Victoria Road News and Views

We’ve been a little quiet on the blog recently but VRG has been busy as always, with a meeting on 17th January (notes available online at https://vrgblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/vrg-minutes-2019-01-17.pdf) and a very enjoyable Media Madness event on 27th January.

More recently we held our Quiz Night on 23rd February, and although it wasn’t as well attended as some previous events there was a great atmosphere and some surprising questions and answers. We’ll post more about this event as soon as we know the final fundraising total. Thanks to Philippa for so successfully treading the fine line between tyranny and frivolity in her role as quizmaster, and to all the helpers for making it run smoothly.

Don’t forget that all residents are very welcome to attend any VRG meeting. The next one will be held on 31st March, 5.00pm at 56 Victoria Road. We look forward to seeing many of you there to help plan VRG activities for the coming spring and summer.

Notes of the meeting on 4^th November are now available – click here to view or download. All recent meeting notes are archived on our meetings page.

As always, every resident of Victoria Road is very welcome to attend, and we look forward to seeing you at a future meeting where you can help plan our activities.

Our Christmastime carol singing and drinks will take place on 16^th December from 5.15pm – look out for more details in the newsletter that will fall through your letterbox in a few days’ time!

The planning application for a budget hotel on the Summertown site currently occupied by Majestic Wine was approved earlier this month. It appears that our local LibDem councillors Andrew Gant and Mike Gotch tried to get the decision reviewed, but they were not able to get the support of the 12 councillors that would be required to trigger a review.

The hotel development is now almost certain to go ahead very soon. The additional footfall in Summertown will no doubt be welcomed by local retailers, especially bars, cafés and restaurants. However, despite the developers’ insistence that it will be a car-free hotel, it seems likely that there may be additional pressure on parking in our area. Should we consider trying to mitigate this? For example, would it be reasonable to lobby the Council to extend the times when our Controlled Parking Zone is in force, including early mornings to discourage use of local on-street parking by hotel guests and oblige them to use Park and Ride or similar facilities?

Let us know your thoughts!

Jean Knox was our kind host for the Garden Party, held rather later than usual this year. The early September weather was very kind to us and Jean’s garden provided a perfect setting for a well-attended and delightful event.

We already have a few photos from the event (thanks Bill!) and more will be added soon. You can see them all here at our fledgling online photo gallery.

Meetings

Notes from our most recent VRG meeting are now available to download.

The next meeting will take place at 4.00pm on Sunday 4th November 2018 at No.59 (Sally and Jonathan). We will finalize arrangements for the Christmas party and plan events for 2019, which is a special year for VRG – see the meeting notes for more details!

Welcome Pack

The Welcome Pack, a booklet that we try to deliver to all newcomers to the road, has recently been updated. You can view or download it at this page on the blog. If you have any suggestions for improving it, please get in touch with Jonathan (No.59) who is currently responsible for maintaining it.

Film Night

Jean Knox still has a few spaces for the evening of March 1st, when The Party will be screened. Please get in touch with Jean (No.16) for more details.

Meetings

Philippa has taken over the chair for 2018.

Notes from our February meeting are now available to download.

Our next meeting will be on Sunday 25th March 2018, 5.00pm at No.50 by kind invitation of Mike and Mireille.

Forthcoming Events

We’re planning a busy year of activities – some new, some well-established favourites. Keep an eye out for our green newsletters and email announcements.

Speaking of email: If you’re not already on our email lists but would like to stay in touch that way, please contact Jonathan at number 59.

After another very successful Safari Supper on 21st October, we’re now looking forward to the Christmas carol singing and mulled wine on 10th December. You will soon receive a leaflet with all the details. On 4th February next year we will once again run the popular Media Madness event where residents can exchange books, CDs and other media items – look out for more details soon.

At the end of December Sam Clarke steps down as chair and hands over to Philippa O’Connor. We’re very grateful to Sam, and look forward to supporting Philippa over the coming year.

Notes of all VRG meetings are available, as always, on this page of the blog. Please don’t forget that all residents are very welcome to attend the meetings and help plan interesting future events.

The next meeting will be on Monday 12th February 2018, 8pm at No.46.

If you are not yet on our email circulation list and would like to get updates about VRG activities and events, please contact Sam Clarke (No.56) or Jonathan Bromley (No.59) and we can add you to the list.

The “reinvented” Big Green Balloon Day took place on Saturday 13th May, with many activities enhanced by a partial road closure allowing us to be out enjoying the street. It was well received and we’re thinking hard about whether and when to repeat it, and how it could be even further improved.

Notes of all VRG meetings are available, as always, on this page of the blog. Please don’t forget that all residents are very welcome to attend the meetings and help plan interesting future events.

The next meeting will be on 4th September, 8pm at No.52.

If you are not yet on our email circulation list and would like to get updates about VRG activities and events, please contact Sam Clarke (No.56) or Jonathan Bromley (No.59) and we can add you to the list.

Leaflets are going out to everyone in the Seven Roads publicising the VRG Quiz Night on 16th April. Previous quiz nights have been very enjoyable, and the evening also provides VRG with an opportunity to raise the modest amount of money needed to support its activities, including our annual liability insurance.

Please encourage friends and neighbours to join in, and it’s even better if you can get a team of six together!

I will be holding a Christmas Concert in aid of Parkinson’s UK on December 6th, 7.45pm at St Michael’s Church, Lonsdale Road.
A good line up….Tom Poster and Andy Hamilton and more.

Tickets will be sold on the door but you may request tickets ahead of the concert. Put your order with money through my door, 59 Vic Road, and I shall deliver tickets to you. Please make sure you include your address. Cheques payable to Parkinson’s UK Oxford Branch.

I hope you can come
Sally Bromley
01865 311302