Restoration of Walton Well Drinking Fountain

Many of you may have noticed the old Walton Well drinking fountain on the corner of Walton Well Rd and Southmoor Rd. It was built in 1885 on the site of a local spring to supply drinking water to nearby residents. It is badly in need of restoration but if repaired would provide a supply of fresh drinking water to those travelling down to Port Meadow.

Now, after many years of campaigning from local resident John Sutton and more recently from Tom Shebbeare and James Fry, the Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT) has agreed to assist in the fundraising process by launching an appeal to its supporters. In addition, James Fry will be hosting a fund-raising dinner in Al Shami, Richmond Road, at 7 p.m. on Sunday 17th November to generate local interest in the project and seek donations from nearby residents who know the drinking fountain well.

The cost of the dinner with multiple meze courses is £50. This will generate a surplus for the project, but it is hoped that people will offer additional donations towards the costs of the restoration. At the dinner, thanks to the generosity of John’s widow, Inez, copies of the last booklet that John Sutton wrote about the history of the fountain will be available to buy.

James Fry will coordinate with the restaurant about the number of diners and any special dietary requirements, so he would be grateful if you would send him details of your bookings for the dinner via email.

Payment should be made, ideally by bank transfer, to Oxford Preservation Trust, account number: 10681326, sort code: 20-65-18 (please use your name as the reference).
If you prefer to pay by cheque, please make it payable to Oxford Preservation Trust and send it to James at his home address, 7 Rawlinson Road, OX2 6UE.

Cat Owners Beware

We have been made aware of at least one, and possibly more, occasions when local foxes have attacked and killed cats that are wandering our area at night. It may well be advisable to keep pet cats inside at night.

Reminder of upcoming AGM

Date: Wednesday 27th November
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Main Hall, d'Overbroeck's School, Leckford Rd

We will run through the events of the past year and also hear from Baroness Jan Royall, Principal of Somerville College, on her views on the relationship between 'town' and 'gown'. We hope you will join us.