Sibford Scene Archive

Sibford Scene 337 November 2011

Click on the cover image to download the complete edition

TextText, letterChart, map

CDC Conservation Area Review

With this Sibford Scene you have received a map, letter and envelope from Cherwell District Council. You are asked to consider the two questions in the letter and draw on the map any changes you feel to be needed: In answering question 2 it will help if you mark the buildings on the map as well as giving the name on the back. Please remember that the maps are studied by people who don’t know the area as well as the residents do. The timescale the Council are working to is quite tight so early responses would be appreciated.

Holy Trinity Church News

Those who were able to attend the funeral service of our Rector Timothy Wimbush witnessed one of the most memorable possible. The decision to hold it in Saint Mary’s Church, Banbury was proved to have been wise as about 600 attended, far more than any of his own Benefice churches could accommodate. There were four bishops present, our own Bishop Colin taking the service and our former Bishop Anthony, later Bishop of Ely and now retired, gave the second address, the first being given by one Timothy’s close friends and former theological college fellow student, Rev Stephen Lynch. Tim had himself planned the order of service and included five of his favourite hymns which he so much used to enjoy playing. His friend Ben Elvidge played the Toccata and Fugue in D minor by JS Bach between the two addresses and the choir of 60, the majority consisting of the Benefice Choir with many additions from Deanery and other choirs sang an anthem by John Rutter accompanied by the St Mary’s organist Cynthia Hall FRCO.

The Sibfords Society - the Domesday project

At our meeting held on 20th September, we were given an excellent presentation by Maureen and Keith Hicks on The Domesday Project which they had been working on since early 2010. The purpose of the survey was to obtain current data that could be compared with the survey carried out by the Rev Edward Stevens in 1877.

In The Sibfords we have a wide range 0f 30 Village Groups and Organisations and there was a response of 100% indicating a total adult membership of 656. All Households were surveyed and there was a response of just over 50% from 181 of the 359 recipients. One interesting point of comparison was that in 1877, adults over 21 comprised 51% of the population whereas in 2010 the figure is 81%. Also, in 1877 the local economy was based on agriculture and this had dropped significantly by 2010.

The date of June 16th 2010 was selected for the actual survey in which local residents were invited to record their actual activities on that day. Replies were received from 123 indicating that 76 different activities were carried out. The cost of a range of everyday items were recorded for use in any future surveys. The village Primary School was contacted and pupils were invited to submit details relating to their attendance at the school. it is interesting to note that in 1900 all pupils came from the Sibfords whereas today they attend from 13 surrounding villages.

The Sibford School which started in the Manor in 1842 had just 83 pupils in 1877. Today, the number has risen to 41 1 and the school now operates from new premises on the site.

All of the information obtained is recorded on a database for future use.

At the end of the meeting Maureen and Keith were thanked for the immense amount of work that they had done to create this project.

Above, you may see one or two items of historical interest from this edition. To see the whole edition, click on the front-page image to download it as a pdf.