Didcot nursery celebrates “providing the very best start for young children”
Lydalls Nursery School has been celebrating 80 years of looking after and nurturing children in their care.
The birthday was marked on Wednesday, 13th November by raising a new flag designed by the children, enjoying cake and party games, and taking home a commemorative teddy bear.
Headteacher Sarah Phillips said: “For 80 years we’ve been building early years expertise and providing the very best start for young children. Lydalls Nursery School is often described as feeling like a family and we all really enjoyed celebrating this milestone together.”
Maintained Nursery Schools are special places – like other local authority schools they have a headteacher and governing board with teaching and learning delivered by a team of teachers, nursery nurses and teaching assistants. In a Maintained Nursery School the headteacher and the teaching team are all early years specialists.
Sarah added: “For 80 years our school has been delivering this special provision to children in Didcot… here’s to many more happy years!”
The community group, Indians in Didcot (fondly known as IID), celebrated their 10th anniversary with a Diwali Dinner and Dance event
The event, which took place with great pomp and splendour at Didcot Civic Hall at the weekend, was also graced by the presence of the Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire, Elizabeth Paris.
Mrs Paris who represented the Monarchy, His Majesty the King said: “I offer my sincere thanks to founders of the community – Dr Sneha Anand and Mr Nitish Anand – and to all of IID, for the warmth and kindness for their welcome at the Diwali Celebration. It was such a joyous occasion, so full of light and inspiration, and I was touched to see so many families, across three generations, coming together in celebration.
“Creating such a strong community and sustainability it for ten years, despite Covid, is a huge achievement and I could tell from the decorations, to the performance, to the superb logistics, just how much effort is given by volunteers. The highlight for me was the performances by the children – such energy and courage!”.
With about 180 attendees, the event was a testament to the strong bonds and vibrant spirit that define the IID community. As IID continues to flourish as not for profit, it remains dedicated to promoting cultural awareness, community engagement, and the celebration of Indian heritage in Didcot and Oxfordshire. The atmosphere was further elevated by the rendition of the national anthems of both the UK and India.
The event was masterfully hosted by Sneha and Nitish along with the organising committee – Amit Sultaniya, Bhavana Ananda, Cinil Mukundan, Elizabeth Abraham, Gayatri Panchbhai, Nipa Gandhi, Vaibhav Solanki, Venky Rao, Vikram Bhagwani, and Vinayak Upadhyay.
Charlie Davies’ paintings, inspired by following her husband’s epic UK bike ride, are on show at the Cornerstone until the end of October
Didcot locals might well be familiar with Charlie’s paintings of the iconic Didcot Power Station Towers, Nearly Home and You’ll Miss Us (below).
And now, in the Cornerstone Arts Centre foyer, you can admire more of Charlie’s work thanks to her latest exhibition, Artist in Transit – Land’s End to John O’Groats with Ride Across Britain,” Charlie explains. “I decided to join him on this epic adventure, challenging myself as an ‘artist in transit’ to paint across Britain. It took nine days and I produced nearly 30 paintings along the way. Since coming home I have produced a collection of etchings and some larger studio paintings as well as a book documenting our journey. All of these will be on show.”
Charlie is a plein air painter and printmaker who is inspired by nature and all its beauties and loves to capture light and moments in time in her paintings. She is a member of the Society of Botanical Artists, Oxford Printmakers and Oxford Art Society. Last year one of her etchings was exhibited and sold out the whole edition at the Royal Academy Summer Show.
“I paint using oils and adore the subtleties of colour and the effects of light, which can be achieved with this medium,” adds Charlie.
“I have won two People’s Choice awards for my artwork. In 2010 I won The People’s Choice Award for my painting of the Didcot Towers. Following that success I began to paint local landscapes, focusing on Wittenham Clumps. I have more time now, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to indulge my passions and explore all these creative possibilities.”
Take a trip down memory lane this month and explore some local history
Job’s Dairy was once the largest privately owned dairy in the UK with many farms, processing plants, depots and stores located in the south of England and now its story is being shared thanks to the hard work of a group of volunteers.
The project which has been curated by Dr Leah Hewerdine and Ruby Livesey in partnership with other organisations is celebrating the heritage and community of the former Didcot Dairy.
The Didcot bottling plant played an important part in the diary industry, and local community, from 1935 and 1987 and was located west of the old railway line. The land, once used by the dairy in Didcot was purchased and re-developed for housing in the late 1980s. The house located on Western Avenue are believed to be the original location of the Didcot Dairy.
Job’s was a family owned business, and often employed whole families within local areas. Some sites included accommodation for employees, and their families.
To acknowledge and celebrate the town’s agricultural roots, an exhibition entitled Didcot Dairy Story tells the tale through a cow-fully curated displays of objects, photographs, video footage, and community memories. For those who can remember the dairy, it holds a special place in their heart.
Take a trip down memory lane to fresh milk and eggs on your doorstep, social events for all the family, and the crowning of Miss Job’s! The exhibition which is part of the Oxfordshire OxTrail is raising funds in support of Sobell House Hospice and other important local causes.
Celebrate events & activities in open community spaces at Didcot Garden Party this month
Didcot Garden Party is returning throughout the summer holidays to bring exciting events and sports activities to Cornerstone Arts Centre and local parks in the town.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are bringing lots of free activities for families and young people until August 31st. Head to the courtyard at Cornerstone for the launch of this year’s party from 10am to meet the ‘naughty flock of sheep’, join The Crew on a voyage into the unknown and dance the day away to live music with DJ Strange.
All the events at Cornerstone will be taking place outside in the centre’s decorated courtyard during the six-week period. Enjoy music from the acoustic Funkinsteins (2nd), the Flamenco Thief on 23rd, theatre with Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels, 3rd and find out more about your community at the Communities Come Together Day on 17th.
Try a free badminton taster session on 10th and 31st at Didcot Leisure Centre, join Fusion Fest on the 10th and celebrate the global cultures in our communities and tuck into a special foodie event at Cornerstone on 30th.
If you fancy getting active then there are a variety of ways to get involved all for free. Whether you fancy junior bootcamp, giving skating and scooting a go, family yoga or badminton, just turn up and give it a go. Aged 4-12 and want to join a dancing session? Pre-booking essential.
Full details of all these events and more, dates and venues on the downloadable brochure at Didcot Garden Town.
All summer long there’s the chance to immerse yourself in a tapestry of artistic expressions, delving into themes of self-discovery, social commentary, and community heritage.
You may be lucky enough to catch the closing few days of Eden Silver-Myer’s Befriending My Brain. A vibrant display of colours and textures, Eden invites viewers to delve into the depths of neurodiversity and personal acceptance. “Befriending my Brain is,” Eden says, “about feeling like I finally have started to understand my mind after 33 years of feeling like a square peg in round hole after round hole.”
Among the exhibitions not to be missed is Shouting Quietly by Clive Wright, featuring over 500 captivating paintings. From 5th June to 27th July, Wright presents a curated selection that delves into the complexities of human existence, exploring everyday encounters and global phenomena. Each canvas resonates with layers of meaning, inviting viewers to decipher the hidden narratives beneath the surface.
He often paints up to half a dozen pictures on a common theme. Here, single pictures have been selected to represent groups of related canvases.
The ordinary events that he sees often become the subject of Clives’ work, such as people that he has observed in a coffee shop, or someone receiving a covid jab.
Didcot Dairy Story, curated by Dr Leah Hewerdine and Ruby Livesey, is at Cornerstone from 31st July to 31st August and is a must-see for anyone interested in Didcot’s history. This exhibition showcases the legacy of the iconic Didcot Dairy through an engaging display of artefacts, photographs, and cherished memories.
Visitors can soak up the nostalgia while supporting Sobell House Hospice and other local causes as part of this exhibition. If you have a Didcot Dairy Story to share, or would like to support the project, don’t bottle it up! Please do get in touch with the team via email at: [email protected]
from intimate reflections to thought-provoking narratives, each exhibition promises to inspire, enlighten, and enrich the summer season at Cornerstone.
The gallery area is free for all visitors to view at the centre during its opening hours.
Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “I love that we can display these exhibitions for free to the public and they can experience such a wide range of art and artists at Cornerstone.
“I’d encourage anyone coming along to Cornerstone whether it’s to see a show or to enjoy some refreshments at Café Nourish to pop into the gallery and view the art on display this summer.”
Learn more about the topics discussed in this article. Read on…
Neurodiversity and Personal Acceptance
Eden Silver-Myer’s “Befriending My Brain”
Neurodiversity refers to the concept that neurological differences are to be recognised and respected as any other human variation. This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences.
Art Therapy is a therapeutic technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. This exhibition aligns with such therapeutic practices, using art to explore and understand personal cognitive experiences.
Personal Acceptance in the context of neurodiversity emphasises the journey towards self-understanding and embracing one’s unique neurological makeup. This is crucial for mental health and well-being, often discussed in psychological and social frameworks.
Human Existence and Everyday Encounters
Clive Wright’s “Shouting Quietly”
Social Realism in Art is a genre that focuses on depicting everyday activities and experiences, often with a focus on the working class and the ordinary events of daily life. Wright’s work resonates with this genre by capturing mundane yet significant moments.
Global Phenomena through Art involve artists interpreting and reflecting on global issues such as pandemics, climate change, and social justice movements. Wright’s inclusion of themes like COVID-19 vaccinations ties local experiences to broader global contexts.
Narrative Art involves artworks that tell a story, inviting viewers to delve into the narrative layers. Each of Wright’s paintings, as described, has hidden stories that viewers are encouraged to uncover, making the viewing experience interactive and reflective.
Community Heritage and Local History
Didcot Dairy Story
Community Curated Exhibitions involve members of the community in the curation process, ensuring that local stories and histories are accurately represented. This can enhance community engagement and ownership of cultural heritage.
Local History Projects like the Didcot Dairy Story preserve and celebrate the unique histories of specific locales. These projects often involve collecting oral histories, photographs, and artifacts from community members.
Nostalgia in Heritage Projects taps into the emotional connection people have with their past, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity. The Didcot Dairy Story aims to evoke such nostalgia, linking past and present through shared memories.
Public Art Accessibility
Free Public Art Spaces democratise access to art, allowing individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds to experience and engage with artistic expressions. This aligns with broader cultural policies aimed at inclusivity and community well-being.
Community Well-being through Arts emphasises the role of cultural activities in enhancing the overall quality of life. Engaging with art can provide emotional and mental health benefits, foster social connections, and create a vibrant community atmosphere.
Get in the know..
1. When does Eden Silver-Myer’s “Befriending My Brain” exhibition end? – The exhibition is available for viewing until the end of its run in the summer. Specific dates are not provided, so it’s recommended to visit soon to catch the closing days.
2. What are the dates for Clive Wright’s “Shouting Quietly” exhibition? – Clive Wright’s exhibition runs from June 5th to July 27th.
3. How can I contribute to the Didcot Dairy Story exhibition? – You can share your Didcot Dairy story by emailing the team at [email protected].
4. Is there a cost to view the exhibitions at Cornerstone Arts Centre? – No, the gallery exhibitions are free for all visitors during opening hours.
5. What is the duration of the Didcot Dairy Story exhibition? – The Didcot Dairy Story exhibition runs from July 31st to August 31st.
6. What themes are explored in Eden Silver-Myer’s “Befriending My Brain”? – The exhibition explores themes of neurodiversity and personal acceptance, highlighting the artist’s journey towards understanding her mind.
7. What subjects does Clive Wright focus on in his paintings? – Clive Wright’s paintings often depict ordinary events such as people in coffee shops and individuals receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as broader global phenomena.
8. How many paintings are featured in Clive Wright’s “Shouting Quietly”? – The exhibition features over 500 captivating paintings by Clive Wright.
9. What can visitors expect from the Didcot Dairy Story exhibition? – Visitors can expect to see a collection of artifacts, photographs, and cherished memories showcasing the legacy of the iconic Didcot Dairy.
10. How does Cornerstone Arts Centre support community well-being? – By offering free public access to a wide range of art and exhibitions, Cornerstone Arts Centre promotes cultural engagement and supports community well-being.
Local business hero & dad Peter Mols, named the nationwide Networker of the Year and champion of small businesses, answers some questions to help locals in his community
Q. Hi Mastermind9, I’m struggling to generate new leads for my business. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not out of business and I have some very loyal customers. But with the current rate of inflation, and cost of living, my current clients can’t sustain me. And if things carry on this way, I might have no choice but to completely shut down, or find paid employment to subsidise my income.
I’m working hard; I’m active on social media, I have a newsletter and I’m attending networking events, but I haven’t had a single new client in the last 3 months. My pipeline is dry, and I don’t know what to do. Have you got any advice? Sincerely, AE.
A: Hi AE,
Lack of leads is a really common problem affecting most small business owners. You have to keep feeding the pipeline, and you have to find ways to do this constantly. We think one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is to have only a couple of ways to generate leads. That’s just not enough.
“You have to keep feeding the pipeline”
We would take a closer look at your social media, how often you’re posting, what’s the quality of your content. Are you adding real value to your audience? The same goes for your newsletter. What quality are you offering your readers, and how relevant is your content to them? Are you collecting feedback? These are a few questions you need to ask yourself.
And secondly, if you want to keep your pipeline running, don’t just rely on organic social media posts. Success in 2023 will come down to proactivity.
We’d consider the following:
• Get really clear on your customer avatar (here’s how) • Creating a top 30 (a list of the 30 companies you’d like to work with) • Getting a Google business profile and working hard to get lots of testimonials. • Sending prospects in the post • Creating downloadable content that speaks to your avatars pains or desires • Create blog posts with Calls to Action • Asking for referrals from your best customers • Advertising in places that your avatar hangs out (ahem… such as Round & About) • Attending trade shows or business expos. • Doing more networking
We’re sure that by mixing up the different approaches to lead generation, you’re bound to start attracting some new customers.
We hope that this answers your question and gives you some new ideas or inspiration. Onwards and upwards my friend!
Mastermind9 provides mastermind groups for business owners who want to grow. We bring together groups of diverse and skilled business owners under Non disclosure agreement to create powerful trusting and supportive communities. Visit www.Mastermind9.com
Driving Miss Daisy Didcot, in collaboration with ShopAppy.com, is encouraging people to support their local businesses for Love Local Day on 14th February
Love Local Day 2023 comes at a time when many small independent high street businesses are under immense pressure due to soaring inflation and energy bills, and reduced consumer spend, so this year it’s more important than ever for people to shop local.
Love Local Day is about sharing the love of all things local. Locals are being invited to nominate their favourite local business online by 14th February 2023 and the winners will receive a gift as a token of appreciation from the community.
Nominations can be made at shopappy.com and the nomination deadline is 14th February. Winners will be announced and receive a special gift on 20th February.
In addition, a £50 ShopAppy voucher is up for grabs for customers who share a picture of their favourite local Didcot spot on social media using hashtags #DIDCOT #LoveLocalDay on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook so get snapping to be in with a chance of winning the prize.
Zororo Mubaya, managing director of Driving Miss Daisy Didcot, said: “We are delighted to be joining in the 2023 Love Local Day campaign as it will give us all a chance to show our love for the many local businesses that provide convenience and services locally for us all to enjoy.”
Dr Jackie Mulligan, Founder of ShopAppy who is leading the national Love Local Day campaign, adds: “It has been a challenging last decade none more so than this last year for our town centres and high streets, but we know there is tremendous love for local businesses in our communities. So we need to champion localism. Nominations will highlight the importance and positive impact these businesses have on the life of our communities and commercial hearts and how critical they are to our social and economic lives.”
As we get older, our housing needs change. The family house can suddenly seem too big and expensive to manage, the stairs that bit trickier, and the efforts we have to go to maintain it all leave us little time or energy to do the things we want to spend time doing.
Downsizing for a better quality of life makes sense but bungalows are scarce and command such premium prices you’re unlikely to free up enough money to enjoy that dream retirement. Then there’s stamp duty, fees, the likelihood you’ll have to spend more money on whatever you buy to make it suitable to grow old in – all this means many end-up staying put.
The specialist developer of contemporary retirement properties, Birchgrove, offers modern and spacious apartments in Kent and Surrey. Each apartment is individually designed to maximise space and light and has the Birchgrove trademark of high-quality finishes so that the apartments are distinctly elegant.
All apartments are specifically designed for people in later life, featuring waist height appliances in the fully fitted kitchens for easy access and en-suite showers. All doors and corridors are wheelchair accessible for freedom of movement.
Residents have access to exclusive onsite amenities such as a restaurant, bar, club room, a communal terrace, exercise studio, landscaped gardens and greenhouse. Regular events and activities programme also contribute to the friendly community lifestyle, and for added peace of mind there is a concierge and 24 hour staff presence.
One thing that will strike you when you visit a Birchgrove retirement community, is how friendly the team are. Because the apartments are not for sale, you’ll find that the Advisors are not trying to sell you anything, rather they are there to help you consider your options and act as a guide for you whilst you make your own choices about how and where you want to live.
If you find yourself needing a little extra assistance, our tailored care support is offered through our homecare specialist partners who can personalise a care package for your individual requirements.
In addition, all apartments are fitted with a digital telecare console to offer residents assistance at the touch of a button. Residents can use the console to contact the concierge desk, look up what they want for dinner, book appointments and connect with their family and friends: as well as a discreet 24/7 emergency call service that can call for immediate assistance if needed.
If you would like to find out more about living at a Birchgrove retirement community, contact the team who will happily talk through the options and tailor something that works to support your individual needs. Call 020 3929 5599 or visit www.birchgrove.life
Valerian Court is a brand-new purpose-built luxury care home set to open its doors to welcome new residents in summer 2022
Offering the very best in person-centred care, Valerian Court will be offering all-inclusive residential, nursing, dementia and respite care, providing support and companionship when needed around the clock.
The care of the residents is of paramount importance and the dedicated and caring team ensure privacy, dignity and respect whilst fostering independence, confidence and wellness of each of the residents.
This elegant home has been designed with the residents in mind with no attention to detail being missed. From luxury en-suite bedrooms that are beautifully decorated to a café and an array of dining rooms where you can enjoy quality home-cooked nutritious food lovingly prepared by the team of resident chefs.
There are lounges available on every floor of the home that provide a perfect haven for some R&R or why not pop into the library or one of the quiet rooms to catch up on the newspaper or to read your favourite book.
Moving into a care home really does not mean that you have to miss out on all of your favourite things and with a hairdresser on site you never need to miss an appointment. There’s a café to enjoy a cup of tea and slice of homemade cake and we provide a warm welcome for your family and friends to come in and join you and to be a part of the Valerian Court community.
If watching movies is your thing then relax with some popcorn in the cinema room or why not join in with the extensive activities programme that offers arts and crafts sessions, exercise classes, music and entertainment to name just a few of the activities.
With balconies and a rooftop garden you can enjoy the summer whilst doing some gardening or why not sit back and watch the comings and goings of the Didcot community.
Providing a warm and inviting environment for the residents and their families is what the home prides itself on. Come and discover the lifestyle that Valerian Court has to offer by visiting our Marketing Suite which opens on 18th May.
