Survey: Unlocking the digital potential of rural areas

Here is something we found which we felt would be of interest to all those that may have small businesses, work from home, or anything along those lines. ruralengland.org are running a survey to try to ascertain what those in rural communities are using as far as technology and broadband are concerned, and also what would be most useful to improve this area.

If you have time, please take a look at the online survey below to let everyone know how your business is using technology, and how it could be improved for the benefit of yourselves, and the community at large.

Unlocking the digital potential of rural areas – research

Rural England CIC and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have launched a research project, supported by Amazon, to explore the economic potential where businesses in rural areas take-up digital opportunities arising from broadband, mobile and other networks.

This project will take an independent look at businesses’ use of digital connectivity, including how they use it, what benefits arise, what barriers they face and what future potential they see, especially if barriers can be overcome.

This is an important topic for the future of the rural economy and its varied businesses. The e-economy is driving business efficiency, productivity and competitiveness, and is changing the way some go about their business.

Your views will be valuable to the project whether you run a farm, a retail outlet, a tech company or something else entirely. You could be a sole trader or a large employer, a PLC or a social enterprise, a recent start-up or a long established firm.

Hurst Water Meadow Trust News – August 2017

Summer on the meadows

We hope that you have enjoyed the meadows during the summer months.
The flowers and butterflies in the Hurst have been particularly good this year. Many of the wild flowers in the Hurst are ‘indicator species’ recognised by DEFRA as contributing to the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier status. An advisor from Natural England makes periodic inspections to ensure that the Hurst meets the qualifying requirements for an annual grant from the scheme, and the flora is of particular interest. The grant helps the Trust to pay for insurance cover, professional tree surgery, countryside skills training, tractor maintenance, and the purchase of hand tools and other equipment.

Our open morning to celebrate National Meadows Day was attended by more than fifty people, some of whom had never visited the Hurst before. A large ‘bug hotel’ was built, invertebrates were swept up with nets in the long grass and examined, drinks and cakes were enjoyed. Everyone was intrigued to watch Richard Tilley open his mammal traps and find small mammals which could be closely observed before being set free; and there was video footage from the trail camera which showed the larger mammals that frequent the Hurst.

Dog mess continues to be a problem

and has got worse in recent weeks. This may be because there are more visitors to the meadows during the holiday period but it may also be because other distractions take our attention away from our dogs. If residents see a dog owner fail to pick up after their dog please help by pointing this out to the owner and suggesting that they pick up. An effort by all walkers to combat this problem might be effective.

Autumn work ahead

Weekly work parties have met throughout the summer, mainly keeping nettles down and clearing vegetation from around recently planted trees. Eleven members of Sonning Common Green Gym joined us one Saturday to work on Overy Mead Piece near the confluence. We hope that they will be back helping us again soon. Autumn and winter work will include remedial tree work, cutting back scrub growth which is encroaching into grassland, and continuing to lay the hedge beside the car park at Old Bridge Meadow. If you would like to join the volunteer workers and perhaps learn to scythe or hedge-lay please let us know. It doesn’t have to be a regular commitment but you will be made very welcome and tools will be provided.

Gillian Johnson (Hon. Secretary) on behalf of the Trustees
01865 340925
Website: www.hurst-water-meadow.org.uk

St Birinus School News – September 2017

Our summer term certainly kept up a good pace as we reached the end of term in July – here are some of the highlights:

  • Once again, the weather was kind to us for our Sports Afternoon – Well done to all the children (and parents) who took part in the races – it was great to see the enthusiasm. This year had the added excitement of the Sports Cup, which was won by the Yellow team – well done to all groups for supporting each other throughout the races. A big thank you to the Governors for organising the family event and to the PTA for providing refreshments during and after the sports day.
  • Over the term, four Year 5 & 6 children had been completing their cycling proficiency training and an external examiner came to test them on their skills. Well done to Tommy who achieved their Level 1 and to Amelie, Tabitha and Tom who achieved their Level 2. Thank you to Mrs White and Mrs Bristow for their help throughout the training.
  • At the end of term, each class held their topic afternoons for the their parents
    • Hedgehog Class performed a small play about Jack and the Beanstalk
    • Squirrel Class had an African Drumming Workshop
    • Fox Class had a Roman afternoon that even included some marching
    • Owl Class had a Rocket Car afternoon, where they were able to build their own cars and then watch as they shot across the playground – it was amazing to watch.
  • Kings and Queens Day saw everyone dress up as someone from in and around court life. The costumes as always were a wonder to see. As we did with our pirate day last year, we split the school in to mixed age groups and each group were able to try their hands at jousting, collage portraits, illumination and Tudor dancing. It was a great day helped with the fantastic weather
  • In the Abbey on the last day, we held our Leavers service dedicated to the Year 6 children as they prepared to leave us. I certainly wish them well for their next exciting adventure. During the service Dr Boakes kindly gave a book to each of the group for their work with him over the year. As always I would like to thank Dr Boakes for all his work with the Year 6 children each year – it is very much appreciated. This is the fifth year to present the Luke Chadney Cup for Enthusiasm and Contribution, which was generously donated by Mr and Mrs Chadney in memory of their son, Luke. This year, the cup was awarded to Megan Sadler, who the staff felt had made a valuable contribution to school by willingly helping others in need of a friend. Well done Megan – well deserved.
  • Finally, we awarded our annual 100% Attendance Certificates – this year the following children have achieved 100% attendance – Poppy Line and Tom Brooks. A fantastic effort!

As you read our news, we will be preparing to start a new term on Wednesday 6th September and as always we are certainly looking forward to another exciting year at school.

Russell Leigh
Headteacher
Dorchester St Birinus CE Primary School

Thames Valley Police

Police reminder to please keep homes locked and secure

I have been advised by our local police of a number of incidents in South Oxfordshire in recent weeks whereby “persons unknown” have been trying front and back doors to see whether locked or unlocked with a view to making unlawful entry – burglary is the obvious intention. The experience of an owner who is at home with the door unlocked being confronted by a complete stranger on the front door-mat is obviously somewhat unnerving to say the least.

One such incident arose in Dorchester at around 10pm a few nights ago, and the police are urging all residents to ensure that their properties are locked and secure, not only when absent but generally.

Richard Winslet
Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Dorchester

A thank you message from David Wilkinson

I would like to thank everyone who supported me, whether you came to hear the penny whistle music in the Abbey on Sunday 23rd July, or if you donated online.  I am delighted to say that I raised £417 for Cancer Research UK.  Thank you! I was really touched by your generosity.
David Wilkinson