Editorial Thanks to Val Mitchell who retires as Gardening Contributor, and to Eunice Austin, poppy appeal organiser for Milton. The new library is open, and a good performance by Shipton in the Village of the Year Award. Feb/Mar 2002. Police Report Witney town centre has CCTV cameras, the new chief constable of Thames Valley is Peter Neyroud, and be wary of agreeing a contract over the phone. Feb/Mar 2002. Wychwood Library Opening County Council Chairman, Charles Shouler, opened the library on 3 Dec. The interior is now light, spacious and bright, and has internet access. Feb/Mar 2002. The Wychwoods Local History Society Bill King spoke on Dad's Other Army – The British Resistance Movement 1940-45. Feb/Mar 2002. Shipton Fete 2002 The theme for the fete on 29 Jun will be 'Flying the Flag', and money raised will go towards fitness room equipment and hall redecoration. Feb/Mar 2002. Chartix The Ascott-under-Wychwood Web Site Ascott now has a website – www.ascott-under-wychwood.org.uk, with its own search engine, and an online forum. Feb/Mar 2002. The Festive Season 2001-2002 Church Bazaar at Milton Hall, Wychwood School Concert, carols round the Christmas tree, and Children's Christmas Party at Milton Club. Feb/Mar 2002. Village of the Year 2001 Margaret Hartley describes the competition in which Shipton came second in the region, winning the regional award for care of the elderly. Feb/Mar 2002. Parent Partnership Oxfordshire More volunteers are needed to support parents whose children have special educational needs. Feb/Mar 2002. Wychwood Library More space, weekly newspapers to browse, internet access, County Access Point, Saturday opening, and new members. Feb/Mar 2002. Congratulations Val A tribute to Val Mitchell who retires as Gardening Contributor to the magazine on his 95th birthday, having dispensed advice for 22 years. Feb/Mar 2002. Wychwood Playgroup The theme for the half term is letters and numbers, the playgroup performed the Nativity, and there have been some successful fundraising events. Feb/Mar 2002. The New Toy Black and red, mean and lean, Bob Forster describes the arrival and mastering (or not) of his new RSO bicycle. Feb/Mar 2002. Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty Some of the places this phrase has been found, and random acts of kindness it has inspired. Feb/Mar 2002. Flowers Can Say It All Heather, of Heather's Flowers, explains the origins of St Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day, and their connection with flowers. Feb/Mar 2002. Sobell House Hospice Hilary Lloyd, Volunteer Services Manager, describes the roles and tasks performed by volunteers supporting people with terminal illness. Sbell needs more volunteers. Feb/Mar 2002. Poppy Appeal 2001 Eunice Austin reports the raising of £1112.87 for her last Poppy Appeal as Milton Organiser after 10-12 years in the role. Feb/Mar 2002. Door Stickers for All Taxis All taxis in West Oxfordshire will have stickers on both front doors to identify them as licences taxis. Feb/Mar 2002. Country Pie Fruit and water for the birds, resist the desire to get into the garden yet, the meaning of some common words, and people's surnames and place names. Feb/Mar 2002.