Eynsham Village - People

Matt Armitage

I first found Eynsham as an archaeologist in 1990. I worked on the abbey and the Yarnton excavations, and many other sites; and moved here in 1999.

I was trained by one of the last working canal boatman; and became a boatman and business co-owner of a floating restaurant and worked the Thames, including Eynsham. Here is a video about my find in the Thames in 1995.

I jointly set up and operated Castlemill Boatyard in Jericho, working on the Oxford Canal, and am now working on the design for the new development.

Then took over Tooley's Boatyard from 2002 until now - securing this very important and historical place by getting a 150 year lease. It’s been quite a journey! 

I am a published author of a book about Tooley's and the Oxford Canal.

I have designed and manufactured a brand new design of computer controlled telescope mount.

Here is a link to my TEDX talk which I did before lockdown: ‘From Waterways To The Stars - preserving our past for our future’

And finally here is a link to my observatory website - Astronomy images from Eynsham

Catriona Bass

Catriona is an English writer and photographer and conservationist. In the 1980s she taught at Hubei University in Wuhan and also worked for the Ministry of Education of the Lhasa City Government and the Academy of Social Science of the Tibet Autonomous Region (RAT). She has written a memoir of her time in Tibet: ‘Inside the Treasure House’ (Gollancz,1980), which was short-listed for the John Llewellyn Prize and was translated into German, Dutch and Japanese. Her book ‘Education in Tibet: policy and practice since 1950’ (Zed Books, 1998) is now the standard work in the field.

Since 2000 she has farmed Long Mead, one of the last fragments of original lowland wildflower hay meadows in the UK. In 2018 she, with partner Kevan Martin, initiated the Thames Valley Wildflower Meadow Restoration Project (TVWMRP) to study the complex ecology of these ancient meadows and to restore  wildflower meadows along the stretch of Thames from Pinkhill to Oxford. TVWMRP collaborates with the Floodplain Meadows Partnership of Open University to study carbon sequestration in the soils of the meadows they are restoring. This work was featured in a film made for COP26 by the Nature-based Solutions Initiative of Oxford University.

In 2020 she was the driving force in the creation of a place-based Nature Recovery Network of people in Eynsham and surrounding parishes, with the goal of studying, conserving and restoring habitats in response to relentless decline we see in biodiversity and quality of nature in our surroundings. The NRN rapidly became a model for similar initiatives in other parishes and during the pandemic Catriona found herself a sought-after speaker for parishes and conservation organisations. The NRN and TVWMRP were jointly recognised at The High Sheriff's ‘Climate Action Heroes Awards’ in February 2022.

In her spare time she is writing a book on the cultural history of St. Petersburg.

Photo © Kevan Martin

Ginny Bayliss

Since April 2018 I have been the Headteacher at Eynsham Primary School.

I have taught for over 20 years beginning my career in London where I was an Acting Headteacher of a large primary school with a behaviour unit. For the last ten years I have worked for the Eynsham Partnership Academy in different roles at both Hanborough Manor and now Eynsham.

I have a background in Special Educational Needs and am passionate about all pupils being able to achieve their very best. I am a mum of two children and enjoy running and walking.

It is a privilege to work at Eynsham and I am incredibly proud of what the school has achieved particularly with the school being judged as good in September 2019. I am particularly enjoying working with members of the community to help continue driving the school forward. 

Sue Brown

Parish Councillor since September 2011, Vice-Chair from June 2023. Read more about Sue in her Q&A.

Jane Bruder

I have been in my new job since January 2020 and would like to say a big thank you to colleagues and customers for the warmth of your welcome and the support you have given as I settle in to managing the library. It is very clear how much the library, its staff and the services we provide are valued and appreciated by the community.

I wanted to let you know that we are planning some new initiatives and events including author talks, sales of discontinued books, smoking cessation and IT support drop-in sessions; and a children’s craft day during the Easter school holidays. All events will be publicised in the library and at Eynsham Online. If you have suggestions for events or speakers you would like us to consider, please call in for a chat.

Don Chapman

Don and Sue settled in Eynsham in 1970 - Don as reporter for the Oxford Mail and Sue as photographer for the newspaper group. Read his first impressions of our village.

They devoted the early years to renovating Millstone Cottage and producing a family. Don also founded Eynsham and District Liberal Democrats and launched their newsletter, As It Happens. His campaign about the toll-bridge led to quotes in the Wall Street Journal and coast to coast appearances on American television. He later chaired the committee which organised Eynsham's celebrations to mark the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977 and purchased the Bartholomew Room for the village.

After a long battle with ME he took early retirement in 1994; and a couple of years later at the request of the directors embarked on a history of the Oxford Playhouse. What he thought would be a two-year doddle turned into a 12-year marathon because all the archives from 1923 to 1956 had vanished: the past could be reclaimed only from old newspapers and magazines. The labour of love was finally completed in July 2006, with a doctorate from the University of Leicester.

Further studies have followed! Wearing the Trousers (2008) traces the development of the rational dress movement and the rise of the modern woman; while A Tenpenny Dip in Paradise is a collection of lighter articles, pulbished in 2022.

This photo © Sue Chapman, October 2017.

Sue Chapman

Don and Sue settled in Eynsham in 1970 - midway between Oxford, where Don reported for the Oxford Mail, and Witney, where Sue was local photographer for the newspaper group (and valued source for the Eynsham Record and the Eynsham Image Archive).

They devoted the early years to renovating Millstone Cottage and producing a family. Sue then took to village affairs with The Eynsham Society, the Primary School and the Parish Council. Her campaign for a circular footpath exploiting the old railway line took her into the fastness of County Hall; an archive snap shows her leading Eynsham Morris at the official opening.

Her fascinating talk on press photography (and much more) has been expanded during lockdown 2020 as a standalone feature, with many © photos.

Milly Chen

Parish Councillor since February 2020. Read more about Milly in her Q&A.

Parish Council Lead

• Youth Council Project

My new year resolution for 2023 is to eat more wholesome plant-based food.

I started this journey last year and it was one of the best choices I made. Up until then, I had meat, fish or processed animal products in most meals. I guess I did this out of habit.

Then, I became more aware of environmental damages of animal farming and health benefits of wholesome plant-based food. What drove me into action was having chicken in our garden, seeing how lively they are. As my why grew, the how was not obvious at the start as I didn’t know what to cook instead. After trying, I realised it is not so hard and our food bills reduced.

Alan Collett

Parish Councillor March 2009-February 2012, shown here at Wytham View Play Day in 2009. Alan served on the Emergency Planning and Fishponds Committees, as well as the Play Area Committee.

I have been a resident of Eynsham since birth, except for a short stint in Bicester then Didcot, however the village pulled me back eventually.

I work full time as an Operations Supervisor (paramedic) with the South Central Ambulance Service, based out of Didcot, however I also respond to calls within the village when I'm at home.

I lived in Evans Road with my wife George and two children until March 2011, when we moved to Merton Court.

When not working, I enjoy gardening, reading, flying (although a little too expensive) and going for walks in the countryside.

Working on the Council has been a great experience and challenge and has given me the opportunity to put something back into the village, which I feel has given me so much.

Tricia Crowley

Parish Councillor from November 2014-July 2020; re-joined June 2021. Read more about Tricia in her Q&A.

Bryan Duffield

UPDATE December 2023: we were very sorry to hear of the death of Bryan Duffield - this entry is under review

Bryan Duffield may not have been born in the village, but he’s an Eynsham man through and through. Father of four and husband to Audrey, Bryan has lived in Clover Place since they married in 1958.

Although he officially retired some time ago, you can’t keep a good man down. Bryan continues to use his carpentry and joinery skills by creating some superb little pieces out of reclaimed wood and gives people a hand with little repair jobs too.

Those who know him have heard all about his “bottles” which entered his life when he was 50. He loves telling how he found the first clay bottle in Bitterell and how the collection grew.

Bryan explains, his first bottle turned up by the little old brick hut that used to be a telephone exchange. He says the hut was broken, split down the middle and bent, due mainly to the fact it was built on top of an old Victorian dump. Given that Blake & Co were manufacturing a wide assortment of aerated waters and lemonade in Eynsham from 1875 until 1960, first in a paddock to the west of Mill Street, and later in the Everleigh Works in Witney Road, the dump was a treasure trove of clay and glass bottles.

It wasn’t long before Bryan became a serious collector and a member of Oxfordshire Bottle Club, to which he still belongs. He said: “Out of all the things I have ever done in my life, the most thrilling thing was digging from that old dump.

“I’d go out in the morning with an old shovel and fork and a bag with a flask in and as we dug we would shout ‘Look what I’ve got! Look what I’ve got!’ That used to go on until well into the afternoon, then we would take everything home in an old bag. When we got home I was sometimes so exhausted I’d fall asleep under the shower ‘cause we did work hard digging. But gosh, the excitement when we went over all the things we had found that day”.

“I do talks about them now,” he says proudly. Report and photo © Helen Pecocke

Mary Evans

A founding member of Eynsham WI, Mary joined when she was just 18 and has now served 70 years - 3 times as president. This is something of a family tradition as her mother, Alice Winterbourne, was president when she joined.

Mary is also a founding member (and the longest serving producer) of Eynsham Country Market, which opened in 1984. In her spare time, she also takes bookings for North Cotswold Footcare Service.

Photo © Ian White, 2020

Leslie Gerrans

Parish Councillor 1990-2010; latterly Chair of the Planning Committee, member of St Leonard’s Churchyard Working Group and Council representative on the Allotments Association.

‘I joined the Council because I was interested in the village and wanted to know and help with how it worked. Since arriving here in 1973 I have got to know so many people, how much our community depends on them – in fact, what is village life.

‘With my interests ranging from gardening, schools, churches and the villagers, old and young, I love living here and do what I can to maintain village life’.

Leslie became a trustee on the Bartholomew Educational Foundation and Eynsham Consolidated Charity in 1992 and retired in November 2017.

Andy Goodwin

West Oxfordshire District Councillor from May 2021.

Andy has lived in Eynsham for over 10 years, with his wife and 4 daughters all at Eynsham’s schools. He’s very active in the community.

He is founder and race organiser of Run Wytham Woods, a 10K and fun run that raises funds for Eynsham primary school - sign up to run at runwythamwoods.org He brought tennis to the community with the help of Patricia Crowley and has always been a serious tennis player. He loves playing football several times a week with local dads’ groups and has set up and started coaching an under 9s girls football team in the village - anyone keen to get involved with girls football and helping, contact Andy.
 
Andy enjoys basket making and working with willow, after many years of volunteering at Hill End outdoor education, Andy co-founded willowcoppice.co.uk to help nature recovery, increase bio-diversity through organising volunteers to plant and maintain willow and hazel coppices, to make willow pieces, fences and sculptures around the village and to teach willow working skills. Contact Andy to get involved.

Andy is passionate about the village. He actively demonstrated against the significant house building plans that don’t pay attention to the needs of the village and required infrastructure. He was elected to the District Council in May 2021 to represent the people of Eynsham, Cassington and South Leigh. Andy is determined to make a difference, to focus on the affordability, good quality and environmental credentials of the new housing, to push for providing infrastructure before the houses are built. Andy says ‘Thank you for voting for me, I am committed to make a difference for the community.’ Contact Andy for any WODC questions.

Ron Hollis

Ron Hollis received a Volunteer of the Year award from Thames Valley Police on 15 July 2014.

Described as a mine of information, he runs the front counter at Eynsham police information point two days a week and chairs the local Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG).

He has also helped with a CCTV project, entering retail premises on a database so they are easily searchable; assists with Farm Watch visits and crime reduction advice; and spends one day a week at Woodstock station helping with admin for the local Speed Watch scheme.

Ron said: “I am very proud to receive this award and thank all my colleagues in West Oxon for putting me forward. I look forward to continuing as a volunteer for some time to come and to helping to keep crime down in our area.”

Ursula Howard

Ursula is the great-granddaughter of Ebenezer Howard, the son of a London pastry-cook who became the visionary founder of the Garden City movement. She challenged us to adopt its principles for the garden village north of Eynsham in an issue of the Eynsham News; and continues to manage a nature-friendly garden, sharing the space and produce in the spirit of those communities.

Starting with only an Arts and Crafts kettle, one photo and a linen smock, Ursula has recently traced her grandmother’s history. The story of Bessie Quinn links Ebenezer’s astonishing achievement to the life stories of poor Irish immigrants in 19th-century Scotland and brings a resourceful, resilient woman back to life. Half the author’s royalties from this book will go to the Glasgow Care Foundation.

Ursula grew up in Manchester, and has been preoccupied ever since by social history and its relevance to the present. She was Director of an international literacy research centre and has an OBE for her work in adult education.

Julie Jordan

Julie is almost a village institution, having lived here all her life and been involved ‘hands on’ in local activities for longer than most.

She chaired Eynsham Carnival Committee from 2006 to 2018, made dresses for the Carnival Queen and attendants (and turned up in hats of her own design on every occasion) and created all the costumes for the annual Primary School parade as well. She still manages collection boxes and a stall for our British Legion Poppy Appeal

More recently, she has turned her talents to mask-making, raising over £1,000 for the Eynsham Community Larder / Eynsham Coronavirus support. This photo © Bob Thiele, August 2020

Helen Keen

PCSO for Eynsham Neighbourhood, warmly welcome back in December 2020 after a spell over the border in Woodstock. She has been a fixture at events around the village since her first Primary School Parade in 2008, has a separate life as a photographer and local readio presenter... and now also volunteers at West Oxford Animal Rescue Charity Shop.

You can contact her on 101 (just ask for C9862) or through the Eynsham email box

Dan Levy

West Oxfordshire District Councillor from May 2019 and County Councillor from May 2021

Dan has lived in Eynsham for 15 years. He says that it is an ideal combination of friendly village, with lots of pubs and shops, and – despite the obvious issues with the roads – good transport links. He moved away once, but came back once he realised his mistake. He says that it was a great place to bring up his children. The village is going to face lots of challenges over the next few years, as new houses are planned. Dan is committed to trying to make sure that there are sufficient affordable homes, and that infrastructure is built before the houses are built. Dan cycles for pleasure and transport, and was a committee member of Cyclox, and will keep pushing for improvements to our active travel facilities.

Dan is a senior manager, specialising in asset financing, with a large multinational company. He is also an avid Stockport County supporter, and formerly a director of the club. His wife works for Oxford University and he has two adult children. He relaxes by cooking, propping up the bar at the Queens Head, running and cycling.

Dan says ‘I look forward to working for the people in Eynsham, Cassington and South Leigh; and hope people will contact me with any suggestions or issues. It is important that the District and County Councils look after the interests of the inhabitants and not just those of property developers. I am grateful for the voters who have trusted me to stand up for them’.

Ross Macken

Parish Councillor from November 2015 and elected as Chair in May 2022. Read more about Ross in his Q&A

Parish Council representative

• Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils

• RAF Brize Norton Liaison Group

Charles Mathew

The Oxfordshire County Councillor for Eynsham division 2006-2021 presents his last report below - view reports for Annual Parish Meeting 26/04/2016, 25/04/2017, 24/04/2018, 23/04/2019...

As the years have raced by, I find myself entering the last few weeks of my tenure as your County Councillor for the division of Eynsham. Since you kindly elected me in 2006, many of the tasks have remained the same - potholes, planning and liaison with the local authorities. It has not always been a smooth passage but I have done my best to ensure that fair treatment was doled out to the residents and problems highlighted.

This past year the culmination of many years of discussion have led to the prospect of the Park and Ride on the A40, the bus lanes on the A40, the Garden Village Development , West Eynsham development, the prospect of further gravel excavation, the appearance of the 140 acre solar farm at Twelve Acre to name but a few. On all of these projects significant in the future of Eynsham, one is only able to attempt to ensure that the local existing residents were shown consideration and that the outcomes were the best which could be achieved in the circumstances. I offer apologies that the Eynsham of tomorrow will differ radically and not necessarily rationally from the ideal.

I have worked diligently with your Parish Council on these matters and attempted to influence the County Council; life can be frustrating! Occasionally the result of months of trying to attain a satisfactory outcome does win through - as is, I hope, the case with the road works at the Swinford Tollbridge scheduled to start on March 15 2021.

Thank you for your tolerance of my ways, for your friendship and not least for your help these last sixteen eventful years. I wish you all well in the future and that Eynsham will remain the thriving sparkling community it is today, although a bit bigger.

I have pledged to help my successor in any way I am able and will remain available should anyone feel I can help.

I find little time recently to pursue reading, old books, horse racing, travel and gardening to name a few but I have enjoyed being in the midst of decision making and discussing with you all and my Councillor colleagues topics which affect us and our area’s future.

This photo taken May 2009 © Linda Dodds

Maureen McCreadie

From 1969-2004 Maureen shared life at Eynsham Lock with husband Bill, as recounted to Witney U3A on 17 January 2008.

She has also written ‘A History of the River Thames at Eynsham’, first published in the Eynsham Record 21 (2004).

More recently, she has been closely involved in fund-raising for Eynsham Friends of Helen & Douglas House and for St Leonard's Church Hall: her cream teas are unmissable.

Bill Middleton

Bill is a retired architect and an active member of Eynsham Road Runners. At the time of this photo, however, he was on far away on a trek across the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia - to raise funds for RETRAK, a small, hands-on charity for street kids which started in Uganda.

Bill says, “If you want a different experience, visit Ethiopia. Lalibela, Axum and Gonder are cities steeped in history - stelae, rock-hewn churches. Maybe even the Ark of the Covenant.”

Never let it be said that Eynsham is parochial in outlook!

David Miller

Original co-ordinator for Eynsham car scheme and contact for the Wharf Stream team, David also served as booking contact for Eynsham Baptist Church Hall - and still helps behind the scenes to keep our local walks accessible. 

Andy Mosson

Parish Councillor since May 2011. Read more about Andy in his Q&A.

Hitesh & Anita Nayee

Hitesh and Anita Nayee (seen here on the way to the Queen’s garden party they attended in May 2018) have been at the heart of the village since 2002. This photo © Trisha Nayee

Sue Osborne

Parish Councillor since August 2006. Read more about Sue in her Q&A.

Nick Page

Nick is the author of over 80 books for both children and adults.

Although he is best known for writing about the Bible and biblical history, he has written many children’s books, as well as novels, poetry and plays. His latest book is The Dark Night of the Shed, a look at men, midlife, spirituality ... and sheds.

Before taking up full-time writing around 1994, he was the head of communications for a leading charity. And before that he founded, and acted in, a touring theatre company.

He and his wife, Claire, have lived in Eynsham since 1994. Together they are responsible for the Eynsham Mysteries - a modern version of the medieval mystery plays staged in St Leonard’s Church. After two productions (in 2000 and 2006) a new Eynsham Mysteries was held in 2010.

He became a writer because it allows him to do the three things he loves most: buying stationery, drinking coffee and staring into space.

Steve Parrinder

Currently (2023), Chair of the trustees of Eynsham Museum and Heritage Centre and deputy Chair of Eynsham History Group. Also, one of the team of volunteer drivers for the Eynsham Car Scheme.

‘Before coming to Eynsham I was a teacher of history and archaeology to 16-19 year olds at Richmond-Upon-Thames College.

‘Posy and I decided to move here from Surrey in 2012, in part to be near to family who all live locally. We haven’t regretted it, as the village has a great community spirit, a distinguished history and all the facilities you could wish for. I have written much on the history of the village and its historic buildings, in particular on the ‘Lost Abbey of Eynsham.’

‘For leisure, I enjoy playing croquet and socialising at the Eynsham Croquet Club.’

This photo © Posy Parrinder

Helen Peacocke

Helen Peacocke, food writer for the Oxford Times and steady supplier of recipes to Eynsham Online, has compiled a charming guide to 40 dog-friendly pubs and walks, from Oxford into Wychwood and the Cotswolds - including two in Eynsham.

‘Paws Under the Table’ is enhanced by Helen’s own photos, comments from her dog Pythius and line drawings by Sue Mynell. Look for the series in all good bookshops (ISBN 978 1 902279 35 0) or ask in Eynsham Post Office or Evenlode DIY.

This portrait of Helen and Pythius in her garden adorns the back cover - © Jil Orphen, June 2007.

Helen has also contributed a series of Seasonal Recipes and occasional local café and pub reviews; and was a valued judge at Eynsham Village Show.

Max Peterson

After graduating from the Royal Free Hospital in 1969 and working in London and Paris, where he spent a year at the American Hospital, Max chose a career in general practice. He started at The Shrubbery (where he now lives) with Dr Bolsover and partners in 1975. Settling in quickly, his marriage to Joanna soon followed and they have two children James and Kate, both of whom live and work in London.

The practice grew rapidly and moved from the cramped surroundings of The Shrubbery to the new surgery in 1978. Standards were high and Eynsham was accredited as a recognised GP training practice, Max becoming a trainer in 1986 and senior partner in 1994.

Max feels that he has been fortunate to live and work through the best years of general practice and his main regrets, as he hangs up his stethoscope, are not only to leave behind the marvellous and loyal team of partners and staff at both Eynsham and Long Hanborough surgeries, but above all to say goodbye to his patients with many of whom he has built a lasting friendship over the years.

The philosophy of care thirty years ago was to offer personal care from cradle to grave. Sadly, after NHS reorganisations too numerous to mention, changes of government have made this ideal harder and harder to attain, but nonetheless Max is happy to be leaving his patients in good hands at the surgery.

John Pukaniuk

John Pukaniuk is Eynsham born and bred. He fondly recalls the old horse-drawn delivery waggon used by Biggers the baker in the early 20th century as a regular feature at Eynsham Carnival.

The van had been adopted by the redoubtable Margaret Foote of Lord’s Farm, fitted with shelves and stocked with Christian texts. It took part of the Carnival procession for many years - most memorably in 1955, the millennial year of Aelfric’s birth, being hauled by the vicar Revd Stuart Blanch (later Archbishop of York) and the Baptist minister Revd RJ Hamper, both dressed as Benedictine monks.

Fifty years on - and almost single-handed - John rescued and restored the van to former glories, learning a lot along the way about the old crafts of the wheelwright, blacksmith and coach builder.

Check the video, which shows him reconstructing the wheels and turntable in the workshop at Bridewell Organic Gardens then moving on to rebuild the carriage; and finally returning the van to Eynsham in time for Carnival 2005.

John Richards

Rarely seen without a camera, John is in his element recording local events for screening at the Village Hall - from Carnival and Shirt Race to Jubilee celebrations to the annual conker contest. This photo © Helen Peacocke, 2008

Lesley Riding

Few can wield a needle as effectively as Lesley Riding. Banished to the side of the stage and a minor speaking part in Calendar Girls, she pulled out a ball of wool and a pair of knitting needles … and had the audience in stitches.

Possibly the day job, as creator of curtains, blinds and cushions for countless homes in Eynsham and beyond, prepared Lesley for that particular role - though she seems to have the theatre in her blood. If she wasn’t in the work-room (all night at busy times) she was sure to be found with Bartholomew Players at the Village Hall.

But after 25 years behind a sewing machine (including four years teaching a local evening class), Lesley is handing over the trade to daughter Amanda and heading off to spend more time at North Oxford Golf Club - never mind her gammy legs. As vice-captain of the ladies’ section, she will be busy organising diary events and matches for 2015 as well as supporting the current ladies’ captain.

What else? Lots more sewing! Vinyl bags of every shape and size, all fully lined, under a smart new eLaR label (LR - Lesley Riding) have “simply happened” and are flying off the rack. Remnants are being converted to gym bags; and ‘proper’ cushions, shaped and piped, remain a labour of love.

So Lesley seems to have her work cut out for many years ahead. Acting - golf - grandchildren - did I mention Rotary? - and lots more sewing - will be balanced only by a determination to travel: she says there’s so much of Britain to explore without digging out a passport. And somewhere along the way a wedding to Tony Robinson, who is (almost) as busy too.

Carl Rylett

Parish Councillor since November 2017 and District Councillor since May 2018. Read more about Carl in his Q&A.

Parish Council Lead

• West Eynsham Strategic Development Area (where there is no conflict with West Oxfordshire District Councillor role)

Robin Saunders

Robin Saunders opened Evenlode DIY in 1975, in a listed building on the High Street. Visit 'The everything shop' on YouTube!

Today, as any resident will tell you, it is an Aladdin’s cave and a village institution. Step in past the bedding plants for tickets to every local event - jostling the bird-seed, barbecue supplies, key cutting, loose nails, paint pots and shear sharpening. Best of all is the ready supply of cheerful advice, for Robin takes an obscure delight in saving us any expense at all. He still finds ‘it's nice to come in and enjoy work’. 

Outside the day job, Robin moonlights with Eynsham Morris. He regularly accompanies the May celebrations of the Primary School - where he served as a governor until recently - and has inspired several pupils to join the team. The Morris has also taken him on more unlikely jaunts, notably to Albania. Over a number of trips the team carried medical supplies, warm clothing and quantities of musical instruments - and were welcomed with open arms (Eynsham Roundabout 231, Feb. 2002).

Robin's other contributions to village life include tree planting. More than 1000 trees in Eynsham Wood and along the path by Oxford Instruments owe their existence to his experience as a nurseryman and partnership with David Russell. This photo © Ian White was taken beside the wildflower bank he created at the Fishponds entrance in 2008-9.

He was awarded an MBE for his services in the 2002 New Year’s Honours List. Enjoy the interview with John Richards in 2006 (4:03 minutes)

Bob & Pamela Thiele

Bob and Pamela are the bedrock on which the Eynsham Food Bank runs. They have faithfully done all the ‘heavy lifting’ for the activity, running finances, buying and collecting food, organising the weekly packing team and overseeing delivery arrangements. This photo © Larry Poole.

They would acknowledge equally the efforts of the entire team of volunteers, who have packed and delivered boxes week by week to support vulnerable members of our community during the pandemic over an unrelenting two years and counting.

The Food Bank is still there if you need it - or can support it! Just call / text 07738 063083, or donate online.

Craig Thomas

I am proud to be the Executive Headteacher of Bartholomew School, where I have enjoyed working for over ten years.

My teaching career began in 1996 as a teacher of History and Politics at a local Oxfordshire school. Then, after moving to Bartholomew as an Assistant Headteacher in 2008, I later became Operational Head before being appointed as Headteacher in 2017. My role now extends to being the Executive Headteacher of Bartholomew School and Heyford Park Secondary School, both secondary schools in the Eynsham Partnership Academy Trust.

My specialism is in teaching and learning, pedagogy and school culture and I also have a passion for life-long learning.

The local community plays a huge role in supporting us as a School and we very much value this and seek to find opportunities to further nurture this relationship. It has always been important to me that we offer a well-rounded education in a school where students feel happy, safe and challenged to fulfil their potential and it is my privilege to help prepare students for a bright, exciting and happy future.

Mark Watson

‘I’ve been in Eynsham since 1970 and have been one of the Carnival Public Address announcers since about 1980. You may also know me as a former presenter and producer on BBC Radio Oxford where I did many things including the travel news and events guides.

‘I joined the editorial team at Eynsham News in 2021 to help village clubs, groups, businesses and other organisations to thrive by publicising and reporting on their events and letting you hear about activities you could become part of.’

More recently, you will find Mark behind the counter at Evenlode DIY. He also researches and compiles material for the Eynsham Scouts Archive; and organises the annual reunion of the Friends of Eynsham Scouting (FOES). 

Renee Watson

Interview with Laura Stringer, December 2020

Where are you from and how did you come to live in Eynsham? I was born in a small town in rural New South Wales, in Australia. I came to the UK between uni degrees and never managed to make it back! I arrived in Oxford to work on a cancer research project in 2001, and moved to Eynsham in 2008 because we found our beautiful little wreck of a cottage and loved the feel of the village.

What do you like about the village? I often joke that Eynsham is the centre of the universe because so many exciting, creative and innovative projects are started here. I also meet a disproportionate number of people, from all over the world, who have some connection to Eynsham!

What do you do for a living? I am the founder and Head of Explosions at The Curiosity Box. We are just behind the Co-op and we make fun, hands-on science experiment and engineering kits for families and schools.

What do you hope to achieve with The Curiosity Box? My mission is to give 1 million children a wonder-filled experience of science. We are nearly half way there after this year! I am particularly interested in reaching children from disadvantaged backgrounds and helping them to discover the science that is part of their everyday lives.

What are the benefits of having a small business based in Eynsham? The biggest personal benefit is that I don't have to get in a car to commute to work! It brings me such joy to be able to cycle through the village, stop off at the market garden or Lyall and co., have a chat with fellow villagers and arrive at our lovely HQ feeling very much part of a community.

How has Covid-19 impacted upon your businesses? The panic that many families felt when faced with homeschooling their kids meant that they turned to us for help so we have had a very busy year! The most rewarding thing we have done is launch Curiosity v COVID, a project to send boxes of resources to disadvantaged kids across the UK. Through this project we have sent boxes to just under 16,000 children and the feedback we've had has been the perfect antidote to the stresses of 2020.

You excel in so many areas. What are your proudest achievements? Aside from the project I mentioned above, I think one thing I am incredibly proud of is the work environment we have created at Curiosity Box. We employ quite a few local people and it makes me so happy to see the enjoyment they get from coming to work. I really believe that a workplace built on trust, openness and a clear purpose can be life-changing for people.

What is your favourite rainy day science activity? Oh that's a tricky question!! There are so many things you can do! As Head of explosions, I think my favourite would have to be pocket rockets. all you need is something that fizzes (fizzy vitamin C tablets are ideal) and a container with a push on lid. Put the fizzy tablet with a bit of water into the container and wait for the pressure to build up and launch the container into the air! You can use this as the basis for so much experimenting (try it with different amounts of water, with different liquids, different containers, turn the container into the fuselage and design an actual rocket etc.) and even an art project if you switch out the water for some watery paint and pop your rocket on some paper! But this IS MESSY so make sure you do it on a washable surface!

Tracy Webb

Tracy opened Eynsham’s first beauty salon in 2000 and it has gone from strength to strength. Having relocated from the High Street to Mill Street after 17 years, she now offers the full hair and beauty package, with an interesting sideline in artworks. She explains how this came about below.

‘Covid was a very worrying time for small business owners that weren’t allowed to trade. However, I was lucky enough to receive a government grant to keep my head above water. It was a difficult time but I was determined to keep myself busy. I have always been an ‘arty’ person, traditionally using oil paints, but as a reward for clearing out my attic I treated myself to a different kind of paint ... and so MYARTWORKS was born. It began with acrylic paint pouring, basically pouring it onto a canvas, wood or tile to create different effects. From there, I ventured into jewellery and now I am creating unique and bespoke items using resin, eco resin and polymer clay. My makes include jewellery, coasters, keyrings, bookmarks, trinket trays and dishes, clocks, pots for brushes, pencils or plants - and very recently tealight candle holders as well as coloured and scented candles - all on sale at Body Talk.

‘It doesn’t stop there either. I also take my items to sell at craft shows and am thinking about offering courses so that other people can learn a fun craft as well as having a way of helping with relaxation and most importantly mental health.’

Shaek Zaman

Meet Point Coffee is a new arrival on Newland Street, creating an unexpected daytime weekend focal point in this quiet corner of the village.

Shaek set up Meet Point coffee around the start of the pandemic, when regular pubs and cafés closed their doors. ‘Meet Point brings all my great experiences together in one place, from drinking Bangladeshi chai at a young age, to riding around Dhaka in Bangladesh in a tuktuk’, he says.

‘My love for coffee goes back 20 years, where I attended coffee science classes whilst working for Google, to being trained to make coffee by some amazing people who roast the finest beans in Oxfordshire. We now have our own blend and all our coffee bean waste is turned into and used as compost in North Oxford.’

‘It’s great to see people stopping by the Meet Point Tuktuk, grabbing a drink whilst passing on a walk, or exercising a four-legged companion’, says Sandra Jinks. ‘Those returning from Park runs, local cricket matches or passing cyclists are also often to be seen enjoying Meet Point. There’s a variety of coffees, tea, buns and even street food to try, thanks to a friendly electrical arrangement with Ready Steady Spice’.

Meet Point Coffee also pops up at occasional events around the village and even further afield.