As I write this we are in the midst of some dull, cold, damp and uninspiring weather which I guess is normal for this time of year yet tends to reflect the mood which one tends to feel in February. Even a bit of snow or some good hard frosts might make things a tad more exciting.
The news which has dominatedWaterstock over the past few months is of course the inquiry into proposed golf course development and Henry has kindly prepared the summary below following its conclusion. The long-drawn-out Planning Inquiry on the future of the western section of the Waterstock Golf Course site finally came to an end on Wednesday 22nd January with closing speeches from the barristers representing SODC, Waterstock Parish Meeting and the Developer. The texts have been circulated to the Parish.
Waterstock received praise for its participation in the Inquiry as a Rule 6 Party, the formal name for a third party in planning Inquiries. SODC's barrister referred to the "careful, dedicated and coordinated Rule 6 party, the Waterstock Parish Meeting" Our barrister stated that "..[Waterstock Parish Meeting] has covered more issues and fielded more witnesses than perhaps any previous Rule 6 party anywhere."
Waterstock has punched above its weight, but that's to be expected. Our future is now in the hands of the Inspector whose Decision may not be known until March.
Thanks are due to all those who have supported the cause by giving evidence, attending the Inquiry or donating money, and in many cases doing all three. It has been a fine Team effort, helped along by such generous support from neighbouring parishes.
A mystery which appears to arisen, not just around Waterstock, but in neighbouring villages has been reported by Lorna who has written the following piece.
PLEASE HELP SOLVE MYSTERY OF MRFROSTY JACK IN VILLAGE
Following an overdue clean-up along Waterstock Lane we had a record haul of cans. Sarah and Henry did Mill Lane to the A418 section collected a huge haul of around 90 cans of Frosty Jack, 25 other cans, plus assorted bottles and paper wrappings. Gill, Carole, Johnny, Jenny and Lorna did the other end of the lane to Tiddington and similarly collected around 80-100 cans, bottles and plastic. Again most of the cans were Frosty Jack - which if like me you are unfamiliar with this brand - it's a very strong cider at around 7.5%.
So when we heard that TimMorton had done a video in lckford showing that the cans are at both ends of their village and on the road between lckford and Waterstock. And another couple in Tiddington have collected 100s of the some Frosty Jack cans there - we knew this was a big issue.
It looks someone is drinking as they drive through our villages, coming from Wheatley direction, and blithely throwing the cans out of the window. Always before the houses and then after them the other end. We need to catch this person in the act so please everyone keep your eyes open and take photos if you see anything suspicious. Please report back to us.
Thank you
Ambrose Bennett CharitableTrust
Susie has provided an update on the status of this long established village trust. This small and very ancient village charity was established nearly 400 years ago, back on 25th May 1636. Its stated aim was the relief of the poverty for poor persons resident in the Parish of Waterstock. The charity has been active in its current form since being registered with the Charity Commission in 1972.
It is administered by three trustees. One of our current Trustees, Amanda, has just stepped down after over 12 or more (?) years of service supporting Susie and Janet. Thank you Amanda! Shona has stepped up to take Amanda's place as a trustee. Thank you also to other village residents who expressed an interest in becoming involved - you will get your opportunity as further trustee vacancies will come up in the future!
All three trustees need to be approved at the next Parish Meeting to verify their next term of service.
We also hope to explore the possibility of slightly changing the aims of the charity to better reflect
Waterstock's situation in the 2lst century. This we can do through the Charity Commission should we wish to. There are various other categories available which may make the charity more relevant to Waterstock's current needs. We might also consider broadening the target group so we can offer support to a more diverse range of residents, not necessarily just the elderly. These changes would be something
we would want to discuss in the wider setting of a Parish Meeting before approaching the charity commission to make these changes.
