Our usual round-up of Wantage area news includes the Vale and SOx hit back over the local plan refusal, trees, brown bins, the community larder, food and warmth, story time and volunteer drivers.  See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Wantage area events include Green Gym, apple pressing & still life workshop. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• The Vale and SOx hit back over the joint local plan

We mentioned last week (see below) that the Vale White Horse and South Oxfordshire’s (Vale and SOx) local plan had been thrown out by the planning inspectors on the grounds that it failed to demonstrate a suitable duty of co-operation with Oxford City Council.

The Vale and SOx have hit back and written an open letter in which they have claimed that the Planning Inspectors’ conclusions are “unwarranted and lacking coherent explanation”. To read the full letter click here: a summary can be found here.

• Other news

• The latest Vale of the White Horse Newsletter includes information on the above-mentioned extra garden waste collections, half-term activities, tips on how to reduce waste this Halloween, the upcoming Wantage Literature Festival. Read it here.

• South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have launched a Food and Warmth Grant Scheme. This aims to help local non-profit organisations who are supporting residents struggling with the rising cost of living, by delivering projects that improve access to food and help people keep their homes warm.  Applications close midday on Thursday 6 November, click here to find out how to apply.

• Wantage Community Larder is launching an Umbrella Appeal. If you’ve got an umbrella or two at home that you no longer use (in good working order), they would be grateful for the donation. You can drop them off at The Mix during opening hours, or bring them along next time you visit the Larder.

• Sustainable Wantage‘s mid-month report reveals their impressive impact report. They now have over 1,300 households / individuals collecting free surplus food from The Mix Community Fridge, an increase of 17% on last year. With Mix volunteer rota increasing from 14 shifts a week to 19 to help manage the rise in demand.

• September news from the Vale & Downland Museum in Wantage includes new Adult Gallery Talk programme, Toddler Tunes, new Friends’ Talks, Wantage Tramway Exhibition, Wantage Art Group’s temporary exhibition, our monthly Greengage live music lunchtimes, details about our VDM Fundraising 50 Appeal and how to join their monthly 100 Club prize draw.

• Eastmanton House in Sparsholt has an interesting line-up of events this autumn including The Alina Choir: Twilight in the Vale, at Holy Rood Church, Sparsholt on Saturday 25 October.

• Have you ever considered becoming a Volunteer Driver? Even just one drive a week can help someone access vital services and uplift their quality of life. Hours are flexible and can be arranged around your schedule and fuel is reimbursed at 45p per mile for your contribution. If you’re curious to learn more please reach out by contacting Vale Community Impact at 01235 765348 or recruitment@vci.org.uk.

• Wantage Town Council is preparing for Alfred Fest on Sunday 26 October, a celebration of the town’s rich heritage and honours King Alfred the Great. It is offering a range of sponsorship packages designed to suit all budgets, giving local businesses the chance to gain valuable exposure while supporting a much-loved community celebration. For more info or to request a sponsorship pack, email us at communications@wantagetowncouncil.gov.uk.

• Did you know Wantage Library has a Storytime every Saturday between 2.30pm and 3pm? It is free and you can just drop in. Right now the Summer Reading Challenge is also on, so make sure to sign up while you are here. Find out more here.

• Thanks to a joint effort with Shrivenham Parish Council and funding from Sustainable Shrivenham, they have announced that a new community composted soil improver, supplied by the surplus from a fantastic Defence Academy initiative is now available for use. Located at the Shrivenham Memorial Hall carpark, bring your own container and take what you need. This resource is free to use, although donations are appreciated and can be made at the Hub. Find out more here.

• The Wantage and Grove Campaign Group facebook group is worth joining here.

• Would you like to volunteer your business expertise to help Education Business Partnership prepare our local young people? Please see here for more details.

• Click here for the latest news from the Wantage Bookshop.

Our usual round-up of Wantage area news includes mounting costs at the proposed reservoir and the Market Place clean-up seemingly not yet finished – plus teddy bears, a newsletter, sustainability, cycling, soil improver, stories and sponsorship.  See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Wantage area events include Festival Ceilidh/Barn Dance in Grove and Wantage Family Fun Day. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• Costing the reservoir

Another day, another story of a major infrastructure project’s mounting costs.

This one concerns Thames Water’s proposed South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) near Abingdon in Oxfordshire. As the BBC reports, this was previously budgeted at £2.2bn. However, TW is now predicting the final price tag will range “between £5.5bn and £7.5bn”. This increase has been pout down to changes to the design, “rapid inflation” and a rise in contracting costs.

The article goes on to say that “customers of Thames Water, Affinity Water and Southern Water will pay for the new reservoir through their bills.” A TW spokesperson said that “about £5 a month would be added to bills by 2040” before adding that “there’s a lot of things that can change that.”

In other words, the cost could rise even further.

Bethia Thomas, the Leader of the Vale of White Horse Council, was quick to comment on the announcement.”The costs of SESRO seem to be spiralling. We have continually urged water providers to consider exploring all the alternative and more cost-effective solutions seriously before committing to this reservoir. I reiterate that call today.

“Water suppliers should instead be focusing on fast-tracking less disruptive alternatives by fixing leaks, educating us all to reduce our water consumption and by exploring the use of water transfers.

“Many concerns remain around the size of the proposed scheme, its environmental impact and significant (and growing) financial and carbon costs, as well as the potential for increased flood risk in local watercourses.

“We remain opposed to this proposal, and we will continue to urge water providers, regulators and government to listen to local voices and reject these plans. We will continue to do everything we can within our power to ensure that the voice of our community is listened to.”

You can also click here to visit the GARD (Group Against Reservoir Development’s) FB page.

• Cleaning the grit

I mentioned last week (see below) about the mess and confusion that was caused by Oxfordshire CC’s painting of white lines (in the wrong place) and their subsequent removal. This caused a good deal of mess, including grit on the pavements, some of which then got trampled into the several of the retailers’ carpets.

Despite several attempts to deal with this, from talking to some affected businesses today it seems this has yet to be properly finished. One retailer described it to me as “work in progress”; the clear hope being that there would be some progress. One issue is who will pay for having the windows and the building frontages cleaned. The retailers feel that this is OCC’s responsibility. What OCC feels about this is currently unclear (though we have asked).

• Other news

• This Saturday 16 August it’s the Festival Ceilidh in Grove. This is a Barn Dance with PolkaWorks, no experience is necessary as they will guide all-comers through each dance so everyone, experienced dancer or complete beginner, can have fun.  You can reserve tickets from the website here.

• Sustainable Shrivenham have been collecting teddies for the The Teddy Trust, who send them to children who have suffered trauma in their lives. They are still accepting donations which can be dropped off at The Hub. The Trust have strict specifications for the teddy bears that are suitable so please check those out here before donating.

• The Vale of the White Horse District Council have released it’s latest newsletter for August. This issue covers bank holiday changes to bins, the emergency alert texts and pantomime coming to The Beacon. Read it here.

• Oxfordshire CC wants to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier and more enjoyable for all in Wantage and Grove. They have drafted a document called a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and people living in, or visiting, Wantage can have their say on the draft LCWIP through a survey open on the council’s digital consultation and engagement platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire until 18 September.

• Sustainable Wantage‘s August newsletter covers The Mix closing times for August, an update on the ‘Waste-free Wantage’ project, apple pressing, upcoming events such as the Re-Imagining Waste discussion and the Community Meal, as well as volunteering opportunities. Read it here.

• Wantage Town Council is preparing for Alfred Fest on Sunday 26 October, a celebration of the town’s rich heritage and honours King Alfred the Great. They are offering a range of sponsorship packages designed to suit all budgets, giving local businesses the chance to gain valuable exposure while supporting a much-loved community celebration. For more info or to request a sponsorship pack, email us at communications@wantagetowncouncil.gov.uk.

• Down to Earth Community Cafe in The Old Stables Makespace behind Wantage Library will be re-opening on Tuesday 19 August folling their summer break. Do follow them on facebook to find about their amazing menus when they re-open.

• Did you know Wantage Library has a Storytime every Saturday between 2.30pm and 3pm? It is free and you can just drop in. Right now the Summer Reading Challenge is also on, so make sure to sign up while you are here. Find out more here.

• Thanks to a joint effort with Shrivenham Parish Council and funding from Sustainable Shrivenham, they have announced that a new community composted soil improver, supplied by the surplus from a fantastic Defence Academy initiative is now available for use. Located at the Shrivenham Memorial Hall carpark, bring your own container and take what you need. This resource is free to use, although donations are appreciated and can be made at the Hub. Find out more here.

• Quick reminder about the recent catch-up newsletter from the local Wantage and Grove Campaign Group which you can read it here. Items covered include the joint local plan, GP practices, new County Councillors for Wantage, Leisure Centre renovations, the Beacon, a judicial review and no pub after all for Crab Hill.

• There is also a Wantage and Grove Campaign Group facebook group which is worth joining here.

• Click here for the latest news from the Wantage Chamber of Commerce.

Our usual round-up of Wantage area news includes line-painting problems in Wantage’s Market Square, easier cycling, a friendship café, a sustainable newsletter, sponsorship opportunities, storytime and the mega-reservoir.  See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Wantage area events include Green Gym and Open Mic Night. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• Painting the roads

As we reported following a presentation at the Wantage Chamber of Commerce in June, Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) has plans for Wantage.

What exactly these plans are is currently unclear. It appears to be a master-planning or town-centre strategy mainly focussed on the Market Square. You can read more about the proposals on this page on OCC’s website (note that the consultation has now closed).

This has all got conflated with a separate issue, the experimental traffic order (ETO) to pedestrianise the West End of the Square. This was introduced in late 2023 and redently the time came to decide if it should be made permanent. This OCC decided to do at its meeting on 17 July.

One of the results of altering traffic regulations is that the lines on the road need to be changed. A team of OCC’s contractors was duly dispatched to do the job. It was at this point that things started to go wrong…

Unfortunately, they painted these in the wrong place so they had to come back to remove them. Much the irritation of local business owners, this was done in such a way that allowed grit and mud to be sprayed over the pavements and shopfronts. Various attempts at clean-ups have followed, the most recent on 7 August. iI’s hoped that these will eventually remove all the grit which customers have been trampling in the businesses’ carpets and the film of dirt and mud which cakes many of their windows.

Meanwhile, there are other street lines that still need to be dealt with. Hopefully this will be handled rather better.

Although, as explained above, this relates to an issue which pre-dated OCC’s latest ambitions for the town, for many this will be seen as the first step in the county’s attempts to make the centre of Wantage or more pleasant place. The results thus far cannot be regarded as a success. I’ve seen some pretty forthright emails on the subject to OCC. One problem is that a number of business owners already regard OCC’s plans with a certain amount of suspicion, particularly in light of the botched engagement exercise in 2023. This hasn’t helped.

The address in June by OCC’s Head of Place for the Vale, Andy Sweeney, was partly an attempt to re-boot the relationship with local retailers. Now it looks as it another re-boot is required: a Wellington boot, perhaps, or some other footwear that can survive getting covered in mud and grit.

• Other news

• Oxfordshire CC wants to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier and more enjoyable for all in Wantage and Grove. They have drafted a document called a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and people living in, or visiting, Wantage can have their say on the draft LCWIP through a survey open on the council’s digital consultation and engagement platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire until 18 September.

• Next Wednesday 13 August there is a Dementia Friendship Cafe, taking place at Charlton Lodge Care Home, Wantage. Join local family carers, share your experiences, make new friends and get helpful advice from Dementia Oxfordshire. To find out more click here or email mark.young@careuk.com.

• Once a month, the Beacon’s Bar is transformed into Wantage’s Open Mic Night – inviting local musicians, singers, performers and spoken word artists to take the stage in a relaxed and intimate setting. The next one is taking place next Wednesday 13 August from 7pm. Find out more here.

• Sustainable Wantage‘s August newsletter covers The Mix closing times for August, an update on the ‘Waste-free Wantage’ project, apple pressing, upcoming events such as the Re-Imagining Waste discussion and the Community Meal, as well as volunteering opportunities. Read it here.

• Wantage Town Council is preparing for Alfred Fest on Sunday 26 October, a celebration of the town’s rich heritage and honours King Alfred the Great. They are offering a range of sponsorship packages designed to suit all budgets, giving local businesses the chance to gain valuable exposure while supporting a much-loved community celebration. For more info or to request a sponsorship pack, email us at communications@wantagetowncouncil.gov.uk.

• Quick reminder that Down to Earth Community Cafe in The Old Stables Makespace behind Wantage Library is closed for a summer break until 19 August. Do follow them on facebook to find about their amazing menus when they re-open.

• Did you know Wantage Library has a Storytime every Saturday between 2.30pm and 3pm? It is free and you can just drop in. Right now the Summer Reading Challenge is also on, so make sure to sign up while you are here. Find out more here.

• On Tuesday 5 August there will be a Coffee Morning with the Stroke Association, at Charlton Lodge Care Home in Wantage. This is an opportunity for those who have been affected by a stroke to share their experiences, get support and make new friends. It is free to attend and there is complimentary tea and biscuits. Click here to learn more.

• Opposition continues to the proposed mega-reservoir planned by Thames Water for north of Wantage. You can click here to visit the GARD (Group Against reservoir Development’s) FB page.

• How does Reading Council’s desire for a land grab of the eastern part of West Berkshire affect the proposals for a new combined unitary Ridgeway Council for West Berkshire, the Vale and South Oxfordshire Councils? In this separate article we take a look at why it might be important and what WBC thinks of it, as well as at the other decisions that have yet to be taken.

• Thanks to a joint effort with Shrivenham Parish Council and funding from Sustainable Shrivenham, they have announced that a new community composted soil improver, supplied by the surplus from a fantastic Defence Academy initiative is now available for use. Located at the Shrivenham Memorial Hall carpark, bring your own container and take what you need. This resource is free to use, although donations are appreciated and can be made at the Hub. Find out more here.

• Quick reminder about the recent catch-up newsletter from the local Wantage and Grove Campaign Group which you can read it here. Items covered include the joint local plan, GP practices, new County Councillors for Wantage, Leisure Centre renovations, the Beacon, a judicial review and no pub after all for Crab Hill.

• There is also a Wantage and Grove Campaign Group facebook group which is worth joining here.

• Click here for the latest news from the Wantage Chamber of Commerce.

Our usual round-up of Wantage area news includes sponsorship, fixing the stuff, story time, the reservoir, soil, a campaign group and volunteers.  See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Wantage area events include Repair Cafe and library storytime. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• This week’s news

• Wantage Town Council are preparing for Alfred Fest on Sunday 26 October, a celebration of the town’s rich heritage and honours King Alfred the Great. They are offering a range of sponsorship packages designed to suit all budgets, giving local businesses the chance to gain valuable exposure while supporting a much-loved community celebration. For more info or to request a sponsorship pack, email us at communications@wantagetowncouncil.gov.uk.

• This weekend it’s the Repair Cafe down at The Mix on Mill Street, on Saturday 2 August. A few space are still available, so if you’ve been meaning to get an item fixed, now’s your chance before all the slots are gone. Click here to book a place.

• Down to Earth Community Cafe in The Old Stables Makespace behind Wantage Library will be closing for a summer break between 2 and 19 August. They thank everyone for their support, love and kindness over the past year – and say that getting to know more about the Wantage and Grove community has been a real treat. Do follow them on facebook to find about their amazing menus when they re-open.

• Did you know Wantage Library has a Storytime every Saturday between 2.30pm and 3pm? It is free and you can just drop in. Right now the Summer Reading Challenge is also on, so make sure to sign up while you are here. Find out more here.

• On Tuesday 5 August there will be a Coffee Morning with the Stroke Association, at Charlton Lodge Care Home in Wantage. This is an opportunity for those who have been affected by a stroke to share their experiences, get support and make new friends. It is free to attend and there is complimentary tea and biscuits. Click here to learn more.

• Opposition continues to the proposed mega-reservoir planned by Thames Water for north of Wantage. You can click here to visit the GARD (Group Against reservoir Development’s) FB page.

• How does Reading Council’s desire for a land grab of the eastern part of West Berkshire affect the proposals for a new combined unitary Ridgeway Council for West Berkshire, the Vale and South Oxfordshire Councils? In this separate article we take a look at why it might be important and what WBC thinks of it, as well as at the other decisions that have yet to be taken.

• Thanks to a joint effort with Shrivenham Parish Council and funding from Sustainable Shrivenham, they have announced that a new community composted soil improver, supplied by the surplus from a fantastic Defence Academy initiative is now available for use. Located at the Shrivenham Memorial Hall carpark, bring your own container and take what you need. This resource is free to use, although donations are appreciated and can be made at the Hub. Find out more here.

• Quick reminder about the recent catch-up newsletter from the local Wantage and Grove Campaign Group which you can read it here. Items covered include the joint local plan, GP practices, new County Councillors for Wantage, Leisure Centre renovations, the Beacon, a judicial review and no pub after all for Crab Hill.

• There is also a Wantage and Grove Campaign Group facebook group which is worth joining here.

• Click here for the latest news from the Wantage Chamber of Commerce.

Our usual round-up of Wantage area news includes the local landscape, dental care, story-time at the Library, coffee, re-surfacing, the reservoir and soil improver.  See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Wantage area events include craft workshop and mini music festival. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• Local landscape

• Other news

• Wantage Town Council wants to know how you feel about access to dental care in Wantage and the surrounding area. Results will be anonymised and used to support local conversations around dental health provision. Please complete the short survey here.

• This Saturday 26 July, ‘Girls are Loud’ a mini music festival, is on at King Alfred’s Head, Wantage. The all-female line-up celebrates the talent of local rock chicks, in aid of Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. No booking required, this is a free event but donations on the day would be greatly appreciated. More information, including the line-up, can be found here.

• There’s a Children’s Craft Workshop taking place this Friday for members of the Wantage Community Larder. A creative ‘Under the Sea’ themed workshop, running alongside the usual Larder sessions at The Beacon. Children can make fish key rings, magical mermaids or a colourful paper plate fish. All materials are provided. Find out more here.

• Did you know Wantage Library has a Storytime every Saturday between 2.30pm and 3pm? It is free and you can just drop in. Right now the Summer Reading Challenge is also on, so make sure to sign up while you are here. Find out more here.

• On Tuesday 5 August there will be a Coffee Morning with the Stroke Association, at Charlton Lodge Care Home in Wantage. This is an opportunity for those who have been affected by a stroke to share their experiences, get support and make new friends. It is free to attend and there is complimentary tea and biscuits. Click here to learn more.

• Last weekend’s road closure between Beedon and West Ilsley to allow resurfacing work on the A34, was postponed due to bad weather and will now have to be rescheduled for another weekend. We’ll keep an eye out for when they announce the new date…

• Opposition continues to the proposed mega-reservoir planned by Thames Water for north of Wantage. You can click here to visit the GARD (Group Against reservoir Development’s) FB page.

• How does Reading Council’s desire for a land grab of the eastern part of West Berkshire affect the proposals for a new combined unitary Ridgeway Council for West Berkshire, the Vale and South Oxfordshire Councils? In this separate article we take a look at why it might be important and what WBC thinks of it, as well as at the other decisions that have yet to be taken.

• Thanks to a joint effort with Shrivenham Parish Council and funding from Sustainable Shrivenham, they have announced that a new community composted soil improver, supplied by the surplus from a fantastic Defence Academy initiative is now available for use. Located at the Shrivenham Memorial Hall carpark, bring your own container and take what you need. This resource is free to use, although donations are appreciated and can be made at the Hub. Find out more here.

• Quick reminder about the recent catch-up newsletter from the local Wantage and Grove Campaign Group which you can read it here. Items covered include the joint local plan, GP practices, new County Councillors for Wantage, Leisure Centre renovations, the Beacon, a judicial review and no pub after all for Crab Hill.

• There is also a Wantage and Grove Campaign Group facebook group which is worth joining here.

• Click here for the latest news from the Wantage Chamber of Commerce.

Our usual round-up of Wantage area news includes consulting on the Market Square, traffic orders (in the same place) and a hosepipe ban – plus a proposed land-grab from Reading, refills, soil improver, a road closure, reservoir opposition and volunteering.  See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Wantage area events include Summer Pour art and wine at Dolphin Art Gallery. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• Last chance to have your say

• The critical need to extend free parking at Portway car park from one to two hours (mirroring Farringdon’s successful model);
• Importance of improved signage to help visitors locate available parking spaces;
• Balancing the needs of businesses, families, and accessibility users in regeneration planning.

You might want to bear this points in mind when expressing your views. If you feel you or your business is likely to be affected or if you want to contribute in any way, click on the consultation or Chamber links above to get involved. Anyone running in a business in or near the town would also be well advised to consider joining the Chamber: see the website (link above) for information.

• Finalising the traffic

A closely related matter concerns the West End Traffic Regulation Order which Oxfordshire County Council agreed on 17 July should be progressed and finalised. This decision represents, a statement from the Wantage Chamber of Commerce says, “a significant milestone in the ongoing discussions about Wantage Market Place’s future.”

You can read the full statement from the Chamber on the matter by clicking here.

One aspect of the matter which was finalised rather sooner than it should have been concerns some road markings in the West End of Wantage’s Market Place which were put down without authorisation. “The council did not specify that these works be undertaken by our contractor who was working nearby to refresh lines around the town.,” OCC’s Andy Sweeney explained. “They have admitted liability for the error and the lines will be removed in the coming weeks, at no cost to the taxpayers. I can only apologise on their behalf for any upset, concern or confusion caused.”

His apology was well judged: any unexpected changes to the traffic arrangements in the Market Place can, and have, caused “upset, concern or confusion” – and frequently all three.

• Other news

• Next Thursday 24 July enjoy ‘The Summer Pour‘: an evening of art and wine tasting at The Dolphin Gallery, Wantage. A £25 ticket includes: a welcome glass of fizz, two red wines, two white wines and a port to finish the evening. Click here to book a place.

• Opposition continues to the proposed mega-reservoir planned by Thames Water for north of Wantage. You can click here to visit the GARD (Group Against reservoir Development’s) FB page.

• How does Reading Council’s desire for a land grab of the eastern part of West Berkshire affect the proposals for a new combined unitary Ridgeway Council for West Berkshire, the Vale and South Oxfordshire Councils? In this separate article we take a look at why it might be important and what WBC thinks of it, as well as at the other decisions that have yet to be taken.

• Sustainable Shrivenham’s The Refillery is now open for business, as a new community refill shop. Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday. Bring your containers to stock-up on reasonably priced, packaging-free food, personal care products, sweets, cleaning products and more. Pop in to see what they’ve got to offer. Follow them on Facebook for updates.

• Thanks to a joint effort with Shrivenham Parish Council and funding from Sustainable Shrivenham, they have announced that a new community composted soil improver, supplied by the surplus from a fantastic Defence Academy initiative is now available for use. Located at the Shrivenham Memorial Hall carpark, bring your own container and take what you need. This resource is free to use, although donations are appreciated and can be made at the Hub. Find out more here.

• A reminder that there will be a weekend road closure on the A34 between Beedon and West Ilsley, from 9pm Friday 18 July to 6am Monday 21 July. To allow for resurfacing work to take place, the A34 northbound will be closed from A34/M4 J13 Chieveley Interchange to the A4185 Chilton Junction. For more information, check out the official diversions for motorway traffic and non-motorway traffic.

• Wantage Town Council wants to know how you feel about access to dental care in Wantage and the surrounding area. Results will be anonymised and used to support local conversations around dental health provision. Please complete the short survey here.

• Quick reminder about the recent catch-up newsletter from the local Wantage and Grove Campaign Group which you can read it here. Items covered include the joint local plan, GP practices, new County Councillors for Wantage, Leisure Centre renovations, the Beacon, a judicial review and no pub after all for Crab Hill.

• There is also a Wantage and Grove Campaign Group facebook group which is worth joining here.

• Click here for the latest news from the Wantage Chamber of Commerce.

Our usual round-up of Wantage area news includes fundraising for fifty more years at the Vale & Downland Museum and summer activities – plus folk songs, heat, a dental survey, art, a campaign website and tennis.  See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Wantage area events include Museum’s Fundraising Fete and Wantage Tennis Club’s Ladies Open Social. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• Other news

• This Saturday 12 July, join the Wantage Choral Society for it’s latest concert: A Fancy of Folksongs. Taking place at Letcombe Regis Village Hall from 7:30pm, tickets cost £15 each and under 16s go free. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine and canapes. Find out more here.

• A Yellow Heat Health Alert has been issued for the south east until Tuesday 15 July by the UKHSA and Met Office. This means hot weather could significantly impact health and care services. Please take action to stay safe and support those who are vulnerable. Those most at risk are those aged over 65, those with long-term health conditions, young children, and people living alone. Follow official heat safety advice via UKHSA here.

• Wantage Town Council wants to know how you feel about access to dental care in Wantage and the surrounding area. Results will be anonymised and used to support local conversations around dental health provision. Please complete the short survey here.

• The next meeting of the Wantage Art Group is taking place next Wednesday 16 July at East Challow Village Hall. This month’s session will be led by Kate Wade on the theme of Summer Landscape. Kate will demonstrate her technique using watercolour and mixed media. As usual, new members and visitors are always welcome. Click here for further details.

• Quick reminder about the recent catch-up newsletter from the local Wantage and Grove Campaign Group which you can read it here. Items covered include the joint local plan, GP practices, new County Councillors for Wantage, Leisure Centre renovations, the Beacon, a judicial review and no pub after all for Crab Hill.

• There is also a Wantage and Grove Campaign Group facebook group which is worth joining here.

• Would you like to keep fit and help protect and enhance our local green spaces? If so why not join Wild Wantage at its next ‘Green Gym’, where you can help with practical outdoor tasks to improve habitats for local biodiversity. This months session on Friday 11 July, they will be meeting at Wantage Library, to tidy up and add more plant to help their garden flourish and welcome more pollinators. To get involved, register here.

• Be aware that this weekend there is resurfacing work taking place on the A34 northbound, between Beedon and West Ilsley. The A34 northbound will be closed from the A34/M4 J13 Chieveley Interchange to the A4185 Chilton Junction, near Didcot, Oxfordshire. Work will begin at 9pm on Friday 4 July and finish around 6am on Monday 7 July. There will be a diversion route in place. There will also be resurfacing work on the weekend of 18 July.

• Wantage Tennis Club welcomes members and non-members of all abilities to their Wantage Tennis Club Ladies Open Socials on Thursday 17 July from 10am to 12pm. Just drop in anytime during a session to find out what the club as to offer.

Our usual round-up of Wantage area news includes the latest on the town-centre plans, questions regarding Ridgeway Council and a horticultural centenary – plus a science café, resurfacing work, tennis, green spaces and volunteer drivers.  See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Wantage area events include Wantage Cafe Scientifique and Wantage Choral Society. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

The Chamber’s Marketing and membership Co-ordinator Maeri Howard talked about the matter on BBC Radio Oxford recently. The matters that she felt were vital to see addressed were:

• The critical need to extend free parking at Portway car park from 1 to 2 hours (mirroring Farringdon’s successful model);
• Importance of improved signage to help visitors locate available parking spaces;
• Balancing the needs of businesses, families, and accessibility users in regeneration planning.

This one will run for some time. If you feel you or your business is likely to be affected or if you want to contribute in any way, click on the consultation or Chamber links above to get involved.

• Ridgeway Council

With every week that passes, more and more questions are being asked about the effect that local government re-organisations will have and how this will work. Given that nothing’s been decided, there are very few answers. In this separate article we take a look at some of issues that have recently come up, suggest a possible similarity with post-unification Berlin, consider the challenge of re-positioning officers and reflect that councils are damned if they do or if they don’t by considering the matter in detail at this stage.

Various consultation events are taking place on the Ridgeway proposal and we have links to these in the article.

• Grove Horticultural Heritage

Grove Horticultural Society was reformed in 1919 having gone into hibernation during WWI. The new organisation held its first Summer Annual show in August 1920, with much enthusiasm, in a field loaned by a local farmer. Such shows were then a regular entry on the Grove calendar, showcasing local-grown flowers and vegetables. Domestic and children’s classes were added, allowing everyone in the village to exhibit, with sideshows, competitions and entertainment. In the early 1930s a programme of amateur sports activities were included: the tug-of-war being the highlight.

By 1999 lack of practical support, an ageing committee and rising costs meant the event was changed to a smaller, purely horticultural show in the Old Mill Hall, Grove, where it has been held ever since.

Dwindling membership made the committee rethink the purpose of the society and in 2019 it changed to Grove Garden and Local History Club, providing a broader programme of events, in hopes of attracting a wider audience.

In 2027 the club will be hosting its hundredth Summer Show with plans for an exhibition and accompanying book about the story of the organisation. So if you can contribute any anecdotes, stories, photos, past schedules, winning certificates – in fact anything relating to the Summer Show or  the club’s 100+ years of history. please contact Jenny at jennycare@btinternet.com. All contributions will be acknowledged.

• The Wantage & Grove Campaign Group

After a log hiatus caused by illness, the latest newsletter from the local campaign group has recently been published and you can read it here.

Items covered include the joint local plan, GP practices, new County Councillors for Wantage, Leisure Centre renovations, the Beacon, a judicial review and no pub for Crab Hill.

• Other news

• Next Wednesday 9 July Wantage Cafe Scientifique is back with a talk on the ‘excavation at Brookside Meadows’, with Francesca Giarrelli, a project officer for Rubicon Archaeology. The preliminary results highlight the long occupation of the site from the late Bronze Age to the end of the Roman era. Taking place at the Wildwood Cinema, Wantage, learn more here.

• Would you like to keep fit and help protect and enhance our local green spaces? If so why not join Wild Wantage at its next ‘Green Gym’, where you can help with practical outdoor tasks to improve habitats for local biodiversity. This months session on Friday 11 July, they will be meeting at Wantage Library, to tidy up and add more plant to help their garden flourish and welcome more pollinators. To get involved, register here.

• Be aware that this weekend there is resurfacing work taking place on the A34 northbound, between Beedon and West Ilsley. The A34 northbound will be closed from the A34/M4 J13 Chieveley Interchange to the A4185 Chilton Junction, near Didcot, Oxfordshire. Work will begin at 9pm on Friday 4 July and finish around 6am on Monday 7 July. There will be a diversion route in place. There will also be resurfacing work on the weekend of 18 July.

• Wantage Tennis Club welcomes members and non-members of all abilities to their Wantage Tennis Club Ladies Open Socials on Thursday 17 July from 10am to 12pm. Just drop in anytime during a session to find out what the club as to offer.