Hello everybody.  I hope all is going well as some of the lockdown measures are being lifted.  The village support group remains in place and is here to help anyone and everyone during these difficult times.

Lockdown Spotlight.  This week’s lockdown spotlight falls on a couple who have been at the very heart of village life for the past 26 years, Mike and Pauline Durham.  There have been few, if any, community events over the past two decades that have not seen Mike and Pauline heavily involved.  Whether it be summer fetes, the Great Coxwell playground or the Lockdown Support Group, they have been central to all that is great about Great Coxwell.  In each of these many activities, their quiet (well maybe not in Mike’s case – He has a reputation for a booming voice!) Christian values have shone through.

The Durham’s moved to ‘Spicers’, (bottom left of the village next to Church Lees) in 1994, and then moved round the corner to Oak House in 2007,  Oak House sits in the grounds of what was once John Webb’s wood yard.  Mike’s association with Great Coxwell began many years before their arrival in the 1990s.  He was one of eight siblings, growing up with six sisters and one brother.  Five of them were born whilst the family lived in Berry Hill Cottage, not a stone’s throw from the Durhams’ current abode.  Indeed, Mike’s father and his uncle used to plough (with horses) the fields on Monty Webb’s farm over 80 years ago.  (Monty was Jez and Pete Webb’s grandfather.)  So unsurprisingly, Mike has always had a strong attachment to Great Coxwell.

For the record, Mike’s uncle, on his mother’s side, was James Leonard Wearn, a name that appears on the village War Memorial.  James was killed during the Salerno landings, Italy, in September 1943.
Mike was Managing Director of SW Group Logistics for many years whilst Pauline completed her teaching career as Deputy Head of Ferndale School, Faringdon.  She still works as a volunteer for the National Trust Educational Department, based at the Coleshill Estate.  Their kids, Adam and Sophie have flown the nest now.  Adam has followed his father’s footsteps into logistics whilst Sophie is Deputy Head of Department at Walthamstow Girls’ School.

Mike served on the Parish Council for 16 years, and was Chairman for 5 of those years.  A natural leader, he brought vitality and compassion to the role.  The Durhams remain fully involved in the Village, making contributions to Art Weeks, the monthly Cream Teas, the annual Fete, the Christmas Fare and the Park development.  Their other passions including their Allotment, where things are now getting very competitive (!), and local walks, which they have explored with worrying enthusiasm during lockdown.
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How has lockdown been for you?  The Durhams have taken advantage of lockdown to get really fit.  They have walked sections of the d’Arcy Dalton Way, during lockdown!  Pauline said that they have always walked but that lockdown has given them the chance to explore new walks that they were previously unaware of.  Their big concern is that their daughter Sophie’s wedding, due to take place on 24th October, will be able to go ahead.

What’s been the most difficult thing about lockdown?  They both agreed that they have missed family very badly – particularly their new grandson, Jackson.

Any tips on lockdown?  ‘Get out more, get to know your neighbours better, and bake more cakes!’ said Pauline.  She is an avid and excellent cake-maker.  She is also a jigsaw puzzler, and has completed six 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles during lockdown.  On the other hand, Mike is a quick crossword addict, and is now half-way through his second Daily Telegraph, Quick Crossword book since incarceration in lockdown.  Each book consists of over 300 crosswords!  His aim is to complete a quick crossword in 7 minutes.

By the way…  Did you know that the d’Arcy Dalton Way was named after Colonel d’Arcy Dalton, who was a founder member of the Oxford Field Path Society.  The walk was created in his honour and runs for 66 miles from Fenny Compton to Wayland Smithy.

More pictures of Great Coxwell from the past

Here are two more pictures of Great Coxwell from years gone by.  The first is a photograph of the junction from the 1960s.  The second is a map from 1659 showing the village divided into ownership segments possibly identifying the parcels of land required to make their tythe contributions to the diocese, which were then stored in the Tythe Barn. (with thanks again to Andrew Whiting).  Tythes were normally one tenth part of agricultural produce set apart ‘as an offering to God’, regarded as an obligation or tax for the support of the church.

That’s all for this week.  Stay safe everyone.

Mandy  xxxx
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Officially the NHS clapping is over, but the doorstep concerts will continue at Stonevale for a few weeks more.

Tonight at 8pm we will perform two pieces:

Allegro brilliante by Ten Have, for the Classical lovers (Katherine and Lynette)

Let it Be by The Beatles, for the Pop folk (Richard and the GC band)

All depending on the kindness of the weather of course!
Thanks,
Lynette
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Welcome to the first day of the month!  I hope everyone in the village is coping with this extended period of lockdown.  At least we are now permitted to meet in groups of six in our gardens, which is progress!

Our prescription service continues to be heavily used, and Jonny Farrow still picks up prescriptions from Faringdon and Shrivenham each week.  Don’t hesitate to give me a call if you are in need of any help in this regard.  And thank you to those volunteers who continue to provide support to households across the village.  Again, if you need any help or support, please make contact with me.  I am sure I will be able to find a willing volunteer to provide support where needed.

Lockdown Spotlight.  This week’s ‘Lockdown Spotlight’ falls on the Carney family, who live at Whitfields, just round the corner from the Tythe Barn.  The Carneys comprise Shaun and Debbie and their sons Liam (23) and Ryan (21) and their daughter Caitlin (19).

The Carney’s are an extraordinary family.  They are all both numerate and sporty.  Shaun is a very keen golfer, along with Liam, and is Chief Finance Officer for Signet, an international jewellery business.  Shaun was Captain of Wrag Barn Golf Club in 2018, an appointment which involved a huge commitment for the family in what was a busy year.  Debbie was a highly competitive athlete in her younger days, competing in the national AAA championships in the 200m event, but now focuses on her role as Chief Finance Officer for Swindon Town Football Club (Division 2 Champions – Hurrah!). The kids are all at University now, Bournemouth (Liam and Caitlin) or Plymouth (Ryan), and all reading finance, IT, accountancy or business studies.  Liam is about to complete his final year in the odd circumstances of Covid 19 lockdown, and due to move to his first job, having been offered a position at the Martin Baker company in Uxbridge….ejector seats etc.
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Caitlin is clearly one of those young women who can do anything she wants once she puts her mind to it.  Encouraged by her dad, she took up golf and became Wrag Barn Junior champion and also played at County level for Wiltshire.  She stopped playing at the age of 18, (it was boring!) , but continues to play Netball and represents Bournemouth University.  She plays Rounders and already has an England cap in that sport too!

Shaun, Debbie and family moved to Great Coxwell 5 years ago from Faringdon.  They previously spent time in the USA, in Atlanta, Georgia, which is where Caitlin was born.  They admitted to one rather dubious piece of information about their holidays.  They are enthusiastic visitors to Disneyland, Orlando, Florida.  When I say enthusiastic, I mean they have holidayed there 14 times so far…Now I can understand a young family enjoying Disneyland once, when the kids are 4, 5 or 6.  But 14 times!!!.  And the Carney kids are 19, 21 and 23!  Come on!  Below is photographic evidence of the Carneys enjoying themselves once again in Florida at ‘Toy Story Land’.

How are you finding lockdown?  Debbie admitting to enjoying lockdown.  She said that she really enjoys the children being at home and working from home too.  They sit down to meals together and are clearly a very close-knit family.  When pressed, Caitlin admitted that it was a bit boring, and judged Great Coxwell as not the most exciting place to live for a 19 year old.  I felt that was a bit harsh.  After all, we do have a reading room, a church and a thriving WI movement.  What more does a young woman want?

What’s the worst thing about lockdown?  They all agreed that being cooped up is beginning to get a bit wearing.  At least the golf course is opening up Shaun.
By the way, An interesting fact about Shaun Carney.  He is related to Noel Coward!  One of Noel Coward’s famous quotes is, ‘Work is much more fun than fun’.  Really!

Great Coxwell.  1960s.
The Tythe Barn and its environs 60 years ago, courtesy of Andrew Whiting.

That’s all this week.  Stay safe.
Mandy xxx
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Songs from movies tomorrow night!

1. Ladies in Lavender  (Lynette and Katherine)
2. Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Great Coxwell Band)
3. My Favourite Things from Sound of Music (Great Coxwell Band)

This week Katherine and Lynette - Beethoven - Spring Sonata, 1st movement.

Spring Sonata

Lockdown Spotlight.  Paul Kent

Headline news.  Social worker spotted in Great Coxwell masquerading as Royal Mail postman!

Disturbing evidence is coming to light that a community social worker, Mr Paul Kent of Hayden Wick has been spotted in Great Coxwell masquerading as a local postman.  Great Coxwell Support Group Newsletter’s editor has been approached by a number of residents who have been observing Mr Kent chatting to neighbours (whilst social distancing, of course), and asking them how they are doing, whilst also delivering the post.  Alarmingly, he comes into the village most days dressed in a Royal Mail uniform and he even drives a red Royal Mail van!...

In further developments, Paul has been seen fraternising with residents’ dogs and leaving them biscuits when delivering the mail.  One local man was interviewed and alleged that Mr Kent has become very popular with pretty much every dog in the village.  He said ‘How does my guard dog stand a chance?  He is supposed to warn off visitors but nowadays he just pines by the door each morning until Paul turns up with his biscuit.  It’s a hopeless situation!’

On a more serious note, Paul has been delivering mail to our community for the past 27 years.  He was brought up in Stanford-in-the-Vale, is married to Karen and has a son, Matthew.  Paul’s daily postal round for the past 16 years starts in Faringdon and includes both Little and Great Coxwell, Buscot, Buscot Wick and Eaton Hastings.  Throughout Lockdown, he has had to come into work even earlier than normal, at 5.15 each morning to allow the post to be sorted whilst keeping to social distancing rules.  On good days, he finishes at around 2.15 in the afternoon.  Known by everyone in Great Coxwell, Paul has earned a reputation for his extraordinary kindness and consideration.  What is clear is that he loves his job and shows a genuine interest in the people he serves.
  
What you may not know is that Paul and Karen have had some challenges over the years looking after Matthew, their son.  Matthew was born prematurely, at 25 weeks and suffers from both heart and lung conditions and Cerebral Palsy.  He had to be provided with oxygen support for the first 7 years of his life, so the house was fitted with leads and pipes to allow him to move around.  As a youngster, Matthew was unable to play with other kids, but he has had great support in recent years from Crowdys Hill Special Needs School.

Matthew lives at home with Mum and Dad and has been assessed as in the ‘vulnerable category’ throughout the Covid 19 pandemic.  So much of Paul’s spare time has been devoted to keeping Matthew safe.

What has been the most difficult thing about lockdown?  ‘I have found it really difficult not being able to meet up and get close to my wider family.’

How have you found the lockdown?  ‘Ok, but ensuring I keep my distance from people during work is challenging.’

Any tips on lockdown?  ‘Enjoy your time at home!  It’s not a bad thing spending time with your nearest and dearest!’

We are very lucky to have Paul as our very own postman.  Thank you, Paul, from all of us in Great Coxwell!

That’s all this week.  I thought it might be helpful to include some useful contact details in this edition of the Newsletter (see below).

Stay Safe and best regards

Mandy xxx

Important Contact Details (for reference)

Great Coxwell Support Group - Mandy Burns. Tel 01367 240142.  [email protected]   
Great Coxwell Community Fund.  Pam Smith – 01367240233
Newsletter – [email protected]
Great Coxwell Parish Council – [email protected]
111 on Line -  https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/  Call 111 if you can’t get on line.

Elm Tree Surgery, Shrivenham - 01793 782207
The White Horse Surgery, Faringdon – 01367 242388
Shrivenham Pharmacy - 01793 783336
Shrivenham Post Office - 01793 782260

Help lines and support networks
Oxfordshire All In - A central hub for Community Support Groups
County Council - 01865 897820 [email protected]   
District Council -  01235 422 600 [email protected]
Therapy and self-development network https://www.otscentre.co.uk/  
MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing
Citizens Advice - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk 0300 330 9042

Local Food Supplies
Bloomfield’s Fine Food - 01793 783999: [email protected]
Coleshill Organics – 01793 861070
Hinton Marsh Farm Shop - 07968 866323 [email protected] 
Farmer Gows, Longcot - 01793 780555 [email protected]
Pat Thomas Butchers, Faringdon -  01367 240551  [email protected]
Andrews Butchers Highworth – 01793 762085 [email protected]

Local Take Away Food service
The Eagle, Little Coxwell – 01367 241879
The Snooty Mehmaan. Littleworth – 01367 242260
The Harbour Fish and Chips, Faringdon – 01367 244094
The Barrington Arms, Shrivenham- 01793 784692 
The Crown, Shrivenham - 01793 784584 
Prince of Wales, Shrivenham - 01793 782268 / 07876632586 
Gulshan Brasserie, Shrivenham - 01793 782388

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For those of you who missed the performances last week - you can see the videos below, thanks to all the performers!

Memory
A Whole New World
Bare Necessities

More this week when Katherine and Lynette will play the first movement of the Spring Sonata by Beethoven.

Lockdown Spotlight – Dan and Ainslie Williams

This week, our Lockdown Spotlight shines on Dan and Ainslie Williams and their daughters, Mabry (11) and Wren (7).  The Williams live at Danes Cottage, right next to the post box.  They moved to Great Coxwell four years ago, after 13 years residing in Faringdon, in a cottage beside the Crown hotel.  Dan met Ainslie at Dundee University – she still has parents in Scotland.  For Dan, who has worked in the biotech science industry for many years, a new opportunity in the town of Delft, The Netherlands came along in January, which had meant living away from the family for four nights a week.  Of course, the Lockdown has changed all that for the moment, and Dan works from the kitchen table now, ‘Skyping’, ‘Face Timing’ and ‘Teaming’ his colleagues in Holland each day.  Dan’s work is intriguing and could ultimately have an impact on all our lives.  He is involved in a project to grow meat from single cells (!), thus diminishing the impact of world beef production on the environment….wow!

Ainslie’s events business is also on hold.  She was looking forward to another Tythe Barn event, planned for 7/8 June but now postponed until late summer (perhaps).  She is definitely planning on a bumper event next year!
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Mabry (Faringdon CC) and Wren (Longcot Primary) are also at home, missing friends badly now, but enjoying the sunshine and the garden.  Their dog, Rory, (2) isn’t too bothered as long as he gets his walks and is pampered.  His speciality trick is to eat any promising flowers in their garden!

How has Lockdown been for you?  Well, for Dan, working from home has had its benefits with the luxury of kids and dog at home.  He doesn’t like being shut away in his office, preferring the mayhem in the kitchen as his working environment.  Ainslie enjoys listening to the piano practice next door each evening.

What has been most difficult about the lockdown?  For Ainslie, it’s been not seeing Mum and Dad.  They normally descend on them from Scotland once a month, and have a holiday house in Faringdon, so that they can be close to the Williams family.  But all is on hold for the moment.

By the way, Dan rides a motorbike but life on two wheels started badly.  His second day on the Advanced motorbike driving course saw him crash before he even got out of Faringdon, and two days before he was due to trade it in for his super new BMW….

Village life from yesteryear.

Some photographs courtesy of John Gould and Jo Hankinson.  See if you can work out where each was taken from….Who is outside the alehouse, and who are the cyclists??

That’s all this week.

Best regards  

Mandy  xx
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On Thursday the “Great Coxwell Lockdown Band” will perform three popular songs from Musicals. The band is growing, and as being outside is now a little more relaxed, anyone who would like to play along are welcome to join us at a safe distance. Email Lynette at [email protected] if you would like a copy of the music.
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VE Day.  Friday 8th May 1945.

Not many Great Coxwell residents remember VE Day.  But, seventy-five years ago, Ted Nieass, (Sandcroft), was a twenty-year old RAF pilot as the war in Europe came to an end.  What were his memories of VE Day?  Our investigative reporter went to find out!  It turns out that Ted was the other side of the Atlantic on 8th May 1945.  His WW2 story begins three years earlier, when at the age of just 18, he volunteered to become an RAF pilot and was summoned to Lords Cricket Ground, of all places, to be inducted into the RAF.  Amusingly, Ted remembers being put up, eight to a room, in commandeered luxury flats in Maida Vale.  London Zoo was their temporary cookhouse…The wild animals had packed their bags and been evacuated to Whipsnade Zoo, apart from the monkeys, who remained!

Roll forward to November 1944, and Ted arrives in Terrel, Texas, to begin his flying training at the No 1 British Flying Training School.  At this stage in the war, all flying training was overseas, either Canada, the USA or Southern Rhodesia.  He began his training on Stearman PT-18 bi-planes, and then graduated to the Harvard, (AT-6) Trainer.  His instructors were all American commercial pilots.  (One of the other students at Terrel was the actor, Robert Hardy.)  Ted’s life in Terrel was wonderful.  The RAF aircrew were thoroughly spoilt by the local population.  Indeed, the town still keep in contact with their Allied guests and publish an annual BFTS newsletter!

Ted recalls that VE Day was not hugely celebrated in Texas, for understandable reasons. The war in the Pacific was still raging in May 1945, and the US were taking heavy casualties in that theatre.  Ted returned to the UK on the Queen Mary on his 21st birthday in July 1945, and married Joan the following year.

When the glut of pilots subsided after the war, Ted went on to become a jet fighter pilot in the fifties and sixties, finishing his flying career leading an RAF training team with the Kenya Air Force in the mid-seventies, before a posting to RMCS Shrivenham and retiring from the service in 1979. He then spent six years as Bursar at Christs Hospital Girls' School in Hertford finally coming home to Great Coxwell in 1986.  He was soon persuaded to become Parish Clerk; a job that lasted for thirteen years, while Joan was WI Treasurer during ten of them.
Ted has one daughter, Jenny, three grandsons, Christopher, Martyn and Jonathan, all in their forties and one great granddaughter, Emilia Rose, Jon's child, born last September. 

Friday 11th May – 75th Anniversary of VE Day

Great Coxwell marked the 75th Anniversary of VE Day on Friday the best we could, given the continuing lockdown restrictions.  Musical entertainment at the bottom of the village kicked off with Nick Warr playing the Last Post and then Glenn Miller’s ‘In the Mood’ brilliantly on his saxophone.  This was followed by Nancy Smith, playing the National Anthem and then ‘the Can-Can’ very assuredly from her improvised stage – her Dad’s 1943 EAC ‘Matador’ towing lorry, (once used to tow artillery guns to the battlefield).

At the top of the village, Lynette Stulting and her band…more like an orchestra!... played Vera Lynn’s famous song, ‘We’ll meet again’, followed by ‘A Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square’.  It was hugely appreciated by the socially distanced audience.

Below are some of the video recordings, and some photographs of village residents taken from Friday evening …..

(The Last Post) - Nick
(In the Mood) - Nick
(Can Can) – Nancy - (Offenbach's Infernal Galop)
(We’ll Meet Again) Lynette Stulting Band 

Great Coxwell Community Fund.  

The Great Coxwell Community Fund is managed by its Trustees, Pam Smith, Pauline Durham, Sylvia Athawes and Annabelle Zinovieff.  It is available for village community events, but also, in extremis, for those in difficulties who have tried all other avenues for support.  If you are struggling and need a little help, please contact Pam Smith in the first instance.
  
Pam Smith – 01367 240233 or email on Chris Smith [email protected]

That’s it for this week.  At last, we heard some good news last night about the Government’s plans to end the lockdown.  Hurrah!  What is clear from the last two months is how the village has pulled together, how we have all looked out for each other, and how we have helped and cared for each other in adversity.  My thanks to everyone for all their kindness and consideration so far.  In a funny way, Great Coxwell feels a closer-knit community now.  One positive from the lockdown.

Stay Safe,

Best regards,

Mandy xx
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