The District Council office reception at Abbey House will close from 5pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026. Details about council services over the Christmas and New Year period are available on the council website:

Council services over Christmas and New Year 2025/26 – Vale of White Horse District Council

You are warmly invited to attend any or all of the following services this Christmas

Sunday 21 December

10am – Parish Eucharist of Advent IV
5pm – Carols in St Lawrence, Besselsleigh

Wednesday 24 (Christmas Eve)

10am – Last Eucharist of Advent
4pm – The Crib Service – all-age opportunity to dress up and release your inner shepherd, angel or Wise Man – FAMILY FRIENDLY
6pm – Carol Service – traditional service of Lessons and Carols for all the community
11.30pm – Midnight Mass – the magic and the mystery of Christ’s Coming

Thursday 25 (Christmas Day)

10am – All-age FAMILY FRIENDLY Eucharist of Christmas.

We look forward to seeing you and wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Good New Year!

Vale of White Horse District Council is encouraging everyone in the local area to take part in Thames Water’s public consultation on the proposed South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), before the 13 January 2026 deadline.

The feedback Thames Water gather will inform their Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the government, which they expect to submit in autumn 2026.

People can read more about the proposals here.  

As the colder months roll in, Vale of White Horse District Council is launching its ‘Winter in the Vale’ campaign — a seasonal initiative packed with practical advice, local events, and support to help residents stay warm, well and connected this winter. 

The campaign brings together a wide range of services and resources from the council and partner organisations, including community activities, health advice, and support services to help residents through the winter months. 

Highlights of the campaign include signposting to information on: 

• Winter activities and events: From group walks to performances and workshops, there’s something for everyone. Visit the Active Communities page or check out what’s on at The Beacon, Wantage.  

• Energy-saving support: Guidance is available on how to make simple home improvements, such as insulation, draught-proofing, and efficient heating, to help residents stay warm and reduce energy costs.  

• Preventing damp and mould: Tips on how to stop condensation building up in our homes and prevent mould growing.   

• Community Hub support: If people are struggling financially or need advice, the council’s Community Hub is here to help — from food and housing support to mental health guidance.  

• Emergency preparedness: Get ready for winter weather with tips on flooding, power cuts, and emergency kits.  

• Support for rough sleepers: The council activates emergency accommodation during severe weather and works year-round to support people at risk of homelessness.  

• Warm spaces: Local libraries, leisure centres and other venues are offering warm, welcoming places to relax, recharge and connect.  

• Health advice: The NHS winter health guide offers tips for staying well.  

Residents can find all the information and resources on the council’s Winter in the Vale page. 

Come to the Appleton Cinema on the 14th November 2025 for a showing of The Birdcage. Doors are at 6pm with the film at 7:30pm. Tickets are £6 with Under 16s at £4.

The Parish Council has just been made aware of the partial closure on Eaton Road

Oxfordshire County Council has been informed of a temporary emergency road closure on Eaton Road whilst mains pipe clamp repair works are carried out for public safety reasons.  

A temporary Emergency Notice is being made to implement the temporary closure and will operate from 30 October 2025. 

The anticipated completion date is 3 November 2025, 24 hours per day.

Access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and for those frontages within the closure area, subject to the progress of the works and liaison with the works supervisor. 

Oxfordshire County Council will be undertaking some carriageway resurfacing work at Oaksmere, Appleton between Fettiplace Close and approx 100 meters south of the village.

The works are programmed to start at 07:00 on Wednesday 29th October and is expected
to take 1 day to complete subject to any bad weather conditions or unforeseen
circumstances during construction.

Due to the nature and location of the required carriageway resurfacing, the works will be
carried out under a full road closure between the hours of 07:00 and 17:00. A fully signed
diversion route will be put in place.

There will be no access to the village possible from the A420. Access to Appleton village will
only be possible from Eaton Road and Netherton Road. We apologise in advance for any
inconvenience caused.

Emergency Vehicle access though the work will be unaffected.

Please be aware that buses are not able to come through these works and therefore please
refer to the Bus Companies website or refer to posted up notices at the village bus stops for
details of the changes in the service and where to catch the bus during the works.

If you think the works will cause you problems with access or deliveries or require further
information, then please telephone the appropriate contact below and we will be happy to
answer any queries that you may have.
Office Contact
Please use in advance of the works regarding any issues raised in this letter
Gordon Kelman
Senior Officer
(Highway Schemes, Vale)
Tel: 0345 310 1111
highwayschemes@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Site Contact
Please use during the works
highwayschemes@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Stuart Bowler
Schemes Supervisor ( Milestone )
Oxfordshire County Council
0345 310 1111
Highway.Enquiries@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Come join us at Bingo Night on the 25th October at the Village Hall! Doors open at 7pm.

Tickets are £12 for adults and £8 for children to include a baked potato. Tickets can be purchased from the Village Shop.

A paying bar will be available.