Editorial At last the days are getting noticeably longer as the end of January draws near and February begins. We have quite a mix of news for you in this month’s edition, the most significant being the death of Dorothy Turner. I know that many in the village will mourn her passing and be saddened by the news that she is no longer in the world. I’m sure the thoughts of many of you will be with her family at this very sad time. Towersey continues to welcome new families and Anne Kirtland has shared her experience of how she and her husband Maurice found village life when they moved here just over a year ago. We also have a very interesting piece by Tais Van Ondheusden, another comparative newcomer to the village, about her experiences and the skills that she has brought with her. If you have a story about your life in Towersey that you think people would like to hear about, let us know - we would love to share it! The newsletter finances are looking good thanks to donations from various village organisations and individuals. Jan,

our treasurer, reports that “The average monthly cost through 2016 for photocopying is £35; the balance at the end of

2016 stands at £243, which included a donation in December of £125 from the Fete committee, for which thanks.”

Thank you also to Freestyle (MP Printers) for providing us with such fantastic service and value for money.

Editors: Lisa Davis (t: 217328 ) and Anne Barrow (t: 215034) – editors (newsletter@towerseyvillage.co.uk )

Towersey Newsletter

February 2017

Our First Year in Towersey

We moved to Towersey late in 2015. We didn't move far, as we had previously lived in Thame. We received

welcome cards, flowers and wine from neighbours, and two invitations to supper. Angela and Ross Dyke (who we

already knew from mutual organisations we belonged to in Thame) were frequently in touch and we got our first

newsletter.

We couldn't have felt more welcome, and a wander along to Wednesday coffee mornings in the Village Hall became

part of our lives.

We were told we must come to the over 65's New Year Lunch. Were a bit dubious and muttered that "We didn't

really qualify for a free lunch". "Oh, it's not like that, everyone comes!" we were told. So along we went, and it

was true. We had a wonderful time from the welcoming glass of wine to liquers served by Ken Bruce. Everyone

happy and welcoming and we began to put names to faces.

The Cabaret Evening was another revelation. So professional. May Morning Festival was exactly what one imagines

village events should be, and what a contribution to village life Rachel Cross makes.

Whenever we walk we meet friendly people to chat to, and walking in Towersey is lovely. Manor Road verges in

spring and summer were full of wild flowers and walks with grandchildren were delightful.

Well, the year wound on and, suddenly, it was Christmas again. Not once have we regretted moving, and we look

forward to many more years in this happy village.

Anne Kirtland

TOWCAP Update

TOWCAP is a village organisation set up in 2007 to encourage, promote and stage events in the community for

all villagers to enjoy. These events are always thought up by villagers and intended to provide enjoyment for

all who take part.

IDEAS MEETING FOR NEXT THEATRE PRODUCTION & AGM

on SUNDAY 26TH FEBRUARY IN VILLAGE HALL AT 3PM

Chance to hear about events for the year ahead and also share your ideas for the next

village theatrical production, to take place late in 2017 or early 2018.

This will also be the TOWCAP AGM

Irish Dancing Night – 25th March 2017 Join us in a fantastic night of dance and music all with that special Irish flavour. Music will be provided by

Kinderhook.

Venue: Towersey Memorial Hall TICKETS JUST £12.50 - See separate

newsletter entry FOR FULL DETAILS!

Poetry Reading Evening. Most people have a favourite poem or poet – at our informal gatherings, we each

share a poem or two as part of a village group (of all ages!) and then have a chat about what we have heard.

It’s always great fun and we have discovered some brilliant poems. And if you ever write poetry, you are

welcome to bring that along too

Contact Helena for more info on 07809 525685 or helenarichards@btinternet.com

NEXT DATE: WEDNESDAY 29TH MARCH 8PM AT DEBBIE & PAUL’S HOUSE

(Fieldview House, Chinnor Rd) All are welcome – just turn up with a couple of poems

Community Bunting

The bunting is coming together! Extra blank fabric triangles to decorate are available by emailing pvmellor@hotmail.com

Theatre Group. The next trip is to see JANE EYRE at Aylesbury Waterside in April.

All the tickets are allocated now, but if you would like to hear about any future trips then please do contact

Debbie on 214888 or dmmellor03@yahoo.co.uk

New to the village or just have new ideas? We are always looking for villagers to join in any of the

activities, or to perhaps help us develop a new idea. If you have any thoughts, please let us

know.Contact: Debbie & Paul Tel: 01844 214888 or Email: dmmellor03@yahoo.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY…

TOWERSEY FETE

SUNDAY 25TH JUNE 2017

The Church Fete is organised by a small team who meet

at The Manor three or four times a year. If you would

like to take an active role in the preparation of the Fete

and join this team,

please contact: Louise Riley

Tel: 01844 218005

Email: lgjriley@btinternet.com

Thames Valley Alert

Thames Valley Police representatives were in Towersey on Sunday 22nd January, knocking on doors and signing

people up to Thames Valley Alert.

Thames Valley Alert enables the police to keep you informed of crime trends in your neighbourhood and to provide

details of meetings and general crime prevention advice to help protect yourself from crime.

Messages are sent via a computerised messaging system called Neighbourhood Alert. Members can choose to

receive messages via e-mail, phone or text. The messages are sent to selected areas so that members only receive

information relevant to the neighbourhood where they live.

To find out more register at www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk or phone 01235 556957

Mark Davis Report on the Neighbourhood Planning Conference 20 January 2017

Held in Benson

As Chairman of the Parish Council, I attend quite a few meetings regarding planning, amongst other things. There is often a lot of “technical speak” used and so rather than just repeat what was said, I have tried putting it into simpler terms so that it makes more sense. The Neighbourhood Plan that is being produced for Towersey is so important for our community but planning can be such a complex issue that it can be difficult to make sense of what it all means at times! Chair: John Howell MP - Government Champion for Neighbourhood Planning Also present: John Cotton - Leader of SODC Adrian Duffield - Head of Planning at SODC Ricardo Rios - SODC Neighbourhood Plan Advisor Rachael Riach - SODC Neighbourhood Plan Advisor A few years ago, the government set out to simplify the old planning rules to make planning law tougher and more sustainable. The result of this was the introduction of the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework). Part of this simplification included removing the responsibility for deciding housing numbers and locations from Whitehall and leaving it to Local Councils to decide how many houses they needed and where they should be located. Local Councils are required to carry out a Strategic Housing Market Assessment, or SMHA, to predict how many houses they will need to build to support population growth for the next five years, and decide where it would be best to build those houses. They then have to report back to central government, and demonstrate a 5 year land supply. The government also realised that local views were not being listened to by District Councils and planners and so brought in Neighbourhood Plans (NP). These have the force of law, the same as the districts “Local Plan”. NP’s are not about handing responsibilities to Parish Councils, but are to make Parish and District Councils work together. Neighbourhood Plans and Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDP) are also designed to help produce consistent planning decisions for Parish Councils. Oxford City Council can’t find enough sites in their region to fulfil their 5 year land supply quota and so SODC, The Vale of White Horse and Cherwell District Council have to take up the shortfall and find new extra sites on their patches to make up the numbers. Also, SODC allocated 2/3rds of their 5 year land supply around Didcot and the rest around the district. The developers who are building the houses around Didcot are not building and releasing the houses as fast as they predicted and SODC allowed for. This means that they are now failing to demonstrate a 5 year plan and their current plan is, by default, “out of date”. The NPPF guidance sets out that if this situation arises, new developments should be considered in the context of “the presumption in favour of sustainable development”, which means planning guidelines are considered irrelevant and therefore developers can apply for and get permission to build on land that would otherwise not be allowed to be built on - even in those cases where a neighbourhood plan is in place. This trend was identified by the government and on 12th December 2016 they issued a written statement that dictates that, for the next two years, where a District Council can show a 3 year land supply, that the existing Local Plan must be considered “in date”. SODC (along with most councils) can demonstrate a 3 year land supply. Further, an “in date” NP overrides an “out of date” 5 year land supply. This makes the NP more relevant. What is also clear is that the NP’s have to be very robust, well thought out, and produced in collaboration with the District Council. There are seven stages of producing an NP (NDP) - Pre-submission, Submission of NDP to Council, Consultation, Examination, Council decision, Referendum, Plan made/finished and made legally enforceable. The NP or NDP only has relevance when it has passed the council decision and is in the referendum stage. This means that planners can refer to its contents in planning decisions and even at appeal level. The NP only becomes policy when it is finished at which point it automatically and immediately becomes part of the NPPF.

Towersey Neighbourhood Plan – Questionnaire & Photo Competition

Thank you to those who have completed questionnaires already, both online and paper. As Mark’s article attests, the

strength of the NP continues to be recognised in the planning process however it is also critical that we can

demonstrate that it represents the views of the village. To this end…

** Please complete the questionnaire! **

Don’t forget, we will be at the Village Café on Saturday 4th February (10.30-12). Pop in to chat to us about the plan over

a hot coffee and bacon roll, or to drop off your finished questionnaire. We shall each be sporting a TNP badge so we will

be easy to spot if you haven’t met some of us before.

Important TNP dates for your diary:

Saturday 18th February, 6pm, TNP Questionnaire closes

Sunday 2nd April, 2-4pm, TNP Village Presentation

PHOTO COMPETITION

Do you have any pictures of Towersey that showcase our village or the events that make it special? Perhaps you are a

budding photographer with a keen eye for capturing a moment?

Whichever it may be, if you have some pictures that you would be happy to share then we would love to see them.

As we build our draft of the Neighbourhood Plan, we want to start collecting images of Towersey and village life that can

be included in the final document. These can be anything from a picture of the church or sunset over the fields, to the

May Day celebrations at sunrise, T-Fringe, or TowCap cabaret show.

You can email images to towerseynp@gmail.com or bring them over to us at the Village Café. (Original photos will be

scanned and returned to their owners)

So until the next edition, please ensure you take the time to complete your questionnaire. It’s the most important

opportunity for you to have your say about the future of our village.

TNP Team (towerseynp@gmail.com)

Alastair Flanagan (Chairman), Mark Allworth (Vice Chairman), Alison Byrne (Secretary), Cllr Mark Davis, Cllr Kerr

Stephenson, Adrian Richards, Jon Butler and Martyn Phillips.

Plans are progressing for the next wonderful Towersey Theatrical Production. No particular talents or theatre

skills are required, just enthusiasm, a sense of humour and a wish to socialise and get involved.

We are looking for as many villagers as possible to come along and meet up for a chat. The aim is to generate

ideas for the next production, and to put together a group of enthusiastic villagers who will stage the show in

the village hall later this year or early in 2018. We had 'Allo 'Allo then we had Fabulously Fawlty, next we've

got...??? That's up to you!

If you’re not so keen to tread the boards, help will be needed with staging, production and back stage too, so

please come along to find out more. And if you are interested to join TOWCAP itself – now's your chance!

TOWERSEY COMMUNITY

ARTS PROJECT

TOWCAP EVENT PLANNING (AND AGM)

Sunday 26th Feb 2017

3:00-5:00pm

at Towersey Memorial Hall

Please do come along to find out more and support

TOWCAP

For further information, please call Paul & Debbie Mellor on 214888 or email: dmmellor03@yahoo.co.uk

Towersey Wives Club

The next meeting of Towersey Wives Club will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 7th February at Time Peace, Manor Road.

This is the Annual Planning Meeting when the programme for the forthcoming year will be discussed. New

members are always welcome.

Daphne Hazeldine

t. 212127

e. daphnehazeldine@yahoo.co.uk"

Tais Van Ondheusden

Since I started to think about what I would like to be when I grow up my answer was always a vet. I did it, I studied and

became a veterinary surgeon in my home country: Brasil.

Then I desired to come to England and left my career behind in the pursuit of new dreams and adventures.

I went back to student life and got a degree in the UK: Biomedical Sciences. For someone that wasn’t sure if would ever

be able to watch a film in English without subtitles that was a considerable achievement.

I thought that combining Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences would fulfil my aspirations but how wrong I was.

Working in a lab didn’t require something I knew I was good at: helping people or animals to feel better about themselves.

I like to think that I was brave enough to stop and make a change, but I can’t deny how anxious and scared I was to carry

on working on something that was putting my mission in a locked box. Fortunately, I have a wonderful and supporting

family that coped with my new training towards another qualification.

That’s when reflexology entered my life to enable me to make a positive difference to others. So far, I have been

combining my previous knowledge in the biomedical field with my caring and calm personality to provide a very personal

treatment to my clients.

Reflexology is not foot massage, although is as relaxing as having one done. Through pressure in specific points, called

reflexes, reflexology aims to stimulate or relax the body as a whole. In each foot there are more than 7000 nerve endings

and everything that happens within the body may have an impact on the feet.

When the body is under constant stress, sleep deprivation and anxiety (modern life gives us so many reasons to reinforce

that) the whole renewal system of our cells is jeopardised. We were not made to live under these circumstances for very

long and we actually don’t deserve it. However, most of the time we only realise we are in such estate when is too hard

to revert. Changes are urgently needed but they are beyond our comfort zone of the stress familiarity.

Reflexology is a powerful first step that requires the minimal effort of prioritizing time for ourselves. While other activities

need you to do something to change your lifestyle, reflexology gives you the motivation to do it, surrendering your mind

to relaxation while the therapist applies the right pressure to allow your body to restore its balance and bring back the

lost spark.

Some of the benefits reported by my clients include: clear head, deep relaxation, improved digestion, better sleep and

anxiety relief. I have also been treating children and teenagers that simply adore the relaxing effect and time of one to

one attention they receive.

So far, I believe I achieved a good balance between what I can and what I want to do as much as living/working in Towersey

provides that peaceful environment to recharge our batteries and boost our drive for life.

Dorothy Turner

I am very sad to report that my dear Mum Dorothy Turner died on 13th January at 1pm ( those of you that knew

her well, will understand the significance of the time!!).

We had moved to Towersey in 1966 into the brand new semi-detached house opposite the village green. Mum

called the house Hazelwood after the village in Derbyshire where she was born. My parents left in 1992 when I too

moved to Herefordshire. In Towersey Mum embraced village life and Dad learnt to ring the Church bells. Whatever

was going on in Towersey if Mum wasn't at the centre of it she was helping out. She may have only had One child

but she knew Many, always there to help out anyone in need.

I shall miss her terribly (even her tellings off.....I had more than most!!!) because she was most definitely "A One

Off".

A Cremation will be held at Hereford on 27th Jan. Her ashes will be interred in Towersey later this year with Dads,

when a Memorial service to celebrate her life will be held in the Church. Date TBA in this newsletter.

Helen Milton

So what does the Parish Council do? Following on from some recent conversations, it became apparent that people felt the Parish council could do more to communicate to the villagers. At our last meeting we agreed to continue the official write up but compliment it with a less formal summary. So here is the first one… Towersey Parish Council consists of five councillors and our Clerk, Jo Wills. Cllr’s Mark Davis (Chairman), Steve Nutley (Vice Chairman), Nikki Jackson, Kerr Stephenson and Ashley Byrne, are all volunteers and we do what we feel is best for the village, covering areas like planning and general village issues. Our meetings are always open for the public to attend. They are held in the Village Hall and dates for each meeting are posted by Jo in the official Parish Council minutes in this newsletter. You will be pleased to see the water leaks on Thame Rd have now been fixed and we have made good use of the salt bins distributed around the village. Thank you to everyone who has been using them and scattering the salt on the icy roads. The light at the T-junction of Windmill and Thame Roads is still broken and we have been chasing the Highways Agency. We will continue to chase them as we know how dangerous that intersection is without lighting. This year we will bring forward the spring working bee to tie in with the nationwide ‘Great British Spring Clean’. We will be meeting on Sunday 5th March at 10am at the Village hall. We plan to litter pick, possibly paint the bus shelter and have a general tidy but we are also open to any suggestions. The more help the better, and it’s great to keep the village looking clean and tidy. Our local community support officer, PCSO White visited us at the last Parish council meeting. We know that the recent garage and shed break-ins are a worry, as is the speeding issue in the village. PCSO White is very aware of the problems but like so many public bodies, funding is limiting what they can do. They are trying to increase their visibility within Towersey, in the hope this will reduce both of these issues. We also have a group of villagers who have volunteered their time for the community speed watch initiative with Thames Valley Police. So whilst this is a small summary of what is up and coming, we will endeavour to write more and keep our Parish residents in the picture. We hope to continue to improve this village for everyone. Your Parish Council.

Help needed to deliver newsletters

The newsletter comes to you as a result of the efforts of a willing team of volunteers. Sam Bailey has been part of

the team who deliver newsletters to those who are unable to receive the online version for some time now but is no

longer able to do so. Thank you so much for giving up your time to make sure your neighbours received their copies

of the newsletter Sam – I am sure your kindness has been much appreciated. This means that we now need

someone else to take over where Sam has left off, so if you feel you are able to deliver the newsletter to the nine

houses that include 39 – 51 Windmill Road and Court Close, please let us know.

Lisa

Towersey Parish Council

January 2017

All electors in the Parish are welcome to attend Parish Council meetings. If you wish to ask a question of the Council

email The Clerk joannewills@btinternet.com

Next Meeting Date:

7th March – 7.30pm – in the War Memorial Hall

Parish Councillors on the Council are: Cllr Mark Davis (Chairman), Cllr Steve Nutley (Vice Chairman), Cllr Kerr

Stephenson, Cllr Nikki Jackson and Cllr Ashley Byrne.

District Councillors are: Cllr Lynn Lloyd, Cllr Ian White

County Councillors are: Cllr David Wilmshurst

Great British Spring Clean 5th March 2017

Calling all volunteer helpers!

Sunday 5th March 2017 – starting at 10am

Please meet outside the War Memorial Hall.

Planning Matters

P16/S4294/FUL Proposed extension to existing barn to store hay, straw and farm machinery at Penn Farm, Manor Road.

Towersey PC Recommendation: Approval

P16/S4183/HH Demolition of existing conservatory at side of house. Erection of a single storey brick built garden room

at Hamptons, Manor Road. Towersey PC Recommendation: Approval

P16/S4076/FUL Demolition of existing dwelling and the erection of a replacement dwelling at Chiltern View, 35

Windmill Road. Towersey PC Recommendation: Approval

Biffa instructions: No more recycling in black or coloured sacks

Please put your recycling into your green wheelie bin loose or in clear sacks only. We won't empty your bin if we can't

see the recycling we're collecting. This is to make sure we don't collect anything that would contaminate the recycling

Replacement waste wheeled bins

If your bin has gone missing and you need a replacement, please call 03000 610 610 (local call rate) or email

admin.southoxford@biffa.co.uk. Please note that BIFFA are unable to replace the small kitchen caddy that accompanies

your food waste bin. These are available to purchase from high street hardware stores.

How to order a BROWN Garden waste bin

A 240 litre garden waste wheeled bin can be ordered at a cost from Biffa. The best way to order your bin is online via

www.southoxon.gov.uk.

If you have difficulty with this you can call BIFFA by telephone: 01749 341247. Payment for this service is by paperless

direct debit only. It is an annual subscription and payment will be taken once a year. You will receive a yearly invoice to

notify you when and how much will be collected from your account.

Assisted waste collections

If you have difficulties putting out your rubbish and recycling collection due to a disability, illness or infirmity,

and there is no one else to put it out, BIFFA may be able to provide an assisted collection.

Please call 01235 547640 to arrange for a council officer to visit you and carry out an assessment.

Snow and ice - Waste collections – message from Biffa

If we get bad snow or ice in the district, it may not be safe for our trucks and crews to make their usual rounds – if we

don’t manage to empty your bins on your scheduled day please leave them out for two more days and we’ll do our best

to come back. If after three days we haven’t managed to empty them please bring them back in and we’ll empty them

next time they’re due – if this happens, you’ll be able to leave extra waste out beside your bin. We'll post regular

updates about any disruptions on our website.

You can also call the Biffa call centre on 03000 610 610

Useful Contact Numbers:

Mrs Jo Wills - Towersey Parish Council Clerk – joannewills@btinternet.com

PCSO Natalie White – Thame Valley Police - 101

OCC Street Light faults - 0800 317802

OCC Highways issues – pot holes etc 0845 3101111

Thame Citizens Advice Bureau 08444 111 444

Tea…Coffee…Tea…Coffee…Tea…Coffee…Tea…Coffee…

THE VILLAGE POP UP CAFÉ In Aid of Towersey Memorial Hall

Enjoy a Bacon Bap

Saturday 4th February 10:30am – 12noon

Freshly brewed coffee and tea,

Delicious homemade cakes Also our Book Swap Corner

MARCH POP UP CAFÉ SATURDAY 4TH MARCH

Tea…Coffee…Tea…Coffee…Tea…Coffee…Tea…Coffee…

TOWCAP presents ….more dancing !

in Towersey Village Hall

Irish Dancing Night Saturday 25th March 2017

Starting at 7:30pm

Live music by Kinderhook

Dance performance and participation for all

Irish drinks and food

Tickets on sale from 1st February, price £12.50

Contact Louise Clark 01844 261498, louiserclark@btinternet.com

Or Liz White 01844 358155

Tickets include free introductory dance lessons (optional)

Village Diary from February 2017

4th February 10.30am – 12.00 pm Pop Up Café Memorial Hall 7th February 7.30 pm Towersey Wives Time Piece 18th February 6.00 pm TNP Questionnaire closes 26th February 3-5.00 pm Towcap ideas meeting and AGM Memorial Hall 4th March 10.30 am – 12.00 pm Pop Up Café Memorial Hall 7th March 7.30 pm Parish Council meeting Memorial Hall 25th March 7.30 pm Irish Dance Night Memorial Hall 29th March 8.00 pm Poetry Reading Evening Fieldview House 2nd April 2-4.00 pm TNP Village Presentation Memorial Hall 30th April May Festival Village Green 25th June Church Fete Manor

Deadline for articles for next newsletter is 26th February

Wanted: House for Sale or rent in Towersey

House wanted for sale or rent in Towersey for wonderful, kind

and loving couple looking to move closer to their family who

already live in the village.

If you are considering selling or renting out your house in

Towersey, please contact Carol on: 07811 359582

Supporting families and young people in Towersey

The Christopher Deane’s Foundation provides grants towards educational purposes, for school uniforms, field trips, books and other articles for any student from primary school through to university or apprenticeship up to the age of twenty‐five. If you would like to know more, or to apply (anyone who has lived in Towersey continuously for three years) do send an email to The Trustees at christopherdeane@mail.com attaching receipts or details of educational equipment bought.