Commemorative Tree Planting

Parks and Gardens

Jubilee Events

Didcot Diary Didcot Diary

Issue 2 Issue 2 –– July 2012 July 2012

Welcome to the second edition of the Didcot Diary, we hope you enjoyed the first issue and

found the mix of local news and events to your liking.

The first weekend in June was Jubilee weekend and we know that many celebrations took place

in town. We would like to compile a record of how Didcot celebrated HM the Queen’s Diamond

Jubilee so please send us your photos and stories of your celebrations.

It’s jubilee all year and we have most of our celebration still to come so please join us at one of

our events and keep the celebrations going all year. See page 4 or the website ,

www.didcot.gov.uk, or call us on 01235 812637 for more information.

ContentsContents

Jubilee CelebrationsJubilee Celebrations

Parks & GardensParks & Gardens

Fun Run & 5 Mile RaceFun Run & 5 Mile Race

AllotmentsAllotments

Frequently asked QuestionsFrequently asked Questions

Fishing at Ladygrove LakesFishing at Ladygrove Lakes

Advice from CABAdvice from CAB

Free InsulationFree Insulation

Cow Lane Tunnel ClosureCow Lane Tunnel Closure

Jubilee Prize WinnerJubilee Prize Winner

WhatWhat’’s on at the Civic Halls on at the Civic Hall

Page numberPage number

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5 & 6 5 & 6

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Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Celebrations for HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee have begun in earnest. Many Didcot

residents had street parties or other events during the bank holiday weekend. Please send

in your pictures and stories and let us know how you celebrated, any received may be used

in a commemorative book later in the year which will act a permanent memento of a wonderful

summer.

On Tuesday 24th May HM Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee was

celebrated with the planting of four new trees in Smallbones Rec and in the

Garden of Remembrance.

Elms used to form an avenue down Britwell Road many decades ago and

the Jubilee planting has reintroduced these trees.

A red Oak was planted near to the Meadows for good autumn colour and a

fine English Oak was planted overlooking the war memorial.

The Mayor, Councillor Mr Peter Read came along to help put the final touches to the planting,

he can be seen with his spade on the front cover and below.

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At the planting the Mayor said:

"These trees stand for particular

characteristics:

The oaks stand for resilience,

fortitude and strength, the elms

for grace and charm.

Our Queen has shown these

qualities in abundance during

her sixty years on the throne

and they combine to make a

fitting tribute to her Diamond

Jubilee celebration and as a

lasting memory to her

achievements."

The Mayor is pictured above standing by the English Oak that was planted in the

Garden of Remembrance.

The Diamond Jubilee Garden

Work has commenced on the Diamond Jubilee Garden. This includes a central Gazebo

with stone circle base with circular shrub beds.

There are also some flowering trees as a back drop which have been carefully selected to

provide variety and colour. The trees include 2 types of Crab apple: Evereste is red in

flower bud before turning white and Rudolph has copper-red to bronze green leaves and

red-rose flowers.

There are 2 trees planted for yellow leaf colour – a Honey Locust called Sunburst. Another

2 trees are for winter flower: the autumn flowering Cherry with semi double pink flowers

which show bloom over a prolonged period between November and March, a welcome

sight in the dark winter months.

As with so much other outside work the weather has been against us in the creation of the

garden but when completed it will supply plenty of colour throughout the months and years

to come and be a fitting tribute to HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

You can see step by step how the garden was created on our website at

www.didcot.gov.uk/Diamond-Jubilee-Garden

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Still to come this year is the Picnic in the Park and the Family Disco.

The Picnic in the Park will be a fun afternoon for all the family with bouncy castles,

face painting, demonstrations by local clubs, children’s activity tent, nail art, bead and

jewellery making and a Jubilee Jam on the Skate Park. All kicked off by a truck pull

around Ladygrove by the Thong Rangers.

Come along to Ladygrove Park on Saturday 14th July at 12.30pm and join in the fun!

The Family Disco is taking place on Saturday 15th September in the Civic Hall. More

details later.

The garden will be formally named by Dr Robin

Buxton, Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire at

1.30pm on Sunday 24th June. The naming

ceremony will be followed by a tea dance at 2pm in

the Civic Hall.

These events are free so come along

and help us celebrate.

Postponement of six a side football

tournament

The recent run of unseasonal cold and very wet

weather has affected outside events.

The six aside County Tournament which has been

hosted with Didcot Town Football Club for many

years was postponed due to the ground being

water logged.

The volunteer organisers always put in a lot of

hard work to ensure the event runs smoothly but

some things are beyond control.

The event has been rescheduled for 7th and 8th

July and hopefully we will have had enough rain

by then!

Ducks enjoying the

rain in

Edmonds Park

Parks and Gardens

Grass Cutting

The weather conditions have also disrupted the grass cutting schedule.

The grass is growing very quickly and the gardeners are struggling to

get all the grass cut between downpours.

If any areas are of particular concern please contact us by email,

council@didcot.gov.uk, or phone 01235 812637 and the issue will be

attended to as quickly as possible, or, if it is an area maintained by the

District Council we request them to take action.

In terms of grass cutting it has been a difficult year so far but we will

endeavour to get the verges back in order as soon as possible and

every

effort will be made to get the grass cutting back on schedule.

In late June the grass growth often slows down. Hopefully that will

happen this year and it will be possible to catch up and the grass verges

in town will be ooking as neat as we all like to see them.

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Flower Beds

The hosepipe ban introduced in the South East of England earlier in the year applied to local

authorities as well as private residences and has influenced some of the decision making

with regard to summer planting in parks and gardens in town.

It was decided to only plant the flower beds areas around the Civic Hall and at the cemetery

with bedding plants as these sites have easy access to water which would enable effective

use of watering cans.

The flower beds along Broadway would be harder to supply with sufficient water to keep

plants healthy so they were sown with hardy annual seeds as these are more able to cope

with the unusual weather conditions.

The seed that has been sown includes popular

varieties such as: Cornflower, Poppies, Cosmos,

Love in a mist, Lavatera, Marigolds, and

Sunflowers.

One bed is full of mixed seed especially

attractive for pollenating insects, wildlife and

birds.

When the sun eventually decides to shine again

these will create a very colourful display.

Hanging Baskets

Some residents have commented on the

lack of hanging baskets in town this year as

they brighten up the Broadway with their

colourful blooms.

Hanging baskets require lots of water to

keep the plants healthy. Without the use of

hosepipes it would be difficult to keep the

displays in good condition so regretfully it

was decided not to plant any this year.

It is hoped that next year the weather

conditions will return to normal and the

hanging baskets can be brought back.

Ladygrove Lakes

Finally, an area where the rain has been

very welcome, the water level in the

Ladygrove Lakes has risen by several

inches and conditions are ideal for the fish.

There are several fishing events scheduled

to take place at the lakes in the next month

or two, including the Environment Agency

come fishing day, the junior fishing match

and Jim’s Charity Match.

More information about these events can

be found on page 8.

Fun Run & Five Mile Race

This years fun run and five mile race (Didcot 5) events will

take place in Ladygrove Park on Sunday 1st July, runners

will start from the WIllowbrook Leisure Centre.

The 5 mile race starts at 9.30am followed by the fun run at

10.45am.

If registered in advance entry to the Didcot 5 costs

£10 or £8 for affiliated members of Runners World,

entry to the fun run costs £3. Alternatively, entrants can register on the day for an extra £1.

To register on line or for more information go to www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent

Profits from the run will go the Mayors charities, Restore and the Alzheimer’s Society, both

based locally.

For reasons of safety the Cow Lane Tunnel will be closed between 9.30 – 10am and Tyne

Avenue will be closed between 9.30 – 11.30am. It is hoped that this will cause minimum

disruption and local residents are thanked for their patience.

Come along and support this fun event

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Allotments

There are 5 allotments sites in Didcot which are proving to be extremely sought after,

despite the current weather conditions, but the good news is that the current waiting

lists are probably the shortest that they have been for some time.

Waiting lists are as follows:

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Unfortunately, even with shorter waiting lists it is not possible to estimate how long the

wait to be allocated a plot will be but regular inspections take place and any plot

holders who are not working their plot are asked to do so or vacate which frees up

plots for re-allocation.

BUSES Is it correct that the X32 and 312 bus timetable has changed? I only picked

up a booklet with all the bus times in a couple of weeks ago?

Yes! This route has changed-so too has the X39/40 Oxford, Wallingford to Henley

route. You can pick up an up to date copy from the Information Centre.

OVERGROWN UNDERGROWTH It’s nice to see that the hosepipe ban has been

lifted! BUT all this rain has really made the vegetation grow, especially along the

footpaths. If you don’t wear trousers or you can risk getting stung by thistles and

brambles. Who should be cutting these back so that the footpaths are kept clear?

The Highways Department of Oxfordshire County Council have a duty to maintain

free passage along the footpaths that they are responsible for. They have a schedule

for cutting back vegetation, if you would like to find out when the undergrowth will be

cut in your area call 0845 3101111 or e-mail highway.enquiries@oxfordshire.gov.uk .

Information CentreInformation Centre

Frequently AskedFrequently Asked

QuestionsQuestions

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In the information Centre we have noticed that

Some questions tend to get asked more often than

others. In this section we aim to provide answers

To some recurring issues.

Fishing at Ladygrove lakes

The next few months look like being very busy for the fish at Ladygrove lakes. The

Ladygrove Fishing Association has arranged two fishing matches that are scheduled to take

place during June.

The Junior Fishing match takes place on Friday 22nd June, the draw will be at 4.15 pm

with fishing from 5 – 8pm. Entrants are in two age groups, under 13 years and 13-16 years.

The entry list is at Acorn Angling, entry cost £1. Prizes will be presented by the Mayor,

Councillor Mr Peter Read.

On Sunday 24th June the annual Jim’s Charity Match, will take place. The draw will be at

draw at 8 am with fishing from 9 am – 1 pm. The Challenge and Master’s Cup will be

presented after weigh-in. The Entry fee is £5 which all goes to Cancer Research in memory

of Jim Goodall the founder Club Secretary.

Even if you do not take part it is worth coming to see the weigh-in where you get a good look

at the fish in the lake. They are remarkable.

And don’t forget to look out for information about the Environment Agency’s “come fishing

day”. The date has not yet been confirmed but is likely to be sometimes in August.

I have been hearing a lot lately about payment protection

insurance and banks having to pay out to customers

Affected. I have one of these policies and I believe it

might have been mis-sold to me. What should I do to get

My money back?

If the company who sold you payment protection knew it was wrong for you, or didn't check

on your circumstances properly before selling it to you, (for example, the policy doesn't

cover self-employed people and you're self-employed), you may be able to make a claim

for mis-selling.

This means that the company has sold you a policy when they shouldn't have done, and

you may be able to cancel the policy and get a refund. If you think you've been mis-sold

PPI for any reason, you can make a complaint to the company that sold you the policy.

You may want to get help from an experienced adviser to do this. You may also want to

use

our sample PPI complaints letter to help you complain about mis-selling. Go to the Citizens

Advice website www.adviceguide.org.uk for a downloadable copy.

If you don't get anywhere with the company which sold you the policy, you may need to

refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. You should use the complaint

form on their website at: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.

The major banks have written to customers they believe may have been missold PPI. If

you have received a letter, it will explain the steps you need to take next.

Finally, beware of companies offering to help you with a claim – many such offers are a

front for a scam designed to get you to hand over bank card details or shell out money you

will never see again. Others do offer a service but this can work out very expensive and

can eat up all the compensation you get, or even leave you in debt. Some cold call or send

text messages out of the blue – these are best ignored and deleted.

Copyright Citizens Advice. For the most up-to-date version of this information, please visit

the Advice guide website at www.adviceguide.org.uk. Further information is also available

from Didcot CAB at Dales, 9-15 High Street, Didcot OX11 8EQ or 08444 111 444.

Advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau on Payment Protection Insurance

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Are you interested in getting more involved in the arts? Are you interested in getting more involved in the arts?

The Didcot Arts Forum (DAF) has been responsible for many a good night out in Didcot during

The past 20+ years.

The current Chair has decided not to continue in post after August this year so DAF is

looking to appoint a new Chair and they are always interested in recruiting new members to

group so if you are Interested in becoming involved or want to know more contact Councillor

Mrs E Hards on 01235 510146.

GET YOUR HOME INSULATED FOR FREE WITH COCOON

Do your energy bills seem to be on the rise? Cocoon is offering cavity wall and loft

insulation for free to householders in Great Britain.

Cocoon, run by the United Sustainable Energy Agency, is now able to offer free loft and

cavity wall insulation to householders across Great Britain.

Having your home insulated is one way to bring your heating costs down. According to the

Energy Saving Trust, the average gas-heated, semi-detached home with three bedrooms

could save up to £135 every year, just by insulating your cavity walls.

Although Cocoon can offer free insulation, homeowners should be aware that if their

house is larger than average, or if extras such as scaffolding or core vents are required

a charge may be made for these. Also, if you already have loft insulation a charge may

be made to top it up.

However, Cocoon are offering a free, no obligation survey which would identify if any

costs would be incurred before any work takes place.

For more information, or to arrange a survey, visit the Cocoon website at

www.cocoonyourhome.co.uk or call 0800 80 48 777.

Cow Lane Tunnel Closure

Oxfordshire County Council have advised that the Cow Lane Tunnel will be closed from 2nd

July to enable underpass improvement works to be carried. It is estimated that this work

will take 7 days to complete.

Access will maintained for emergency service vehicles and pedestrians.

If you would like more information please contact Oxfordshire County Council on 0845 310

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Jubilee Prize winner

Congratulations go to local company, Well Preserved, on

winning

first prize at the East Hanney Jubilee fete with their strawberry

and rhubarb jam.

Jeanette Howse from Well Preserved said that inspiration for the

jam came from:

“wanting to produce a jam that makes the most of two very

English flavours…”

The jam will be available for a limited time only from

jeanette@well-preserved.co.uk10

What’s on @ the Civic Hall

SPECIAL EVENTS

Celebrate HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at the naming of the new Diamond Jubilee Garden at the rear

of the Civic Hall on Sunday 24th June @ 1.30pm. This is immediately followed by a FREE tea dance on

Sunday @ 2pm.

On the 30th June Didcot Arts Forum present a rock & roll evening with disco and Billy & and Bonques.

Tickets cost just £6 each if brought in advance or £8 if brought on the door. Doors open at 7.30pm Tickets

are available from the Information Centre (01235 812637) or Didcot Civic Hall (01235 512436)

REGULAR EVENTS

SOCIAL:-

CEROC MODERN JIVE DANCE NIGHT. Beginners welcome. No need to bring a partner. Experts on hand to

guide you through the moves. Every Thursday from 8.00pm.

SYNERGY. A contemporary song and dance performance group. New talent always welcome. Meet from

7.30pm Thursdays.

BALLROOM DANCING. Usually one Friday night within the month. Contact the hall for future dates.

DIDCOT LADIES AFTERNOON GROUP. Meet every third Wednesday in the month from 2.15pm.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE EVENING GROUP. Meet every third Wednesday in the month from 8.00pm.

GENERAL INTEREST:-

ROYAL SOCIETY for PROTECTION of BIRDS. Every third Monday in the month September to May inclusive

from 7.30pm.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION ART CLASS. Every Thursday during school term time from 9.30am.

DIDCOT ART SOCIETY. The last Tuesday in the month starting from 8.00pm.

FITNESS:-

YOGA. Every Tuesday from 6.00pm. ZUMBA. Every Tuesday from 7.00pm.

PILATES. Every Thursday (apart from the first one of the month). Starts 6.30pm.

SUPPORT:-

HAND OF FRIENDSHIP. A gathering for the elderly and infirm. First Tuesday of the month from 2.30pm.

CARERES OXFORDSHIRE. Carers coffee break group for a bit of time off with fellow carers. Every third

Wednesday of the month from 2.00pm.

OXFORDSHIRE MIND. The Mind Wellbeing Service provides information, short courses and peer support.

Every Thursday from 10.00am.

DIDCOT ACCESS GROUP. Meet every two months providing a forum for the disabled. Check with the hall

for meeting times.

CIVIC HALL CONTACTS

For further information please contact Colin Wynn on 01235 512436 or civichall@didcot.gov.uk or write or

call in to Civic Hall, Britwell Road, Didcot, Oxon OX11 7JN.

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All meetings commence at 7.30pm. The Council operates a policy of publicparticipation at Council and committee meetings.

For further information contact Karen Dodd at The Information Centre, by telephone 01235 812637 or email: townclerk@didcot.gov.uk

All meetings are held in the Civic Hall.

2nd Finance and General Purposes9th Personnel and Administration 16th Environment 25th Planning and Development30th Finance and General Purposes

20th Finance and General Purposes (if required)22nd Planning and Development