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Woodcote is a village in Southern Oxfordshire, and is situated between the Goring Road and the A4074. Woodcote is the highest point in the South Chilterns. Woodcote is about 6 miles north-west of Reading, Berkshire and 14 miles south-east of Oxford.
Nearby towns and cities: Wallingford, Reading, Berkshire, Oxford
Nearby villages: Goring-On-Thames, Pangbourne, Whitchurch-upon-Thames, Crays Pond, Checkendon, Goring Heath, and South Stoke.
Woodcote is centred around the village green and Church Farm, with the village hall centred on the crossroads. Woodcote is surrounded in many parts by truly outstanding woodland, suitable for many pleasant walks. There are many country footpaths in the area, the Bridlepath also runs past the village.
[edit] History
Not much is known about the early history of the village, but artifacts have been discovered that show that this area has been inhabited for thousands of years. For example, a 5000 year old polished hand-axe and a larger than life Celtic carved stone head, dating to about 1500 years B.C.
The name Woodcote ("cottage in the wood") was first documented in 1109, in association with South Stoke.
Woodcote was a gypsy settlement for many years and there is a gypsy burial ground in the vicinity of the village which follows gypsy tradition whereby members of the community where buried on high ground.
[edit] Education
Langtree School, The Oratory School, Woodcote Primary School are all situated in the village. There are also two preschools. Langtree school recently became a DfES Specialist Performing Arts College.
The Cabin, one of the local preschool was founded by Mrs Rose Hunt in 1961. It had two previous homes until in 1986 when Mrs Bella Saunders, the Chairperson at the time, along with the Management Committee began raising funds for a new building. £10,000 was raised in just twelve months. The current building was installed in 1987 during the Christmas holidays within the grounds of Langtree School. In September 1996 the name was changed from The Cabin Playschool to The Cabin Pre-School.
[edit] Facilities
Woodcote has two shops Londis and Somerfield, and also a Post Office.
There are three 'churches' in the village:
- St. Leonards, Church of England
- Christ the King, Roman Catholic
- Methodist
[edit] Lifestyle
For the youth of Woodcote between the ages of 3 and 14 there are excellent facilities in the village with a newly-built playground beside the main village green and a basketball net also available.
For men and women over the age of 21 there is the local Lions Club. One of 960 such clubs in the UK and part of the worldwide 'family' of Lions Clubs International, the largest service organisation in the world. We support those in need in our local communities from the youth to senior citizens. We fund raise with events such as our annual 10k Run held each January, profits from this run are returned to a worthy charity, usually in the community.
[edit] Woodcote Rally
Every year Woodcote hosts a steam, vintage and veteran transport and real ale festival, the proceeds of which are donated to local charities and organisations, and over the years has raised more than £300,000. There is also a funfair attached to this for further entertainment.
[edit] External links
Coordinates: 52°44'N, 2°20'W
(Source: Wikipedia) |