Stanford Chat

DM · Regular Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 536

For those that don't already know:

"Five historic thatched cottages have been severely damaged in a fire in Oxfordshire on Sunday.

Villagers formed a human chain to retrieve possessions from the homes on Church Green, in Stanford in the Vale, before the fire became too intense.

No-one was injured, but 15 people were forced to leave their homes. "

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/4170454.stm

DM · Regular Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 536

There are photos here:

http://www.stanford-in-the-vale.co.uk/200508fire.shtml

karenntony · Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 12:27 pm Post subject: the fire

i would just like to say how shocking and upsetting it was to find out and see those cottages ablaze. i visted the sight today (sunday) and just couldn't believe my eyes my heart really goes out to the people who have lost their home and positions i can only emagine what their going through Sad

i just wish there was something i could do to help

mikethesign · Joined: 21 Aug 2005 Posts: 1

Just needed to say that my wife and I are totally shattered by what has happened.

We can not imagine how those who have lost their homes must feel at this time but hope they find some comfort in knowing that so many in the village share their grief and sense of loss.

I/we cannot help but feel that some small part of the village has been lost for ever.

Even the image at the top of this page serves as a reminder...

all are thoughts are with you...

DM · Regular Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 536

The cottages are a centerpiece of the village, hence their frequent appearance on the website. I really hope they can be fully restored to their former state without too much of a delay.

I just want to say that, if any of the cottage residents are reading this, if there is anything at all I can do to help - just let me know.

The same goes for the family of those in Fawkner Way in the new estate, who had to move out following a fire yesterday (it's an odd coincidence that there are two house fires in the same village on the same weekend).

Dan

sarahhuby · Joined: 21 Aug 2005 Posts: 2 Location: huddersfield

I am really deeply sorry to hear about the fire.
These cottages really stuck in our memory when we last came to the village.
Our hearts go out to those that lived in them - we hope you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

Sarah and James
(Dans sister)

oli · Joined: 21 Aug 2005 Posts: 1

how did the fire happen cos i got back nd we saw the police signs nd we new that sumthing was wrong nd wat is this that a house in fawkner way got burned cos i live in that street !!!!!!!!!!

WishIWereYou · Joined: 14 Aug 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Sebastian,FL US

I'm so glad I signed up for this group. I visited your beautiful village this past June.
I can kind of relate...my home was destroyed by 2 hurricanes last August.

Vicar Michael helped me find my great-great-grandfather's grave in St. Denys' graveyard. I feel like I have some type of connection to you all and I wish I could do something for you.

All I can say is that your wonderful village is in my thoughts and prayers and I hope all works out for you all.
_________________
I would switch with you in a moment! I love your country, customs, and history. I hate hurricanes, humidity, and crass New York tourists!

chelseagirl · Frequent Poster Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 22

Really sad to see what's happened. I only moved into the village a fortnight ago but already feel at home here and was really upset about the fire. My fiancé's granny used to own one of the cottages so he was really shaken by it.

Is there anything practical that we can do to help the people who live in the cottages? Are there things that are needed that we can help supply?

stope · Regular Poster Joined: 23 Aug 2005 Posts: 12

I used to rent one of the cottages about 13 years ago with my ex husband, it was our first home. When I saw the state of them on sunday morning I was quite upset so I can understand some of what your fiance is feeling. Sad

Elekaye · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Dunedin, New Zealand

I was quite upset when a friend in London sent me the information about the cottages and hurriedly did a websearch to find more information.

I spent 3 nights in your lovely village about this time last year when I was looking through the churchyards in the Vale for ancestors and relataions of mine. I immediately went to my photos and put up the one I had taken outside the church looking towards the cottages as my computer desktop.

Is anything being done in the way of a collection or something for those who lost their houses and possessions - something that I could donate to?

My thoughts are with them.
_________________
Looking for Keen(e), Gerring, Goddard, Robey, Iles, Cox, Little and Holyoak relatives.

chelseagirl · Frequent Poster Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 22

Following on from my "practical help" thought, I read in the Oxford Mail that a company has donated some furniture to those who lost everything. There is an excellent organisation called Freecycle that operates in the Oxford area (and I'm currently working on a White Horse group) - this group lets members recycle items like furniture and clothes. The people in it are lovely and I'm sure that if there are specific things needed, I could put in a request and be flooded with offers. Does anyone know what's needed? Give me a shout if this would be any help!
(alisonuk@gmail.com)

DM · Regular Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 536

Photos of the fire itself, thanks to Janet Smith of Chapel Road.

http://www.stanford-in-the-vale.co.uk/200508fire.shtml

jack mills · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Posts: 1

Two of my great aunts Caroline Eliza and Francis Emma Willis [both deceased] owned Rose and Vine cottages on the church green does any one know whether they were damaged in the fire? They were the daughters of George Willis[1830-1908]. He also had a son [my grandfather], William Henry Willis, who retired to Stanford with his wife Elisabeth. They lived in Japonica Cottage in the High Street. He died in 1937. she died in 1945. I believe they are both buried in St. Denys churchyard. Has anyone photos or documents refering to them?George owned a grocery and bakery, also was a church warden for 50 years and a school manager for 40 years.
Jack Mills
_________________
jack

karlconnor · Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 1 Location: The Wirral

My Wife Kath and I lived in number 4 Church Green for nearly 4 years from 1999 until 2003. It was our first house and we loved living there. We made some lasting friendships with our neighbours at number 6 (Andy & Emiliana) and number 3 (Louise and Dave Richardson) who only moved out a number of weeks ago.

We were in shock and felt a real sense of loss when we saw the pictures on the news. I'm so glad nobody was hurt but really feel for those that have lost their possessions, particularly Maude at number 7. She had so many memories in that house. I do hope she is being well looked after.

The cottages were such a centrepiece for the village, always in every picture of the village. I do hope they restore them to their former glory.

People always used to stop for a chat outside and it was great fun wandering across the road to the Village Fete.

I only wish we lived closer to be able to do anything to help

Karl

jock · Chatterbox Joined: 24 Jul 2005 Posts: 77

Any truth in the rumour that someone has been arrested for arson ?

PCH · Chatterbox Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 61

mo · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2005 4:22 pm Post subject:

i am really confused what actually happened on that day that the fire started

mo · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2005 4:24 pm Post subject:

where did the fire start

acesparks · Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2005 9:02 pm Post subject: Whats happening now then?

Whats happening now then?

Nice roof now, to keep the winter out. I gather the NT are involved now.

Is there anybody out there prepared to let the village know whats going on?. When is the re-build due to start?.

etc

etc

mo · Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 9:49 am Post subject:

they need to do sumfing with that roof its a horrible mess and it makes the village untidy Question

phil scott · Chatterbox Joined: 22 Jan 2005 Posts: 162

It doesnt help that the houses may be insured by different companies with slightly diferent policies. Also, the rebuild may still need listed building/building Regs consent - even if they are rebuilt to a similar style the buildings will be different and will use different technology and spec's - so LB Consent (from the Vale of White Horse) may still be needed, then there's all the insurance assessment and agreeing a single builder to take on the rebuild (by tender/negotiation through the insurance comapanies?). Confused

The temporary 'roof' has possibly been erected to prevent further damage from the winter elements (despite the devastation there are still substantial walls (and theyre also still Listed) so the roof coverings might help to keep their stability).

Could be several months yet - Does the PC know anything?

Phil

jedi ferret · Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2005 1:36 pm Post subject:

hey phil have you missed me?!
just thought i would point out that the rebuild might be a bit of a long job for just one builder, especially seen as though most of them these days only specialise in one area of construction. But if you find out who the lone builder is ask if he would like a labourer (always willing to give a hand). also im not sure what makes you think that pch would know what is going on with the rebuild as his job is local policeman (which i must say he does a grand job of) not as a surveyor or a site supervisor or any thing to do with construction.
love ya!!!
the jedi master ferret xx

jock · Chatterbox Joined: 24 Jul 2005 Posts: 77

PC stands for parish council

phil scott · Chatterbox Joined: 22 Jan 2005 Posts: 162

I have only suggested that it is likely to be one builder because many of the construction techniques will need to be applied across the terrace rather than as part of individual units - it also make the issue of 'Party Wall' agreements and thatching etc etc simpler to do it as part of one seemless project - but maybe one of the affected families or relatives are best placed to provide an update rather than us lot guessing.

Yes, I was referring to Parish Council (PC), and not our local bobby (PCH), knowing about the progress of re-construction.

Phil Smile

acesparks · Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2005 7:23 pm Post subject:

hurrah mr scott,

Finally you've given up guessing and left things to those who might happen to know - -ie those directly affected by the fire. This was the purpose of my earlier post, to try and prompt a reply from someone in the know. Thanks Phil for trying to answer all our many thoughts and questions about this very complicated subject, I must remember your vast database of knowledge should I need it again..working within the building trade for some years now has obviously not taught me a thing.
Simple village interaction can derive certain amounts of information and guesswork about any subject within the village, but only those with REAL information can provide an actual insight into the reality..try it one sometime. The Horse & Jockey or the anchor would be a good place to start, but dont limit yourself to a take away... :wink:

DM · Regular Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 536

Acesparks: Phil can say what he likes - this is a chat forum - who says it has to be informative chat? Rolling Eyes

I am surprised that someone "in the know" hasn't posted actually, given there must be quite a few people involved. I really need to update the article on the home page... time to make a few phone calls maybe.

Dan

acesparks · Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2005 7:49 pm Post subject:

dan,

correct as usual, aplogies to all concerned, just an attempt to provoke a response, not neccessarily from phil, but someone who actually knows...

seems to work though..

would not want freedom of speech impeached in any way!.

acesparks

dropbelly · Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2005 9:51 pm Post subject:

ease up sparks its gona take time and at the end of the day the owners ,the conservers and the villagers want it right ,no one knows apart from them that needs to when its going to be sorted im sure itll be right and pretty to see again [short pain long gain]
or do you want the wirring job
love as always

acesparks · Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2005 10:08 pm Post subject:

thanks for the advert dropster, but for your info, i dropped some cards in the day after, just in case...

phil scott · Chatterbox Joined: 22 Jan 2005 Posts: 162

Acesparks

Have I crossed you in a previous life? Shocked

The site is read by many - some of who might have questions but not want to post themselves - I wasn't aware that the issue of multi-insurance companies dealing with several claims had been raised before, or whether the fact that the remaining walls were listed and still required protection had also been mentioned - I wasnt attempting to teach anyone in the know how to suck eggs - Ive no idea whether your 'in the know' about any of this stuff - for all I know you could be a specialist in reconstruction - I was just adding some more info and also putting forward some more questions, hopefully if somone who is actually affected replies we might get more info answering several of the points raised in this topic. Apol's if I got your hackles up.

phil Smile

acesparks · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2005 9:08 pm Post subject:

phil scott · Chatterbox Joined: 22 Jan 2005 Posts: 162

Ace - i had a look through the previous posts - you mentioned that 'NT' are involved - who are they?

Smile

acesparks · Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 2:36 pm Post subject: NT

National Trust.

Acesparks

phil scott · Chatterbox Joined: 22 Jan 2005 Posts: 162

huh? National Trust... do they own some of the cottages(?) Confused

I assumed they are all privately owned by individuals - several of them have been up for sale in recent summers. The NT do own some small places but usually they rent them out as holiday homes to increase their income.

dropbelly · Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 2:54 pm Post subject:

would it not be english Heritage that would have an interest in these cottages, due to the fact that they are so old and will need specialist rebuilding in keeping with their age.

phil scott · Chatterbox Joined: 22 Jan 2005 Posts: 162

The Vale Council will inform EH - although EH will have little to say provided its a restoration project or replacement with very similar styles and methods of rebuild .......and do you have to talk with your mouth full all the time Dropbelly? Rolling Eyes

Hey Dan how about emailing Grant Audley-Miller at the Vale Council and asking for an update from the Vale's perspective?

dropbelly · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 8:40 pm Post subject:

why are you getting personal on this thread

Sir Alex. · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 8:17 pm Post subject:

An update from the Vale Council:-

The Vale has only told me information which, as a public body, is in the public domain - they have not disclosed any confidential information.

No listed building or planning application has been submitted to date. There are 3 loss adjusters commissioned in relation to the cottages. Two out of the three loss adjusters have visited the Vale Council to speak to Officers about reconstruction. Planning officers have recommended that the two companies conjoin their efforts/rebuild. Officers think that the third loss adjuster is unlikely to conjoin efforts with the other two companies/clients. This may lead to issues of 'Party Wall' agreements (if some of the cottages are reconstructed before others).

The Vale Officers are focussing on the external appearance and have already given their own officer 'approval' to the type of thatch (including ridge design). The internals will be a matter for Building Control to agree (the cottages will need upgrading from thse which stood before ...due to regulations governing the use of thatch). English Heritage is not involved at all.

Time schedule - Once the Vale has received the Listed Building Consent applications they will be determined within 8 weeks - they will deal with the applications sensitively and with all possible speed. The third party who is dealing with a cottage independantly of the other loss adjusters - timescale unknown. The scaffolding is thought likely to be up for several months yet - although coomencement of works (via the two conjoined loss insurers) is thought likley to start in january 06.

phil

Sir Alex. · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 8:24 pm Post subject:

In order to avoid doubts/rumours etc etc Perhaps I should add the update is genuine NOT a wind-up.

Ive only found information because people on here asked for an update - I dont want to upset any of the people affected, and I have not disclosed any confidences.

DM · Regular Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 536

Thanks for that Sir Alex (or Phil, whichever you are today Wink

)

It is disappointing it is going to take so long. It sounds like a bit of a nightmare with so many parties involved. I would have thought it would make sense for the insurance companies to agree on one loss adjuster to sort it all out / project manage the whole thing - but I've no idea how this all works.

Dr 'Puffing' Reid · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 9:01 pm Post subject:

Dan, I gathered the Vale officers are also somewhat frustrated.

Now, if you'll excuse me - I must take my medication for multi-personalities Wink

Phil

dropbelly · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 10:58 am Post subject:

phill why try to glamarise smoking and why on this thread i find that very sad and inapropriate

VICTOR · Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 5:35 am Post subject:

Any news about the Road being opened again so that the barriers can be removed from around the corner of the green.
_________________
Planet VM

phil scott · Chatterbox Joined: 22 Jan 2005 Posts: 162

The Vale seem to think that this is unlikley to be open until most of the reconstruction work is completed - the scaffolding has been erected by the loss adjusters to protect the remaining building fabric, and the road is so close to the buildings it could be dangerous to have vehicles passing so close - whether the scaffolding is also serving to protect passing pedestrians from debris is maybe another possibility.

So to answer your question, according to the Vale officers, the road is unlikely to be opened-up for several months yet ! but that's just their thoughts. Maybe the Parish Council will provide an update in due course.

L Miles · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 2:55 pm Post subject: Road closure and rebuilding dates

At the Parish Council meeting this week (Wed 2nd November 2005), the Clerk brought to our attention a letter and drawings from the Chartered Surveyors acting for most of the residents of the burned out cottages on Church Green. This correspondence had been received just that morning.

Obviously at this point the guidance on time scales can only be regarded as estimates, but I quote from the letter:

"Our programme is to tender the works pre-Christmas with commencement on site immediately following the Christmas break. We anticipate a six month contract period for the reinstatement works.

"Essentially the cottages are to be restored to their former condition and appearance, although some modern materials will be used inside to re-form the roof structure."

So it seems we're looking at next Summer before the works will be complete. It would seem reasonable to assume that the road will not remain closed for the entire time, but our understanding is that it *will* remain closed for several months to come.

The Clerk of the PC has asked me to stress that until we received this letter on Wed of this week, the Parish Council were as much in the dark about what was happening as anyone else, which is why we haven't posted previously! Smile

I hope this helps a little to clarify what's happening. If we receive updates or revisions to time scales, I'll let you know. Keep an eye on the Parish Council Newsletters which are delivered free to every household. If we hear any more, I'll post here, but details will also be included in the newsletters.

Remember, everyone's welcome to attend the Parish Council meetings to hear what's being discussed and to raise questions. It can be quite interesting... honest!

The next meeting is on the evening of January 4th 2006, 7:30 in the Millenium Hall.

Kind Regards,

Lynn Miles

D. Miles

I have been asked to post this note on behalf of owners of the thatched cottages at Church Green which suffered a serious fire on 21 August 2005. We appreciate that there is a great deal of local interest in what will happen to the Cottages and hope that people will understand why we have not felt able to post information earlier.
Obviously for those involved this has been quite a traumatic time. Apart from the loss of their homes, some residents have lost virtually all of their possessions as well. This has been particularly difficult for the three elderly residents who have had to leave the homes they have lived in for many years and the two couples who only purchased their cottages this summer.
We would like to reiterate our gratitude for the support that we received from the local community when this event occurred. There is no doubt that without the excellent efforts of the Fire Brigade, supported by local residents who turned out during the night of the fire to lend a hand, much more property would have been lost. And, of course, we are especially grateful for the efforts of Sergeant Eddie Young, without whose intervention in getting people out of the Cottages the consequences of the fire could have been even more serious. We wholeheartedly endorse his Royal Humane Society award. Simon Gibbs (one of the owners) also deserves a mention for his efforts on the night in helping evacuate residents.
Since the fire we have had to attend to clearing the properties and recovering what we could. Various contractors have had to be engaged to deal recovery, cleaning and temporary storage of contents, the erection of scaffolding and a temporary roof, and fencing the site. The need to deal with the various owners, insurers, loss adjusters and contractors involved creates a significant liaison problem. We have been holding regular owners’ meetings to try to deal with this. We are especially grateful to Gerry McMorrow, the Chairman of the Parish Council, for his support during this period, for ensuring we have somewhere to meet, and for his valuable contribution to those meetings. Gerry is very much ‘in the loop’ and we are keen for him to maintain his involvement.
Two surveyors have been appointed by the various owners to draw up plans and to oversee the project. The two listed building applications were submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council in early November and the consultation period is currently running. The plans can be seen at the District Council offices.
All the owners agreed that the Cottages should be re-instated with thatched roofs and that their historic character must be retained. The intention is to re-build the Cottages so that they look virtually the same as they did before. Obviously it may be possible to make some improvements at the margins e.g. to meet modern standards for fire safety, but Stanford can expect to get back this important feature pretty much as it was before. There is a lot of internal damage but we are hoping to save as much as possible of the remains of the current structure. The external walls are of varying ages and of limestone of varying thicknesses, so we are going to have to rely on our professional advisers as to how much can be retained, but no-one has suggested that it is necessary to demolish and start from the ground up.
Our surveyors will shortly be inviting tenders so we can appoint contractors. This will be a significant contract and will require substantial building firms with the right experience of working with older stone properties and thatch. The hope is that the re-build can start early in the New Year with an estimated six month contract period. Realistically, none of the owners are expecting to be able to re-occupy their property before August 2006 at the earliest. It could take longer.
We believe that what we (and Stanford) will end up with is something that is actually better than the original. But we still have a long way to go. We are not intending to post further information at this time.
D. Miles

acesparks · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 9:19 pm Post subject:

Mr miles,

many thanks for the post. very informative and just what 'the village' like to hear. At least everyone knows whats going on.

Many Thanks

thelees · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 6:07 pm Post subject: dan huby.....fawkner way fire

many thanks for your offer of help dated back quite a few weeks now, we are the family who lost our home in fawkner way to a fire the day before the cottages.
we are in temporary accomodation at the moment ( we had to go to the local papers as the council would not help and said they did not have any empty properties but as soon as the press were involved a house that had been empty for 7 months was soon remembered!).
we have had some good news and some bad, the bad is that our home will not be ready to move back into before end of may and the good news is we are expecting another baby which we are very happy about.
again many thanks for offering your support.
mr and mrs lee

thelees · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 6:09 pm Post subject:

the above posting from us was for dan huby.
thanks