Enstone Ensign – Enstone Parish Council

ENSTONE ENSIGN
Number 483 April 2025
Newsletter for Enstone Parishioners

THE CHASE BENEFICE – APRIL
Sunday 6th April
0800 BCP Holy Communion Enstone
1000 CW Holy Communion Spelsbury
Sunday 13th April – Palm Sunday
1000 Benefice Palm Sunday
Communion Ascott
Details of Services during Holy Week will be published at a later date
Sunday 20th April – Easter Day
0800 BCP Easter Service Spelsbury
1000 CW Easter Service Ascott
1000 CW Easter Service Chadlington
1000 CW Easter Service Enstone
Sunday 27th April
0800 BCP Holy Communion Ascott
1000 CW Holy Communion Chadlington
From the Registers:
Deaths:-
Jean Helyar 20th March Enstone
Wedding:-
Catherine Morgan & Marius Fulga 21st March Enstone

There will be no coffee morning at St Kenelm’s Church this month due to proximity to Easter Sunday.

All items for the April Ensign in by 26th April (or sooner, if you have it ready) please, to Hillside (blue door opposite the Harrow Inn) or ring 677231 for shorter items. You can also email me at info@andreabates.co.uk

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS MARCH
Parish Councillor – Vacancy
Come and join the Council! Do come along to the next meeting on Thursday 24th April to see how the Parish Council is the voice for the residents of Enstone Parish. The Parish Council meets on Thursday evenings towards the end of each month. Please do contact me for further details.

Planning Applications:-
• Upper Farm, Cleveley, 25/00342/S73 – Variation of condition 2 of PP 24/00854/HHD to allow for changes to the extension, windows and roof – No objection
• Upper Farm, Cleveley, 25/00530/LBC – Internal & external alterations to farmhouse, including design changes to previously approved two storey extension and replacement of windows on east wing – No objection
• Church Cottage, Church Enstone, 25/00371/HHD & 25/00375/LBC – External alterations to erect a stone wall along the front elevation of the main house to replace the railway sleepers currently edging the flowerbeds – No objection
Decisions Received:-
• Appeal Notice, APP/D3125/C/24/3358009 – Chalford Paddocks, Oxford Road, Old Chalford. Without planning permission, the construction of stables and a material change of use of part of the stable building to a single dwelling house with associated hardstanding – Information
• Southcombe Farm, Oxford Road, Southcombe, 24/02674/FUL – Construction of replacement self-custom build dwelling and associated works. Approved subject to Legal Agreement

Litter Picking Weekend ….. thank you!
Over forty volunteers joined in another successful litter picking weekend on 22
& 23 March. A vast amount of rubbish was collected from around the Parish.
The Parish Council wishes to thank Cllr. Philip Shaw for his dedication in
organising this annual event.

Enstone Relief in Need Charity – Trustees
The Charity Commission’s Constitution states that the Parish Council is
responsible for appointing Trustees on a four-yearly basis. Interviews have
taken place and further information will be provided in April’s edition.

Dragons Teeth ….
The Parish Council has funded the painting of “Dragons Teeth” at various
junctions to help with traffic calming measures.

Grass Cutting of the verges …..
The contractors, Thomas Fox Landscaping, will be cutting the verges and
greens during the week of Monday 21st April. There will be a “No Mow May”
and then the following four cuts will take place in June, July, August and
September. St. Kenelm’s churchyard and cemetery will have monthly cuts,
commencing in March.

Attempted thefts ….
There have been reports of the attempted theft of a vehicle in Church Enstone,
cooking oil being stolen from The Crown Inn and oil tanks in Enstone being
syphoned off.

Site Visit – Church Enstone – Oxforshire County Council
Following concerns from residents in Church Enstone to the Parish Council
regarding ongoing parking issues, a site visit with the Highways’ Officer from
OCC was organised. Several residents met with the Highways’ Officer and a
member of the Parish Council to discuss various issues including vehicles
blocking access to people’s houses and vehicles parking on pavements which is
against the guidance of the Highway Code.

Annual Parish Meeting – Thursday 15th May at 7.00 pm – Enstone P.H
This year’s annual parish meeting takes place on Thursday 15th May. There will be reports from local organisations, charities, Thames Valley Police and from the District & County Councils, including updates on the proposed Unitary Authority in Oxfordshire. All welcome!

Dates of Next Meetings – 7.00 pm Enstone Parish Hall
• Thursday 24th April
• Thursday 15th May – Annual Parish Meeting
• Thursday 22nd May – Annual Council Meeting, followed by Parish Council Meeting

Parish Website ….. The parish website is for information from all organisations within the parish so please let me know if you wish to have any information put onto the website (https://enstone-pc.gov.uk). The Parish Council thanks Mrs Rachel Hunt, webmaster honorarium, for all her dedicated and hard work relating to the management of the website. Mrs Beth Sinclair, Enstone Parish Clerk, Tel: 07896 150265 Email:- clerk@enstone-pc.gov.uk

PiCkLEnstone PICKLEBALL IN THE PARISH HALL
PiCkLEnstone is a new small group playing Pickleball in Enstone at the Parish hall. Regular weekly sessions have started on Fridays 4pm-5pm with the prospect of adding further days or longer sessions depending on interest.
Pickleball can be played on a badminton court with a lower net and an additional court marking, hence the hall is ideal for a small group to play. Numbers per session will be limited to 8 players so that everyone gets a few games in during an hours play, where we are playing doubles on a single court. Fees of £3-£5 per 1-hour session depending on the number of players. Open to players of mixed abilities for fun recreational play. Join the group on the Pickleheads App which is used to manage the sessions :
https://www.pickleheads.com/l/5cwJXgjNcwBG
For any more info email Colin Taylor on picklenstone@gmail.com

ENCON LAUNCHES SCHOOL PHOTO COMPETITION
Enstone Conservation Trust (ENCON) has launched a photo competition for pupils of the three local primary schools: Enstone, Great Tew and Middle Barton. Called ‘Where We Live!’ the competition is designed to showcase why this part of West Oxfordshire is such a great place to live and go to school. There are four categories: 1) Wildlife; 2) Flora; 3) Buildings & Heritage and 4) Landscape, and the competition is split into two age groups – Reception to year 3 and years 4, 5 and 6. Pupils and their parents/carers can enter ‘Where We Live!’ via the ENCON website at https://www.encon.org.uk/. If you have children or grandchildren at Enstone Primary or the other two schools then please encourage them to enter. The competition is open now until 22nd April so pupils will have plenty of time to get snapping with their parents/carers over the Easter holiday. Winners will get a framed copy of their print, a photobook of all the winning entries and a book token courtesy of Jaffe & Neale in Chipping Norton. The schools themselves will also benefit with donations from ENCON to their eco projects. There will be a prizegiving and an exhibition of all the winning photos in the Parish Hall on 19th May, prior to ENCON’s AGM. If you would like to find out more about ENCON’s work to protect and enhance our local area then please sign up the email or consider becoming a member (£15 for individuals/£25 for families).

ENSTONE ECO
Enstone Eco – Springing into Action! March was a busy and rewarding month for Enstone Eco, with volunteers rolling up their sleeves across the parish. We took part in the annual village litter pick, cleared the overgrown stream at Gagingwell Pond, and continued hedge laying at Enstone Corner alongside Chipping Norton Green Gym – a fantastic collaborative effort that will benefit local wildlife for years to come.
We’ve also been monitoring water quality and checking for riverfly larvae, with lots of wriggly findings! Two beautiful bird boxes have been donated to St Kenelm’s churchyard, and we’re looking forward to a free wildflower ID workshop on Saturday 26 April with a practice session on Friday 2 May. All are welcome – it’s a great way to connect with nature and meet like-minded neighbours. We’re also excited to welcome Hugh Warwick for a special hedgehog talk on Monday 28 April with the Gardening Club – a must for any wildlife enthusiast. Plus, we’ll be out and about again in May and June with more riverfly monitoring sessions. There’s plenty happening, so do join us!
To learn more or get involved, visit https://www.enstone-eco.co.uk/ or email enstoneeco@gmail.com.

ENSTONE GARDEN CLUB – SPRING FLOWER SHOW
April 12th 2025 2-4 p.m – Enstone Parish Hall.

Schedule
Entry is free and is open to all. Cut flowers only, except where stated.
Class Description
Narcissi 1. Trumpet Daffodils 3 blooms 1 variety
2. Large cup 3 blooms 1 variety
3. Small cup 3 blooms 1 variety
4. Double flowered 3 blooms 1 variety
5. Multi-headed 3 blooms 1 variety
6. Miniature 3 blooms 1 variety
7. 5 different varieties 5 blooms 5 varieties
Tulips 8. Darwin type 3 blooms 1 variety
9. Parrot type 3 blooms 1 variety
10. 3 different varieties 3 blooms 3 varieties
11. Other types (eg Lily-flowered, Kaufmanniana, miniature, double headed etc) 3 blooms 1 variety
Others 12. Muscari 6 stems 1 variety
13. Hyacinth 1 stem 1 variety
14. Fritillaries 3 stems 1 or more varieties 15. Alliums 3 stems 1 or more varieties 16. Any other bulbs 3 stems 1 variety
17. Aquilegia 3 stems 1 or more varieties 18. Clematis 1 specimen with stalk,
19 Clematis 3 flower heads floating in a saucer 20 Hellebores 3 heads floating in a saucer
21. Iris 3 stems 1 or more varieties 22. Pansies 6 flowers of one or mixed colours 23. Polyanthus 3 stems 1 or more varieties 24. Wallflowers 3 spikes 1 or more varieties 25. Flowering Shrub 1 stem max 18”
26. “What is best in my garden today” 3 stems, one or more varieties
27. Bowl of flowering bulbs
28. Bunch of spring flowers.
29. A potted flowering plant
30. Potted flowering Orchid
31. A potted indoor plant (not in flower)

Exhibits to be staged between 10:00 and 12:00 on Saturday April 12th in the Parish Hall. Registration of entries will commence at 10.00 a.m. Entry is free and is open to all. No exhibitor may enter more than one exhibit in any one class. The exhibitor must have grown all exhibits intended for competition. Potted plants must have been the property of the exhibitor for at least three months. Exhibitors must provide their own vases, dishes etc., at their own risk. Judging will take place from 12:15. The judge’s decision is final. Any queries please ring 01608 677074 Entries to be removed by 4:30 p.m. You may renew your membership at any time during the show. Membership fee £10.00 individual £15 Joint. Remember, members get valuable discounts from local garden centres.

ENSTONE GARDEN CLUB
Upcoming Events in Spring 2025

Monday 28 April, 7.00, Enstone Parish Hall. A talk on “Hedgehogs – are they the gardeners best friend? Or is that just a marketing ploy to get you all to care?” In association with Enstone Eco Group.
We are delighted that Hugh Warwick, local ecologist, author and hedgehog expert has agreed to give an illustrated talk about these fascinating but threatened garden visitors. Please see About Hugh Warwick. Open to all.
Spring Flower Show, Saturday 12 April, Enstone Parish Hall
See below for the Schedule of Classes for the Spring Flower Show. The show will be open to the public between 2.00 and 4.00 pm. Refreshments will be available.

Sunday 4 May, 3.00 pm – Visit to Chivel Farm, Heythrop, Oxfordshire, OX7 5TR.
With thanks to John and Rosalind Sword.
Beautifully designed country garden with extensive views. The cost will be £10.00 per person, to include tea and cake in support of St Nicholas Church, Heythrop. Please email or text the secretary to let us know if you would like to join the group or to request transport to this or the Morton Hall visit described below enstonehorticulturalsociety@gmail.com or text 07771 594927.
Plant Sale – 10 May, Enstone Parish Hall, 10.00am – 12.00 noon
Always a popular event – an opportunity to purchase inexpensive vegetable and flowering plants. Donations of seedlings and cuttings are always welcome!

Wed 14 May, 2.00 – 4.00 – Visit to Morton Hall, near Redditch B96 6SJ We’re excited to have secured an exclusive visit to these fabulous gardens, featuring the famous tulip display. The cost is £17.00 per person, including a guided tour by the head gardener and cream tea.

Membership
As a member of Enstone Garden Club you are also able to obtain discounts from Applegarth Nurseries in Chipping Norton, Yarnton, Burford and Charlbury Garden Centres. Members can also benefit from discounts on seed and flower bulb orders. New members are always welcome. Members are encouraged to subscribe or to renew their membership for 2025 by direct BACS transfer or at one of the club’s events. Subscription rates are unchanged at £10 individual and £15.00 joint. The account details are:
Enstone Horticultural Society Sort code 20 03 84 Account 30354163
Please email us with your contact details enstonehorticulturalsociety@gmail.com (we’ve yet to change our email address!), so that we can add you to our email list.
Once you have renewed we will deliver your membership card as soon as possible so that you can obtain 10% discounts at local garden centres and join in the activities of the Garden Club.

ENSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL
We have really been enjoying our performing and creative arts over the past few weeks. World Book Day saw us getting poetic, with visiting poet Ash Dickinson supporting our celebrations and helping us all to find our rhymes and rhythms. Year 1’s had their first experience of a partnership event at Chipping Norton School, when they went along to the Dance Festival. The children enjoyed learning and performing dance sequences based on “Commotion in the Ocean”. At the other end of the school, Evenlode Class had a great time at the Chipping Norton Music Festival schools’ workshop, where we learned and performed some lovely songs on the theme of dreamcatchers. Our older children have also been honing their art skills, creating clay pots, and weaving willow sculptures, which we look forward to seeing on display at Sculpture at Kingham Lodge in May. Throughout the school, pupils took part in printing activities, producing a range of beautiful artwork as part of our annual House Festival in February. We are very grateful for our partnership with Cotswold Arts Through Schools, (CATS) and for the support and funding they provide which enriches our arts curriculum.
Sarah Mann, Headteacher

ENSTONE SUMMER FETE & 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – A DAY OF FUN, COMMUNITY & TRADITION
Calling All Former Enstone Pupils & Teachers. As we celebrate 150 years of Enstone School this July, we’d love to hear from those who’ve been part of its journey. Whether you’re a past pupil, teacher, or have fond memories tied to the school, we’re inviting you to share your stories, photos, and moments from over the years. Help us bring together a collection of memories past and present, to showcase how Enstone has grown and changed through the generations. We’d be so grateful to hear from you and include your memories in our Summer Party Celebration. Please get in touch by emailing us at: friendsofenstoneschool@gmail.com or contact Miranda directly on: 07833296091

COTSWOLDS ARTS THROUGH SCHOOLS (“CATS”)
CATS is a charity partnership of local Arts organisations working together to help bring Arts to the centre of our local school life. 54 schools in our area are now being helped by CATS. The Arts are crucial to the wellbeing of children. Creativity should be central to a child’s education. Putting the Arts back into school improves mental health, reduces absenteeism, gives children enthusiasm and joy, and helps improve academic results. Our schools are supported by having an art workshop every term, backed up with training for class teachers and syllabus support. CATS is also supporting schools with music, dance and drama. As children progress they are offered more sophisticated instruments. Inspiring children through their own creativity and practice comes from local professional artists and musicians employed by CATS who visit schools.
If you’d like to be involved or can help or give, please contact: info@cotswoldsartsthroughschools.com

CHARLBURY BOWLS CLUB TASTER SESSIONS
Ever thought of trying Bowls – a sport for all ages from 7 years old.
Come along and have a go.
Juniors – 7+ years old Saturday Mornings 10-12 from 26th April
Adults – Fridays 2-4pm from 25th April
All equipment provided, all you need is a pair of clean, flat soled shoes.
Outdoor (and indoor bowling in inclement weather) available. Registered Bowls England Coaches. Taster sessions for Family and activity groups can be arranged. For example Guides, Scouts, WI
Please contact: Ian on 07585 328171 or Cynthia on 07484 659069

THE MAGIC OF GARDENING
“The magic of gardening” course is designed to inform and inspire to maximise the enjoyment of gardening. It runs in the Parish Hall over 8-week on Tuesday evenings, 7-9pm, starting 29th April 2025. It is ideal for both total beginners and experienced gardeners alike and based on solid RHS knowledge plus experience gained from well over 20 years working in the field.
You will learn the secrets of successfully producing your own plants from seeds and cuttings as well as growing your own food, ornamental plants, container plants and wildflowers.
In addition, the course will cover pruning, lawn care, ponds, soil care and much more. There will be practical demonstrations as much as time allows and you will be introduced to a range of new plants every session.
Contact Kari for more information: Telephone 01608 677025 or mobile 07920 425068, Email info@bluebridge-gardendesign.co.uk

ENSTONE SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB

Coming up:
Easter bingo – Sunday 13th April 4pm
Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and at the club.
Meat draw every Friday.
The club is open every Friday 7pm-11pm, Saturday 3pm till close and Sundays from 12pm to 3pm
Sky sports, now with SkyQ, on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
All welcome, The club is open to everyone.
Anyone interested in playing cricket on Sundays from April? Then you can contact Jonathan Watts on 07818697752

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

April 12 Spring Flower Show, 2-4pm, Parish Hall
21 Lawrence Nurses Easter Afternoon Tea, 3.30-5.30pm, Drystone Hill House, Enstone
22 Entry deadline for ENCON School Photo Competition
24 Parish Council meeting, 7pm, Parish Hall
26 Free Wildflower ID workshop, St Kenelm’s
26 Final Date for Copy
28 Hedgehog talk by Hugh Warwick, 7pm, Parish Hall
29 Magic of Gardening talks begin..
May 10 Plant Sale, 10-12, Parish Hall
15 Annual Parish meeting, 7pm, Parish Hall

Current & previous Ensigns as pdf.