Issue 55— June 2004

Briefly

Just for kicks

Ashley Jones, 13 years old, of Cranham Street has now achieved a kick-boxing black belt. He also has an impressive collection of trophies, including one for the British Open Series Championship competing with boys in his age group from all over the country. Ashley started the sport in 1999 to learn self defence, and trains in Kidlington Church Parish Hall where he now helps teach the younger boys and is a member of the grading panel.

New head teacher

Congratulations to Jane Thomas who after teaching at St. Barnabas for six years has been appointed head teacher—an even bigger job after the expansion of the school, which now has eight classes, plus a nursery class.

Playtime with Emma

Welcome to Emma Wise, our new playgroup supervisor. She is fully qualified and has lots of experience-and enthusiasm.

Community committee

At the Community Association AGM on April 29th elected as officers were: Chair, George Taylor, Gt. Clarendon St; Vice-Chair, Charlotte Christie, Canal St.; Treasurer, Viv Peto, Gt. Clarendon St.; Secretary, Jenny Mann, Victor St.

Feet on the brakes

Jericho, including Walton Street, will soon be a 20 m.p.h zone. The necessary road works should be carried out in August.

Grotty graffiti

Councillor Susanna Pressel has been struggling to persuade the owner of garages at the top of Jericho Street to clean up the ugly graffiti. He does not seem very interested-and has even refused to let the City Council carry out the work free of charge. Another of Susanna's beautification efforts is to tidy up the recycling bins area. The plastic bins which have in the past been set on fire will be replaced by the end of May. Now she is proposing that some trees or shrubs be planted there. If you have views on this please let her know.