettes are already in flower. My tomato plants have been looking a little on the blue side, though, and clearly not enjoying all that wind. I’m trying three different varieties this year, so it will be interesting to see how the fruits compare in size, yield and flavour. And just as an aside, if you haven’t come across ‘Beechgrove Garden’ on BBC2 (Sunday mornings), it’s well worth watching, as much for their plant trials as for a wealth of practical tips.One of the many things I love about this time of year is that I rarely return from the allotment empty handed. I stopped cutting

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YOUTH HALL, OXFORD ROAD, BENSON Performing Arts Classes for children & adults

www.stageworks.orgEmail: [email protected]

Tel: 01491 877205

Summer Workshops, Festivals, Presentations, Annual Shows, LAMDA, ISTD Dance classes, Dramisco Club mornings

plus Adult Ballet, Jazz, Tap, ZUMBA classes available! 3 weeks free trials at our schools in Henley, Benson,

Cookham & Caversham (subject to availability).

St Helen’s Church, EventsEmma Firth, writes ...

Summer BBQSunday 16th July 2017

This year’s St Helen’s Summer BBQ is being held in the grounds of the church, from midday. There will be the usual, famously tasty, great British burgers and sausages from our local Benson Butcher, some salmon steaks

The Parenting Teenagers CourseEmma Firth, writes ...

The Parenting Teenagers Course is for parents, step-parents, grandparents or

carers of children aged 11 – 18 years.The course will run for 5 weeks, on Tuesday evenings: 12th, 19th, 26th September, 3rd, 10th October at 7.30pm in the Canons’ Room at St Helen’s Church, Benson.Why do the course?• Parenting teenagers is harder than ever for most parents today• No role we undertake in life is more important than parentingWe are the main influence on our teenagers’ future. Discovering we are not alone in the challenges we face and picking up ideas from other parents can make a huge difference. Our teenagers’ lives are shaped by social media and an “always online” culture. Meeting our teenagers’ deepest needs, setting healthy boundaries, helping to develop their emotional health and teaching them how to make good choices takes skill and dedication. Taking time to reflect on our end goal can help us to build our relationship with our teenagers now.The cost for all 5 weeks is £10 per person to cover the accompanying booklet and refreshments.For more information or to book a place, please email: [email protected]

asparagus at the beginning of June, after a long, bumper harvest and slightly ahead of the recommended midsummer deadline. By then, however, the autumn-sown broad beans were ready to pick, and I have been enjoying them young and sweet, with freshly dug new potatoes and baby carrots. There have been plenty of flowers to fill the vases at home, too. My five young strawberry plants rarely yield more than a couple of ripe fruits at a time between them, but they are full of flavour, and as I’ve just spotted some runners, I’m hoping to extend the strawberry bed next year. And I’m looking forward to the ripening of my one surviving gooseberry (!), all the other developing fruits having dropped to the ground when they got frosted. However, it looks as if I’ll soon get my first real harvest from the summer-fruiting raspberry canes I was given a couple of years ago – though I don’t really deserve it. Unlike the easier, low-maintenance autumn varieties, they require rather more attention, and I should have tied the tall canes into sturdy horizontal wires long before now. They also seem to appeal much more to the birds, so netting is essential. Apparently they produce a much higher yield than the later varieties, and don’t seem to sucker so readily either, so a little more effort on my part could well pay dividends. Now most of the sowing and planting out is done, you would think that this might be the time to take it a little easier for a while. But there still seems to be plenty to do on the plot. I’m not complaining though. Not only do my larder and freezer reap the benefits, so too do body and soul!

On a Benson Allotment (Cont.)Linda Parkin, writes...

for the fish lovers and a selection of salads. All this will be followed by a range of excellent desserts. There will be a cash bar serving white and red wine, beer and soft drinks. In addition, there will be a raffle and some activities for the children.

Tickets can be purchased from Derry’s Den or by phoning 01491 200737.Adults - £10 (18 yrs and over); Children - £5 (between 5 and 17 incl.). Children under 5 have free entrance.A Family Ticket, priced at £25, will allow entrance for 2 adults and up to 3 chargeable children.So come along and make it a great family day out – all are very welcome.Please bring your own chairs.

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YOUTH HALL, OXFORD ROAD, BENSON Performing Arts Classes for children & adults

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Summer Workshops, Festivals, Presentations, Annual Shows, LAMDA, ISTD Dance classes, Dramisco Club mornings

plus Adult Ballet, Jazz, Tap, ZUMBA classes available! 3 weeks free trials at our schools in Henley, Benson,

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St Helen’s Church, BensonEmma Firth, writes ...

News & Diary DatesAvailable on ‘A Church Near

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

st-helen/

With no formal theological training, I thought Easter was quite a difficult topic to write about for the Benson Bulletin in April. A few months on, Easter seemed relatively easy when I came to think about a current topic.

As I started to reflect on writing a piece a couple of weeks ago, the one word that kept coming to mind was “humanity”. And I’ve found myself questioning what makes us human and how we interact with each other. In the context of three recent terrorist attacks in London and one in Manchester, humanity looks quite ugly and incomprehensible. What drives one human to wilfully kill others? I have no words to describe the horror of an attack on helpless children and young people. There are places all around the world where there are daily attacks on civilians and children. So, is it cruelty and suffering that defines our humanity? I find myself wondering how we should respond to these terrible acts. I feel sure that I should do something, but what can I possibly do that will make a difference?

And yet, the breadth and depth of human kindness and selfless acts that have come out of not just these acts of terror, but also the fire at Grenfell Tower, is truly inspiring. Ordinary folk have put their lives at risk to help those who have been affected. Emergency services have worked round the clock to protect and help the helpless and to save lives. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. If the aim of the terror is to divide, it does not look successful – it has united entire cities and brought strangers together to show support and solidarity through all forms of communication and media. In times of significant stress or crisis, it feels encouraging that the overwhelming response is positive. In which case, is it empathy or kindness that define our humanity?

Whilst recognising that my faith and beliefs may differ from some readers, my own response to stress or a crisis whether personal,

local, national or global is prayer. But I am “only” human and I often respond also with anger or frustration. I don’t know if it ever helps, but it does make me feel better for a few moments. On a daily basis, I strive to be a better human and on a daily basis I’m fairly sure that I fail miserably. I was encouraged recently to find a podcast by Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, because in it he gives his view that it is our limitations that make us human. He goes on to explain that even though Jesus is the best example of a human, he too had limitations. But Jesus was not selfish like so many of us are; as a human, his final act was truly selfless.

One of my favourite phrases from the Bible is “Love thy neighbour as thyself”. It appears several times and its simplicity is appealing. Humans need other humans in order to survive and thrive. I often find myself thinking that if every person on the planet lived by this phrase, human suffering would be significantly diminished. What a great and seemingly insurmountable thought - I’ll start trying harder right now!

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy a relaxing summer and I’m excited to say that the September article from St Helen’s Church will be written by The Revd Dr Patrick Gilday who officially becomes our Rector on 10th July.

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Wallingford Baptist ChurchThames St, WallingfordMinister: Pastor Simon HudsonTel: 01491 839904Email: [email protected]: 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 Katherine Pickering Tel: 01235 813242 Email: [email protected]: 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: Canon Ian CohenThe Vicarage, 58 Brinkinfield Rd, ChalgroveEmail: [email protected]: 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 Katherine for details

The Church of England Parish of BensonSt Helen’s Church Email: [email protected]:Rodney Davis tel: 01491 824358email: [email protected] Worroll. Tel: 01491 824661email: [email protected] 10th July, Revd Dr Patrick Gilday will be the new Rector of St Helen’s Email: [email protected]

Sunday Services8.30am Holy Communion (BCP)10.00am Parish Eucharist (Common Worship)with Children’s Club and Creche3rd Sunday of the month: Orchestra and a service for all the Family. Further details: www.achurchnearyou.com/benson-st-helen/For Baptism and Wedding enquiries, please contact the church.

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


Earth Trust July EventsLucy Benyon, writes ...

All events take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated. Please book via 01865 407792 or online at www.earthtrust.org.uk/whatson (incurs a booking fee).Summer Picnic Sun 2nd, 11am-4pmHelp us celebrate our 35th Birthday at this year’s summer festival! Party games, live music, a smoothie bike and more! £6 adult, £3 child, £15 family.A Midsummer Night’s Dream Wed 19th, 6.30pm-9.30pmEarth Trust is delighted to welcome The HandleBards, the world’s first cycling theatre company! Since 2013, their two troupes (one all-male, the other all-female) have pedalled over 6000 miles across the UK to perform their unique brand of “charmingly chaotic, environmentally sustainable, bicycle-powered Shakespeare”. Join the all-male troupe in the beautiful gardens of the Earth Trust Centre, at the foot of the Wittenham Clumps, for A Midsummer Night’s Dream as you’ve never seen it before! Bring a picnic and settle down for an evening of “gloriously eccentric” outdoor theatre. £18 adult, £14 child; booking essential.Drawing from Nature for Families Sun 23rd, 10am-1pmLet your creative side loose in the great outdoors, and get top tips for inspiration and improvement from local artist Gareth Lloyd. £10 adult, £5 child; booking essential.Creepy Crawly Comics Mon 24th, 10am-3pmYou’ll be the bees’ knees at creepy crawly comic drawing after attending our session with popular cartoonist Neill Cameron, whose work features in The Phoenix comic. You’ll explore the Earth Trust garden, then create a nature themed comic inspired by what you discovered. For 7-11 year olds. £30 (ask about our discount for siblings); booking essential.Woodland Adventure Tue 25th, 10am-12pmAn expedition for 5-8 year olds. Use your detective skills to explore, build and play in the woods! £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free.Night Safari Tue 25th, 8pm-10pm

Join us for this night-time expedition to discover Thrupp Lake’s wildlife, who knows what you might find? On the evening, you’ll also set up live traps ready for tomorrow’s event. £7 adult, £4 child; booking essential.Wildlife Wednesday at Thrupp Lake 26th, 10am-12pmOur roving Wildlife Wednesday visits a different Earth Trust community nature reserve each school holiday. Come out and play and learn about your local wildlife! £2 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. Tree Climbing Wed 26th, 10am-5pmUse ropes and harnesses to explore Little Wittenham Wood’s treetops in 1hr sessions with The Great Big Tree Climbing Company. £20 per participant; booking essential.Basket Weaving Sat 29th & Sun 30th, 9.30am-5pmYou can create several small baskets or one larger structure in this two-day workshop with Catherine Tregaskes. £115 per person; booking essential.

Benson Trefoils in BournemouthPam Vines, writes...

Upset in Paradise Bournemouth 2017

It started badly a couple of months before we went away, Ann one of our Benson members had to cancel due to bad health, so we missed her company from the start. Then it went downhill from then on. We knew the Hotel had been taken over from our friendly family hosts, but we were assured it would be very similar - no such luck. When we went down at 7.00pm for our evening meal the dining room was in darkness and the tables were not set. It looked like the Marie Celeste. The man who was there to serve us was cook and waiter rolled into one. He didn’t even have time to take his outdoor jacket off. The meal was insipid, not a vegetable to be seen. The next night was no better, same menu, so Pam asked if it would be the same menu all week, the Manager said yes. We complained and he took this on board and deducted the rest of the weeks dinners from our final bills. The breakfasts on the other hand were very

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good due to the original chef in charge, a real blessing. Having no evening meal though meant we had to fend for ourselves, not even being able to rest or change, as not worth going back to the hotel to then have to go out again. This made us very weary. Well enough of Fawlty Towers, now for the fun. We were joined as usual by Betty and Brenda from Chippy making us nine in total.

On Tuesday we went on our usual pilgrimage to Swanage on the breezer, so it was wind in our hair for the trip over. Coffee time, only to find our usual coffee shop closed up, but never fear we hunted down another. We took the steam train to Corfe Castle which is so Old English, Christine and Ivy stayed to hit the shops.The next day saw us in Christchurch sitting on the Quay eating ice creams. Some of us decided to play crazy golf which saw Sheila get a hole in one (it was skill rather than a fluke I’m sure) and some of us went into town, this is where it all went to pot. The ones playing crazy golf decided to have a snack on the Quay, the ones

Benson Trefoils in Bournemouth (Cont.)Pam Vines, writes...

shopping didn’t, Jackie phoned Barbara to ask how they were getting on, Barbara said they were having cheesy chips and tea, it was a bit like Chinese whispers as Jackie then translated

back that they were having fish chips and peas. We then decided because the other appeared to have been eating a dinner we would go and get our own fish and chips. What we did before mobile phones, so that evening we didn’t all have a meal, two only had dessert.

Thursday we took the little train to go to Boscombe. It didn’t go via the usual route, it was a much longer route but not to Boscombe as there were road works. So, four of us broke away and visited Russell Cotes house and gallery, which was a couple of hours well spent. The rest had to go back to

Bournemouth to then get the bus to Boscombe, we all met up again later. We caught the last train along West Cliff for our evening meal, the train attendant Toby knew all about us from his colleague on the morning train, we found out later after Toby being quizzed by some fellow travellers that he is hoping to go to China, I bet he will not find anyone like us there :-)

As usual we met lovely people on our time away, especially Derrick who was staying at Fawlty Towers as we affectionally call the hotel. He seemed happy to engage with us as he was on his own. Ivy even teamed up with Derrick on our evening quizzes which meant two heads better than one.

All in all, a very eventful time away. Thank you my Friends for making the best of the situation. We still had a happy, fun time.

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Mill Stream Surgery Update Sarah Denton (Practice Manager), writes ...

Mill Stream Surgery Flu VaccinationsAlison Richmond (Practice Nurse), writes ...

It’s seasonal flu immunisation time again!Influenza (often referred to as flu) is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, mouth, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs) characterised by a fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue. For otherwise healthy individuals, flu is an unpleasant but usually self-limiting disease with recovery within two to seven days. Flu is easily transmitted and even people with mild or no symptoms can still infect others. The risk of serious illness from influenza is higher among children under six months of age, older people and those with underlying health conditions such as respiratory disease, cardiac disease or immunosuppression, as well as pregnant women. These groups are at greater risk of complications from flu such as bronchitis or pneumonia or in some rare cases, cardiac problems, meningitis and/or encephalitisIf you are aged 65 and over, or if you are under 65 and have • diabetes, • chronic heart disease • chronic lung disease• chronic renal disease• chronic liver disease• a suppressed immune system• asthma requiring continuous inhaled steroids, or have had an exacerbation requiring steroid tablets• stoke or TIA• pregnant at any stage of your pregnancy• carerDon’t leave yourself unprotected – put the date in your diaryWe will be running a DROP IN Saturday flu clinic, no appointment needed, on Saturday 16th September from 08:15 – 11:15. (Doors open at 08:15 so no need to arrive early)Another date will be available in September if you are unable to attend this clinic but the sooner you have the vaccination the sooner you are protected.Flu immunisation for Children aged 2, 3 or 4 on 1st September 2017

From October 2017, the vaccine, a nasal spray which is quick, effective and painless will continue to be extended to healthy children in school year 4 in England. Children aged 2 & 3 will be invited to receive the vaccination in the surgery only. Children in reception and school years 1, 2, 3 & 4 will be offered it at school and not provided for by the surgery.We will be writing to parents of children aged 2 and 3 years to invite them to book an appointment at the surgery – there is no need to contact us before you receive this letter. We will not be offering immunisation of children at our adult flu clinics. You can find more information about Children’s flu immunisation by going to http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/child-flu-vaccine.aspxChildren who have previously been admitted to hospital for lower respiratory tract infections are included in the flu vaccination campaign and will also be contacted by surgery.N.B. If you are coming to a flu vaccination clinic appointment, if you are able to walk here please do so, so as to save parking space for those needing to come by car.

Mill Stream Surgery is planning some work on our building to help improve our facilities. The work is due to start at the beginning of July 2017 and will take around 5 months.What are we doing?Our patient WC will also be upgraded during the work, to make it easier for patients with mobility difficulties to use. On the ground floor, we will be building into the overhang by the entrance to the surgery (up to the railings) to create two new rooms. One will be a small confidentiality room to give you the option to be able talk to the receptionists without being overheard. The other room will be a new office for our secretary.We will also be converting what is currently our secretary’s office into a new clinical room for minor surgery and other small procedures for patients. On our top floor we are also putting in a new administration office, by using space within the existing staff room.

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What does this mean for me?While this work is happening, we are going to have to close our car park. In order for ambulances to access the surgery in an emergency for our patients, the car park entrance will be also be coned off.You can help us by coming to the surgery on foot or by bike if you are able, to reduce demand on the public car park. If you need to come by car, please leave the spaces nearest the surgery for those least able to walk. Thank you for bearing with us during the disruption – we hope you will be pleased with the end result!

Mill Stream Surgery Update (Cont.) Sarah Denton (Practice Manager), writes ...

RAF Benson Community Primary School

Welcome back to another instalment form the RAF Benson Journalists! We have had another amazing month. Here is what we have been up to!Lilly – Choreographer Andy InstoneOn Friday,12 May we were fortunate enough to welcome the amazing choreographer, Andy Instone, to our school. He spent all day with us and taught each of the Key Stage 2 classes a dance. Throughout the day each Key Stage 2 class went into the hall to learn their dance with Andy and then we all performed the dances in the hall in front of the whole school and our parents. The day was amazing and everybody, even the teachers, joined in and enjoyed the fun!

Ruby – PilatesWe have a new after school activity at RAF Benson Primary School. Every Monday Key Stage 2 children can do Pilates [it’s an exercise which is like yoga] in the hall after school. The children get to learn different stretches and some of the children even get prizes! All the stretches have different names like ‘the jaguar’, ‘the knee up’ and other weird names. The lady who does the Pilates class is also doing an adult class for parents and teachers.Emily – Year 2 SATsDuring May, Year 2 children have been sitting their SATS! They had to do two Reading papers, two maths papers (an arithmetic and a reasoning paper) and a Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar paper. They obviously showed great effort and used their growth mindset to complete all the tests and their teachers were very proud of them all. How amazing are our Year 2s for sitting SATs tests when they are only 6 or 7 years old?!Ben – Kilvrough ManorKilvrough Manor is a house down in South Wales in the Gower Peninsular. Some Year 5 and Year 6 children went to spend a week there at the end of Summer Term 1 with some of the teachers and teaching assistants. The Year 5s and 6s were split into two groups; team A and team B. Throughout the week there were various activities such as canoeing, rock pooling, body boarding and surfing. Each day was different. The groups would go off with their team leaders (Ed and Rich) who would tell them to get their lunch and then they would jump on the coach ready for the day. It was a great experience for all the children and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The teachers

RAF Benson School at Kilvrough Manor

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Local Clubs & Societies Clubs Sec: Alice Jones-Evans

Bensington Society“Here’s flowers for you;Hot lavender, mints, savoury, marjoram;The marigold, that goes to bed wi’ the sunAnd with him rises weeping: these are flowersOf middle summer, and I think they are givenTo men of middle age..”Shakespeare - The Winter’s Tale, Act 4, Sc.4”

Middle age is more a memory for me these days – at best I can be said to loiter at its shady edge, wilting in the summer’s heat. And it has been a summer of sun and shade thus far this year – although I guess it would be foolish to tempt fate further on this subject. The Society’s talks ended their first part of the year with John Murphy’s Mary I: Tudor Thorn or Tudor Rose. They will resume on 29th September - Michaelmas Day no less – with Matthew Smaldon’s talk on Oxfordshire Veterans of World War II. Meanwhile we have had some summer outings to enjoy. In May, Exbury Gardens

were in a flood of colour as the Azaleas and Rhododendrons were in their peacock display. June’s trip took us to Tewkesbury Abbey. Tewkesbury is one of the finest Norman Abbeys to survive the Reformation. Its survival was in part due to the fact the townsfolk were willing to pay Henry VIII to keep it as their parish church. Its last Benedictine Abbot, John Wakeman, who surrendered the abbey to Henry without any resistance then became the first Bishop of Gloucester. Gloucester, Bristol, Oxford, Peterborough and Westminster were amongst the Henrician bishoprics created in the aftermath of the monastic dissolutions. Tewkesbury is most famous as the site of one of the last, bloodiest and ultimately defining battles of the so-called “Wars of the Roses”. The victorious Yorkist faction, led by Edward IV, pursued the fleeing Lancastrians into the abbey and in a blood-bath that followed they desecrated the church and violated its sanctuary. It took a month to clean the abbey of blood and the building was re-consecrated. It was famously the church of the Dispenser family whose line ended with Isabel Dispenser who married the Beauchamp Earls of Warwick. As Countess of Warwick, Isobel Dispenser was the direct ancestor of “Warwick the Kingmaker” – who played such a major part - a part made forever famous in Shakespeare’s histories - in establishing the glorious summer of the Yorkist Dynasty. The trip was therefore aptly at the height of this June’s heatwave but the drive could hardly have been more perfect and the weather ensured that ice cream was the order of the day!And so, summer comes with all its promise and the longed for long school holidays that eternally seems to make careless rapture of childhoods – at least from within the carefully boxed hedge of memory. For those still young enough for these dizzy pleasures I wish you the longest of long vacations: let school and exams and their heady troubles slumber whilst you play carefree in the sun. For some of us, let those childish reminiscence bathe everything in its warm glow the summer long. I’ve got some blackcurrants in the current wreckage of my garden. Time to bring out the jars and make some jellies and jams. John Murphy

RAF Benson Community Primary School (Cont.)

had a good time as well, we think!Calum – International CookathonOn Friday 9th June, RAF Benson Primary School held an International Cookathon. This was when each class had to cook some very appetising food in the morning to present to judges in the afternoon, just like in Masterchef! We had some very important judges visit in the afternoon who had to taste all the food that had been prepared earlier in the day for the ‘tasting’ assembly. All the children really enjoyed the cooking and the assembly and I hope the judges enjoyed it as much as we did. In the end, the winning class was Puma class with their Pebre and Hallulla.We are nearing the end of the school year however, there are a few more memories to be made before it is over. Check back next time to see what else we managed to squeeze in!Steph Fawdrey (Headteacher)

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Benson Garden Club We have had two garden outings lately. One was fairly local and then the highlight, for some, of the year, our coach trip. This was to the RHS garden at Hyde Hall, near Chelmsford, Essex. The lesser known garden of the RHS group, it was a first time for a lot of us and what a delight it was. The coach was not full so we had plenty of space (it was half term and a weekday, which may have been influential) but for those who made it, they had a wonderful day. Brilliant sunshine helped and a decent cafe, not too crowded and not too much walking to see it in all its glory. Definitely to be recommended and so nice to leave the driving to our very capable driver in a luxury coach with all mod cons, we encountered no problems on the two-hour journey. We also held our popular Plant Sale in the High Street last month. Lots of plants, lots of help and lots of customers. Our thanks to everyone. This will have enabled us to make our customary donation to the Mill Stream Day Centre. We continue our programme with visits and our garden social evening to look forward to. Penny Noble

Benson WI The May meeting of the Benson Women’s Institute was all about ‘Resolutions’ and ‘Celebrities’. The first resolution was that ‘This meeting calls on every WI and NFWI (National Federation of Women’s Institutes) to work alongside health and social care providers and their local community to raise awareness of the causes and impacts of loneliness, thus ensuring better identification of lonely people in order to be able to offer them the appropriate assistance and support’ and the second being ‘Microplastic fibres are shed from synthetic clothing with every wash and are the main contributors to microplastic contamination of the oceans. The NFWI calls on the Government and industry to research and develop innovative solutions to this problem in order to stop the accumulation of microplastic fibres in our oceans’. Following lively discussions both resolutions were supported unanimously by Benson WI members, and their decisions were to be carried forward by local area delegate to the National Federation Annual meeting in June. Although both issues are of importance to our community, members agreed that this WI would be able to assist in a more practical way with any issue as defined in the first resolution. All were in favour of promoting the Benson Volunteer Helpline (01491 825992) who are able to offer much more than volunteer transport, plus ‘The Silver Line’ (started by Dame Esther Rantzen) which is available on a 24-hour basis on 0800 470 8090 or at www.thesilverline.org.uk Over refreshments, the second half of our meeting saw us take part in a light hearted ‘Celebrities Identification Parade’ organised by Delia Carsberg and conducted by Brenda Hallett with prizes for the winners generously donated by Delia. Our raffle on the evening was won by Gwenda Feates and birthday cards and best wishes were given out to 4 of our members.At the next meeting on Wednesday 19th July, members will be going out to a ‘Bring and

Share’ Afternoon Tea organised by Brenda Hallett. Please contact Brenda on 01491 838584 for details of the venue and times. There will be no meeting in August but WI will return again on Wednesday 20th September for an ‘Open Meeting’ in Benson Parish Hall when we will open the evening up to anyone who would like to hear Stewart Linford tell the ‘Remarkable Story of The Windsor Chair’. Stewart is apparently a bit of a legend in furniture making circles and started making Windsor Chairs in High Wycombe over 35 years ago. Entry for non-members will be £3 to include refreshments.New members and visitors are more than welcome to Benson WI; assistance can be arranged for anyone wishing to attend but have mobility issues. Please contact our President Sandra Winterbone on 01491 202375 for further details regarding our group and any assistance that maybe required.Sue Brown

Local Clubs & Societies (Cont.) Clubs Sec: Alice Jones-Evans

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Wallingford Hockey ClubFollowing the success of the 2016-17 season with all of our teams consolidating league positions and the Men’s 3s gaining promotion, it is time to turn our attention to next season. Our five Men’s teams and four Ladies’ teams play across regional and local county leagues ensuring a team to suit all. Training and home matches take place at the Hithercroft, in Wallingford, where we have our own pitch, on-site parking, bar and new changing rooms and physio facilities. As well as offering seriously fun hockey on the pitch, we also have a thriving social scene with many events throughout the season and the summer, you will always find players in the bar after a match. Our Club is always looking for new members of all abilities, so whether you are current player looking for a new Club or looking to return to hockey after a while, we have something to offer you. There is no better time to join Wallingford Hockey Club as we are offering half price senior membership fees for new members for the 2017-18 season. The season runs from September – March with training commencing in August, so if

Wallingford Gardening ClubWallingford Gardening Club’s summer garden programme begins with a visit to The Filberts in North Moreton in mid-July, followed shortly by a visit to Chalkhouse Green Farm in early-August.Our visit to The Filberts, High Street, North Moreton, OX11 9AT will be heldat 6.30pm on Thursday 13th July.Filberts is a one acre garden demonstrating many different styles including a formal colour-themed garden with lily and fish ponds, island beds for old roses, architectural foliage, and grasses. There is a large informal pond, colourful mixed borders, secluded Japanese area and over 100 varieties of clematis, and also a formal parterre with roses and herbs, vegetable garden, fruit cage and orchard.Cost will be £4 which will include tea and

biscuits.Our host, Janet Prescott (horticultural lecturer) will be in attendance.Then on Thursday 3rd August at 6.30pm, we visit Chalkhouse Green Farm, RG4 9AL, near Kidmore End.(Take the A4074 from Wallingford towards Reading; turn left at The Fox at Cane End; then first right into Wood Lane, and follow road to Chalkhouse Green.)This is a one acre garden and open traditional farmstead, with herbaceous borders, herb garden, shrubs, old fashioned roses, trees including medlar, quince and mulberries, and a walled ornamental kitchen garden, and new cherry orchard. Rare breed farm animals including British White cattle, Suffolk Punch horses, donkeys, Berkshire pigs, chickens, ducks and turkeys.Cost will be £8 which will include refreshments. Visitors are very welcome at both these events.Isabelle Darby (01491- 836867)

Ewelme & Benson Cricket ClubThe club continues to thrive and has played some good matches so far this season, in the true spirit of friendly Sunday afternoon cricket. The results, 2 losses, 1 draw and 1 win, do not properly reflect the great Sunday afternoons enjoyed by the players and spectators alike.We have welcomed 7 new players to the side this season of all ages and abilities and would encourage anyone who wants to play to contact me at [email protected] the time you read this we will have had one of the highlights of the season, which is the President’s XI v Chairman’s XI, however there are plenty more matches to play this summer, the next few of which are:2nd July away to Blenheim 9th July home to Sydenham16th July home to Swyncombe23rd July away to Harwell30th July home to CholseyAll home matches are played at The Common in Ewelme starting at 2pm.Andrew Firth (Chairman - Ewelme & Benson Cricket Club)

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All types of general building work and repair•Renovations to properties including listed buildings•Replacement windows and doors•Repairs from Insurance Claims•Painting and Decorating•

Email: [email protected]: 01491 838797

www.roypasseybuilders.co.uk

Roy Passey BuildersAshcroft High Street Benson Oxon OX10 6RP

Extensions, driveways•Kitchen installation •Garage conversions•Fencing•

Roofing• Bespoke joinery (windows, doors, etc.)•

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Wallingford U3A

At our June Meeting Tony Hadland presented us with a well-researched and hugely enjoyable story of nearly ninety years of English history, through the life of Thomas Vatchell. Born in 1523, in the reign of Henry VIII, Thomas Vatchell lived through the reigns of four more monarchs, dying in the reign of James 1 at the age of 87. He belonged to an old Reading gentry family. His father had been active in the suppression of the monasteries under Henry VIII, particularly the Abbeys of Reading and Abingdon, and had accumulated huge wealth in the process. He passed this wealth on to his son. However, Thomas held to the Old Faith, and suffered for it. He became the most fined man in England. His wife left him and his wealth and estates were seized by governments as he refused to conform to the changes in religion imposed by changing monarchs. At the end of his life, however, his wife returned to look after him, and he died in peace knowing that his conscience was clear. After his death, a huge chest was discovered hidden in the house. It contained books and plate. Some of the books are now in the Bodleian Library and are a rare source of information about English life and the Church before the Reformation.

July 5th: Our next talk will be by Timothy Walker, who will speak about “ Tenerife - a botanical honeypot and evolutionary laboratory.” A must for anyone who has been or intends to go to Tenerife. August 2nd: Tony King. “The Way it was... Growing up in the forties and fifties. “

Our Meeting are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 2pm in Crowmarsh Village Hall. Visitors are always made welcome for the talk, and to meet and chat to members over tea and biscuits afterwards. For more information about what we do, about our various interest groups and activities please visit our website: Google: U3A Wallingford. if you would rather talk so someone then please phone Hermione on 01865 858 024 or Jill on 01491 835 994Deirdre Wilson

Wallingford Allotment & Garden Society (WAGS)

Just a reminder of the events coming up in July, Aug and Sept;Tues 11th July 7.30pm WAGS Gardener’s Question Time – all welcomeSaturday 19th August a coach trip to Coton Manor Gardens - These Gardens are north of Banbury and just northwest of Northampton and are reputedly amongst the finest in the country. Tickets are £18.50 which includes transport and entrance to the gardens. Pick up will be in Wallingford at 10:15 am and return at 6 pm approx. Please contact Barbara Caistor on 01491 835117 or email [email protected] to reserve a place, or pay in store – all welcome.Sept 9th WAGS Annual Show open to the public from 2pm, entry is free and the Roke and Benson brass band will be playing. The Show Schedule will be available to download in July http://www.wags-wallingford.com/autumn-show.html. Tues Sept 26th 7.30pm Show & Tell for gardeners who wish to share their finest efforts or best horticultural disaster! Please contact the Chairman via email if you would like to enter something ([email protected]) – all welcome.Apart from the coach trip, all events take place at Centre 70 off Goldsmith’s Lane, near the Kinecroft (where the WAG Store is located). Visitors £3 and free for WAGS members, you can join on the night, only £4 per calendar year per household.If you have a spare hour on a Saturday, we are looking for volunteers to help run our store, please come along at 11am on any Saturday and get involved.Jayne Page

you are looking for a seriously fun club to play hockey and a social way to stay fit then please take a look at www.wallingfordhc.org.uk and get in touch. Tim Chamberlain

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As we are right on your doorstep, why not come and join us this year?

• 4 all weather courts• flood lights• social & match play• coaching for all ages• junior & senior club nights• great value individual & family

For more information & contact details:

We are a friendly club with

excellent facilities!

www.bensontennisclub.co.uk

membership

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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. All concerned in its production and delivery are volunteers. 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 her discretion. Copy may be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. 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.

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

BBNA Committee Members:-Chair Jill Parrick 838634Treasurer Steve Guppy 839636Secretary Kate Hart 838689Advertising Anne Fowler 201734Clubs’ Sec Alice Jones-Evans07773323090 Distribution Ivor Allen 839003Editor Anne Fowler 201734 Patricia Baylis 826289

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

Benson Youth HallTable 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

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Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning by your local specialists. Most carpets dry within the hour! Which Trusted Trader. 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 [email protected] Find us on Facebook/CleanMachineLtdLady Gardener available for general garden maintenance, also home cleaning. Reasonable rates. Phone Diana on 07880 691704

The 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: [email protected]

AdvertisingTo advertise in the BB contact Anne Fowler

on 01491 201734 or [email protected]

Mobilise and Stretch A gentle yoga based remedial/beginners class to get you back moving following injury, illness or simply life! Benson Tuesdays 10.00 - 11.30. Contact Wendy 07754 500117 / 01491 838786 [email protected]

Wallingford Country MarketEvery Friday, Regal Centre,

Wallingford 8.30 -11.15 Fresh Home Baking, Hand Crafted itemsWallingford Local Producers

MarketEvery Saturday morning 10am - 1pm

Regal Centre, WallingfordLocal products for local people

Pet sitting and dog walking. Please contact Julie on 07745 887545. Email [email protected] on request.

Documents

CONTENTS · 2017-07-03 · [email protected] or deliver/send them to Benson Parish Hall Benson Library Opening Hours Monday 2-6pm Tuesday 9-12.30pm 2-5pm Wednesday Closed all