The Parish Council Welcomes You to South Stoke http://www.southstoke.org.uk/ Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 1 of 20 Contents Welcome 3 A Brief History 4 South Stoke Primary School 6 Parish Church of St Andrew Error! Bookmark not defined. South Stoke Bell Ringers 9 South Stoke Community Shop 10 South Stoke Angling Club 11 South Stoke Women’s Institute 12 Neighbourhood Watch 13 Bus Timetable 14 Walks In and Around South Stoke 15 Local Service Providers 17 Parish Council Members 18 Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 2 of 20 Welcome Firstly, a very warm welcome from the Parish Council as the newest resident/s of our parish. This document is intended to be a brief introduction to village life and to give you some basic information and dates to help make your first few weeks and months enjoyable. If you have any questions after reading this pack please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Parish Council. Once again, we hope you settle into your new home and enjoy village life in South Stoke Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 3 of 20 A Brief History The village of South Stoke is unusual in that three highways, which have done much to influence its history and people, pass through it. The most obvious is the river Thames, the second is the Ridgeway path, while the third is the Great Western Railway built by Isambard Brunel. These three routes converge as they cross the parish boundaries near Ye Olde Leatherne Bottle public house to the south and at the Moulsford railway bridge, known locally as the Four Arches, to the north. Clearly the oldest of these is the river Thames which borders South Stoke to the west. Before the 16th century the lower land in South Stoke was marshy but then the river provided fish and the adjacent land brushwood and willows. Today from the footpath between South Stoke and Little Stoke one can still see remains of a series of fishponds which provided food for the medieval monks resident in the village at that time. These ponds were part of a much larger complex and were fed by drainage ditches connected to the river. During the 16th century a series of weirs was constructed along the Thames to control the flow and to ease navigation for the increasing barge traffic. The barges were towed by horses, the towpath crossed the river at the village at a point opposite Moulsford and the horses were transferred by ferry from one side of the bank to the other. As elsewhere river traffic declined with the advent of the railway and the ferry ceased activity in 1961/2. In 2004 donations from villagers allowed the slipway on the South Stoke bank to be refurbished and this is now available to the public for the launching and recovery of small craft. The Ridgeway path is an ancient right of way that was part of a comprehensive communication system long before the Romans arrived. Evidence of ancient enclosures and burial pits has been found in South Stoke, together with Roman remains and coins. Before it passes through the village, the Ridgeway now crosses land still owned by Christ Church, Oxford. When the railway came in 1838 it changed the character of the village dramatically. It is built on a wide embankment with three low bridges over the only roads into the village. There is a small culvert, known locally as the bogey hole, which was constructed for the footpath to Little Stoke. The Four Arches bridge which crosses the river and the Ridgeway path together is, itself, a listed building. Manor Farm, was originally beside the church, and has always been the largest farm in South Stoke and is still thriving today just north of the main village. Parts of the original farmhouse date from the 16th century and it still has the original oak panelling, moulded beams and a fireplace from an even earlier date. Within the old brick and flint walls around the house are several old buildings and barns. Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 4 of 20 These include a square four-gabled medieval brick dovecote, reputed to be one of the largest in the south of England, and a granary standing on staddle stones. St Andrew’s church incorporates several periods of architecture, with some of the arches on the north side suggesting Norman work. The font is Early English and a fragment of 14th century glass can be seen in the south-east window. The chancel is dominated by a memorial commemorating Griffith Higgs. South Stoke’s most famous son was born in 1589, was ordained as a priest and became chaplain to King Charles I. The King sent him to be chaplain to his sister, Princess Elizabeth, when she married and became Queen of Bohemia. Later Griffith Higgs became Dean of Lichfield but during the Civil War, like his sponsor, fell from grace. He saved his head but was stripped of all his titles and returned to South Stoke. He created many charities and, in particular, an educational charity which still benefits the children of South Stoke today. During the early 19th century the parishioners of South Stoke became increasingly disenchanted with the church vestry’s conduct of local affairs. Twenty four dissenters who worshipped in Goring built their own chapel in South Stoke in 1820. Like the Goring chapel it came under the auspices of the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connection and flourished for over a century but this building has not been used for worship since 1976. The river Thames remains the heart of the village and on summer days fishermen frequently line the banks, either in competition or just for pleasure. The public house, the Perch and Pike, still displays record catches of fish taken from the river in more recent times and large numbers of Ridgeway hikers stop here for refreshment. On their way they often meet tractors and combine harvesters, to say nothing of the Jersey cows from the two working farms. Up to the mid-20th century South Stoke was an agricultural village. In 1366 there were 32 tenant landholders. In Victorian times there were 11 farms. Today, while the village retains its agricultural connections, it is largely a dormitory village for people working in the surrounding districts and London, and for the retired. Thus the three highways are still very much a part of South Stoke’s character. Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 5 of 20 South Stoke Primary School Contact: Miss A E Rogers Phone Number: 01491 872948 Website: http://www.southstokeprimaryschool.co.uk/ Full details of the school can be found on the website and the Head Teacher Miss Rogers may be contacted by phone or the link from the website. Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 6 of 20 Parish Church of St Andrew Vicar Curate NSM LLMs Rev Paul Boughton 01491 875651 Vacant Rev Liz Dowding 01491 873140 Judith Aguda Judith Hogg 01491 772919 Sunday Services You are warmly invited to any or all of our weekly services. 1st Sunday of the month at 11.15 am Good News Service 2nd Sunday of the month at 11.15 am Holy Communion BCP 3rd Sunday of the month at 11.15 am Morning Prayer (Matins) 4th Sunday of the month at 11.15 am Holy Communion Common Worship 5th Sunday of the month at 10.30 am United Benefice service (venue rotating) Alterations to service can be found on the church calendar or in the village newsletter. Mid-week Service Fri. 9.30 am in church. Celebrating Common Worship. This is a short said service, lasting about 20 mins. Prayer Group First Tues of the month at 2.30 pm in church, except when cold. Coffee Morning Third Wed. of the month at 10.30 am -12.00 noon in church. Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 7 of 20 Other United Benefice Services Wednesdays St Thomas’s Church, Goring , Every week, 10.30 am BCP Holy Communion Thursdays St Thomas’s Church, Goring 2nd and 4th Thursday, 9.15 am Morning Prayer Sundays St Thomas’s Church, Goring 1st Sunday 4.00 – 5-00 pm Choral Evensong 5pm fortnightly during term-time ‘Discoverers’ for 10-15 year olds. St Mary’s Church, Streatley 2nd Sunday 5.30 – 6.00 pm ‘Stillness on Sunday’ St Andrew’s forms part of the United Benefice of Goring and Streatley with South Stoke. This group of three Churches: St Thomas’, St Mary’s and St Andrew’s respectively, gives us the opportunity to offer a wide variety of activities organised by the three Churches, both individually and together. There are several Home Groups at which one can explore one’s faith further, as well as ecumenical Advent and Lent Groups.. In the Benefice activities include bellringing, choir membership, as well as children’s activities. Here at South Stoke we enjoy a close relationship with the school. Once a month there is a film-show and lunch called “Pick-a-flick”, ‘MOT’ a young mothers’ group and ‘Come on Board’ – Scrabble and Tea. St Andrew's Church, South Stoke, was built in the early 1200s although it is believed there may have been an earlier church. It is one of the most beautiful churches in the district with a large and well-kept churchyard. Its history can be found in a booklet, price £3. The Parish of South Stoke cum Woodcote is believed to have been founded in Anglo-Saxon times, possibly by St. Birinus. In 1984 South Stoke became a separate parish in The United Benefice of Goring with South Stoke. Then in 2007 it was joined by Streatley and became the United Benefice of Goring & Streatley with South Stoke. We do hope that you will be very happy living in the beautiful village of South Stoke and look forward to meeting you. As a resident of the parish you are warmly welcomed to join us. If there is anything that we can help you with, do please call one of the ministry team. Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 8 of 20 South Stoke Bell Ringers Contact: Robert Small E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 01491 873897 or 07796 384472 (text or phone) Address 4 Grove Farm Cottages, Goring, Reading, RG8 0LU South Stoke Bells Practice Night Tuesdays 7.30 - 9.00pm (Please phone first) Sunday Ringing 10.45 - 11.15am. No of Bells: 6. Weights ranging from Treble at 3cwt to the Tenor at 9cwt. Ringing Chamber: Gallery Ring (Stairs only to negotiate) Toilet: Within Church Parking: On Road Post code for Sat Nav: RG8 0JS All other ringing for Weddings, Christenings, Visiting Bands, National/Local Events etc., are always published in the village newsletter in advance. We ring occasionally at short notice for a funeral or memorial service for a villager whose family requests the bells. In those cases notification will be placed on the church notice board by the lych gate. A warm welcome awaits you if you wish to join us one Tuesday evening. Bell Ringing is part of this country’s heritage and is almost unique to the UK. From beginners to experience ringers it provides the individual with good upper body exercise, stimulation of thought, the close harmony of ringing as a team and lastly being a part of keeping this long standing tradition flourishing. So do come along and have a tour of the ringing chamber and see the bells ringing within the tower. Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 9 of 20 South Stoke Community Shop Thanks to the dedication and generosity of South Stoke villagers we have our own small community shop within the village. The shop is conveniently situated located within the heart of the village alongside the recreation ground in Cross Keys Road. We work to hard to ensure we offer a good variety of products to appeal to all villagers. A lot of our products are sourced locally, here is just a small selection. • • • • • • • • • • Fresh bread delivered daily from Bon Appetit Bakery in Pangbourne Organic vegetables and eggs from The Old Farm Shop at Harwell Delicious home made cakes and quiche from Sarah Butler Readymade meals from The Late Chef at Moulsford World Wines from the Wine Man at Streatley Good selection of beers including Ridgeway Beers which are based in South Stoke Fresh coffee from the Wallingford Tea & Coffee Company A variety of Wessex Mill flours from Wantage Fresh meats from Ray Park Butchers in Cholsey Hot take away drinks, ice creams & snacks We also offer a dry cleaning service & sell 1st & 2nd class stamps & tobacco. Weekend newspapers are available to order. The shop is largely staffed by volunteers. If you would be interested in joining this happy band, just speak to anyone serving in the shop. Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8am to 5.30pm Saturday 8am to 5.00pm Sunday 8am to 12 noon Don’t be disappointed! We actively encourage orders from villagers for fresh meat, bread and vegetables. Ring the shop on 01491 [email protected] Welcome Pack 871633 to February 2015 place your order or email Page 10 of 20 South Stoke Angling Club Contact: Paul Stevens Email: [email protected] Tel: 07917 863289 Fishing in South Stoke is not new; there is even a part of the village known as fishponds. South Stoke Angling club is not new either. There was a very successful club back in the late 1970’s that ran into the 1990's. In 2013 Paul Stevens heard that the fishing rights for the local stretch of the river was up for grabs. So after speaking to a number of local fishermen, the South Stoke Angling Club was reborn. The club has been a great success with close on 150 members, split 50:50 between those that fish and those that just want to support the club. The driving force for all is that the local river should be available to local people to fish and enjoy. The first match was held on the 22nd June 2014 and was called 'The John Phipps Memorial Cup'. John was the President of the club for many years and was a great supporter of village life, so it seemed fitting to honour him. Since then we hold at least one match every month during the season from June to March. Our major competition in December is the "Perch and Pike Cup" as the pub sponsors the club, even getting Brakspear to mention us on their web site. The club is more than fishing. We have run a number of very successful social evenings including dinners in the pub and a race night. Due to the success of these events we have been able to make donations to Cancer Charities, Village Defibrillator, and Church Floodlights. Membership starts in March in each year for fishermen and supporters. Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 11 of 20 South Stoke Women’s Institute Contact: Rita Mann or [email protected] Janet Steel [email protected] 01491 872208 01491 873918 Springfield House Townsend Road Streatley Berks RG8 9LH Copperfields Ferry Road South Stoke Oxon RG8 0JL Guest are always welcomed by this friendly group of ladies at any of our meetings. We have speakers on a variety of subjects including travel, gardening and current affairs. Previous talks have included candle making, the Bermuda Triangle and The Changi Quilts. South Stoke W.I was formed in 1918. We are one of the oldest institutes in Oxfordshire. We enjoy various outings and pub lunches. We also help with refreshments at Village activities. Our W.I meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2.15 pm in the Village Hall. Photo taken at a coffee morning in a member’s garden. Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 12 of 20 Neighbourhood Watch South Stoke has a Neighbourhood Watch team. The purpose of the team is to provide an extension of the eyes and ears of the police. It is NOT a substitute for the police, who should always be contacted on the 999 service for any emergency calls. The members of the Watch provide a channel through which messages to and from the police can be passed. The police distribute notices about thefts in the area, distraction burglaries, and other criminal activities through Ringmaster system of e-mails. These are presently posted on the village notice board at the gate of the Old Vicarage. This practice will continue, but in addition appropriate information will be included in messages on the village web site. Please report any news about break-ins, suspicious events etc. to one of the Neighbourhood Watch contacts. Police non-emergency 08458 505505 Crime stoppers 0800 555 111 Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 13 of 20 Bus Timetable 134 Wallingford - Goring 1440 134 NS 07:30 07:33 07:38 07:43 07:47 07:49 07:51 08:45 08:48 08:53 08:58 09:02 09:04 09:06 134 10:15 10:16 10:18 10:22 10:27 10:32 10:36 134 09:45 09:48 09:53 09:58 10:02 10:04 10:06 134 11:15 11:16 11:18 11:22 11:27 11:32 11:36 134 10:45 10:48 10:53 10:58 11:02 11:04 11:06 134 12:15 12:16 12:18 12:22 12:27 12:32 12:36 134 11:45 11:48 11:53 11:58 12:02 12:04 12:06 134 13:15 13:16 13:18 13:22 13:27 13:32 13:36 134 12:45 12:48 12:53 12:58 13:02 13:04 13:06 134 14:15 14:16 14:18 14:22 14:27 14:32 14:36 134 13:45 13:48 13:53 13:58 14:02 14:04 14:06 134 15:15 15:16 15:18 15:22 15:27 15:32 15:36 134 14:45 14:48 14:53 14:58 15:02 15:04 15:06 134 16:15 16:16 16:18 16:22 16:27 16:32 16:36 134 15:45 15:48 15:53 15:58 16:02 16:04 16:06 134 17:15 17:16 17:18 17:22 17:27 17:32 17:36 134 16:45 16:48 16:53 16:58 17:02 17:04 17:06 134 18:15 18:16 18:18 18:22 18:27 18:32 18:36 134 17:45 17:48 17:53 17:58 18:02 18:04 18:06 134 134 134 134 NS NS 07:05 08:00 09:15 07:06 08:01 09:16 07:08 08:03 09:18 07:12 08:07 09:22 07:17 08:12 09:27 07:22 08:17 09:32 07:26 08:21A 09:36 Mondays to Saturdays (except Public Holidays) Service Number 134 Notes NS 06:40 06:43 06:48 06:53 06:57 06:59 07:01 WALLINGFORD, Market Place Crowmarsh, Church North Stoke, Shelter South Stoke, Church Cleeve, Scout Hut Goring, Lockstile Mead GORING, Rail Station Service Number Notes GORING, Rail Station Goring, Lockstile Mead Cleeve, Scout Hut South Stoke, Church North Stoke, Shelter Crowmarsh, Church WALLINGFORD, Market Place Notes A means that on schooldays this journey extends to Wallingford School on request. NS means that this journey operates on Mondays to Fridays only. from 01.12.2014 134 NS 18:45 18:48 18:53 18:58 19:02 19:04 19:06 134 NS 19:15 19:16 19:18 19:22 19:27 19:32 19:36 Page 14 of 20 February 2015 Welcome Pack Walks In and Around South Stoke Introduction All the walks begin at St Andrew’s church South Stoke. They vary in length but in the main are circular (ring) walks. No special equipment is required, but stout walking shoes are recommended as well as liquid refreshment. Please remember to keep to the footpaths and shut gates behind you and remember that dogs should be kept on leads in woodlands likely to be used for rearing game, in the vicinity of farm animals and near farm buildings and not allowed to stray in growing crops. Safety Some of the walks are in part on roads, all minor, and two cross an ‘A’ road. Always take great care on these roads and obey the Highway Code. Walks Walk 1 - Little Stoke Ring - 2¾ miles This is a pleasant, gentle walk and riverside following the Ridgeway Path for about half of the walk and Swans Way on the return leg. There are two stiles to contend with but apart from these, the going is relatively easy. Walk 2 - Postman’s Path Ring - 4½ miles This is a nice walk, a bit hilly in parts, but not arduous, with some great views from the top of Postman’s path. It can be muddy in wet weather. The last third of the walk is mainly river side following the Ridgeway Path. It crosses the B4009 twice, so take care. Walk 3 - Grove Farm Ring - 4 miles This is an easy road walk and can be taken in any weather conditions. The roads are in the main single track and quiet, but take care on the B4009. Walk 4 - North Stoke Ring - 4½ miles This walk like the Little Stoke Ring is a pleasant and gentle walk and again follows the Ridgeway Path and Swans Way. There are two stiles to contend with and the walk passes through the villages of North Stoke and Little Stoke. Walk 5 - Cameron’s Copse and back - 3 miles This is a nice walk a bit hilly in parts, but not arduous, with some great views from the top of Postman’s path. It can be muddy in wet weather. Camerons Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 15 of 20 Copse was planted in memory of a local well-respected veterinary surgeon. The walk crosses the B4009 twice, so take care. Walk 6 - South Stoke to Hailey (King William PH) - 3½ miles This walk is recommended as a one-way walk, taken in the morning with lunch at the King William PH as a reward. So arrange a lift back. Alternatively for the more energetic walk off the lunch and retrace your steps back to South Stoke. This walk is fairly easy (a bit hilly) and pleasant and passes through the village of Ipsden and terminates at the village of Hailey. Take care when crossing the A4074. Walk 7 - Goring Ring - 4½ miles This walk is a combination of bridleway, road and woodlands and although a bit longer the combination makes this an interesting and varied walk. There are some great views of the North Downs and the Chilterns from the edge of Wroxhill Woods. The walk crosses the B4009 twice, so take care. No stiles. Walk 8 - Four Arches and back - 1¾ miles This riverside walk is more of a stroll than a walk but very pleasant all the same. The walk follows the Ridgeway Path. No stiles Walk 9 - Grand Ring - 6½ miles This walk is for the more ambitious and takes in the Ridgeway Path and the Icknield Way as it passes through the villages of Ipsden, North Stoke and South Stoke. It is part path, bridleway, road and riverside. The roads in the main are single track and quiet, but care should taken crossing the A4074 and B4009. Details of all these walks can be http://www.southstoke.org.uk/walk.htm Welcome Pack found February 2015 on the village web site Page 16 of 20 Local Service Providers Service Telephone South Stoke Shop 01491 871633 Window Cleaning 01491 651320 Doorstep Milk Delivery 0118 9590286 Odd Job Person 01235 521822 Plumber 01491 873740 Goring Hardware 01491 872420 Perch and Pike Public House 01491 873740 SODC Offices 01491 823000 Dry Cleaning 01491 871633 Post Office Goring 01491 875029 Doctors Surgery Goring 01491 872372 Doctors Surgery Woodcote 01491 680686 Dentist Goring 01491 872394 Indian Restaurant Goring 01491 872243 Chinese Restaurant Goring 01491 872485 The Springs Golf Course 01491 836687 Goring and Streatley Golf Club 01491 873229 The Wave Leisure Pool 01235 819888 High Tone Keep Fit Wallingford 01491 826682 Horse Riding Lessons 01189 426938 GoRide Bus Company 0330 330 8489 Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 17 of 20 Parish Council Members Cllr Geoff Ward (Chairman) Telephone: 01491 873342 Email: [email protected] Role: 1. Leadership of the PC and its business 2. Budget co-ordination and precept 3. Manage the communications to and from the PC including the Parish newsletter 4. Governance of the PC 5. As further defined in the document Role of Chairman 6. Assist the Clerk in the production of timely and accurate financial records Cllr Roy McMillan (Vice-Chairman) Telephone: 01491 873202 Email: [email protected] Role: 1. Liaise with local organisations and businesses including the Church, in order to gain their support for Parish Council initiatives and to understand where the Parish Council can assist them 2. Review all planning applications affecting the parish and coordinate the Parish Council’s response to South Oxfordshire District Council 3. Ensure appropriate response to request for consultation, action or support from external agencies and higher government 4. Responsible for Parish Council action relating to: a. Bus service, bus shelters & bus-stops b. Police, Crime prevention & Neighbourhood Watch c. Litter and dog waste bins 5. Highways, Pavements, Storm water drainage & Road safety 6. Liaise with other local Parish Councils where a joint approach to common issues might be beneficial Cllr Bryan Urbick Telephone: 01491 873988 Email: [email protected] Role: 1. Manage the PC’s Assets, Insurance policies and contracts 2. Undertake risk assessment and risk management in respect of the workings of the PC Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 18 of 20 3. Make recommendations on budget and insurance provision against risk 4. Advise on compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental legislation in respect of the PC 5. Monitor heath, safety and environmental issues in the Parish 6. Establish a maintenance strategy for the assets managed by the PC 7. Make recommendations on the annual PC maintenance cost budget 8. Manage contractors and volunteers to get best value in routine and exceptional maintenance duties in accordance with the maintenance strategy Cllr Andrew Scrivener Telephone: 07775 565572 Email: [email protected] Role: 1. Responsible for Parish Council action relating to: a. Countryside & Footpaths including Rights of Way b. Riverbank & slipway matters c. Ridgeway matters d. Tree conservation 2. Health matters 3. Wildlife matters 4. Manage the SS quarry site/plantation 5. Manage relationship with Network Rail 6. Liaise with land-owners and tenant farmers of open spaces and fields in the Parish Cllr John Verrill Telephone: 01491 875003 Email: [email protected] Role: 1. Act as the PC’s point of contact on the various project committees appointed by the PC 2. Assist the committees to resolve issues and make appropriate progress 3. Ensure appropriate liaison with budget setting, risk management, external funding, and ongoing maintenance requirements 4. Review and development of the village plan and drive this forward for the medium and long term benefit of parishioners 5. Undertake a review of the title and use of land owned or used in common by the parish 6. Manage the acquisition of new parcels of land or rights as proposed by the PC Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 19 of 20 Cllr Chris Bertrand Telephone: 01491 871835 Email: [email protected] Role: 1. Produce an external funding strategy with the aim of significantly augmenting the precept as a source of investment funds 2. Make recommendations on annual external income budget 3. Ensure that all conditions required by any external funding gained 4. Assist other village organisations gain external funds for their projects 5. Liaise with the School and the perch & Pike, in order to gain their support for Parish Council initiatives and to understand where the Parish Council can assist them 6. Manage the interface with the Village Hall & Recreation Ground Charity (Amenities Committee) and act as the Parish Council’s representative on the committee Clerk to the Parish Council, Sue Gill Telephone: 01491 681183 Email: [email protected] Role: As defined in the Clerk’s Job Description: 1. Governance of PC operations, including sub-groups and committees 2. Arrange and record meetings 3. Obtain legal advice and ensure that legal duties are discharged by the PC 4. Accounting for the parish 5. Arrange audits of parish accounts 6. Maintain Parish records 7. Monitor parochial charities accounts 8. Administer the PC & Village notice board 9. Ensure that the PC website is maintained and kept up-todate 10. Receive - and distribute as appropriate - incoming communications to the PC Write and send letters - and other types of communication - as requested by the PC Welcome Pack February 2015 Page 20 of 20
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