IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Townsend, WANTAGE, OX12 0AT

This old farm house is one of the handful of original buildings pre-dating the development of Grove airfield as a new town after WW2.

Dances, Weddings, Concerts .... all that sort of thing. Opened 1989.

One of two primary schools in Grove, Millbrook is by far the largest having about 500 pupils. It is situated in School Lane, next to the Library. Its web site (http://www.millbrook.oxon.sch.uk/) gives more details.

This is the village Library, in School Lane.

Grovelands Preschool is next to the library in School Lane, Grove.

This information board is on the west side of Letcombe Brook in Denchworth Road. It has the following wording and images: Title: LETCOMBE BROOK Left column Welcome to the Letcombe Brook (Map is on the right) The brook is a chalk stream and these are globally rare. It flows for 12kms (7½ miles) until it joins the Childrey Brook. This meets the River Ock, which runs into the River Thames. Rain falls on to the chalk hills above the Letcombes. The chalk acts like a sponge soaking up water until it emerges from the ground as springs. Regular winter rainfall is needed to recharge the aquifer and keep the brook flowing throughout the year. Letcombe Brook Project The project aims to enhance and protect the natural beauty of the brook and to help people appreciate the environment. Image: Local people clear rubbish from the brook. Middle column Bullhead image A fish also known as Miller's Thumb. It hides under stones feeding on freshwater shrimps and insects. Image: Grove Middle Mill Image: Cattle drinking at Village Green, 1910 Wildlife on the brink The effects of development, intensive agriculture and increased demand for water has resulted in degraded habitats. Yet despite these issues the brook still supports a rich diversity of wildlife. It is cleaner and less polluted now than it has been for many years. Industrial history Diverse and prosperous industries grew up around the brook, which was the main source of water and power. Mills In 1086 there were 10 mills recorded on the brook. Many mills ground corn, others were adapted for cloth making, silk spinning and rope making using hemp. Tanning Large quantities of water were used to process leather. For centuries tanning brought wealth to the area and the last tannery in Wantage closed in 1825. Right column Kingfisher image An expert angler, with a diet of small fish such as sticklebacks as well as insects. Numbers have declined in recent years. What you can do to help • Take your litter home and clear up dog mess • Please don't feed the ducks Many people enjoy feeding ducks, but this is harmful to them and the environment. Feeding waterfowl causes: • Poor nutrition and spread of disease • Overcrowding and unnatural behaviour • Pollution and environmental damage • Attracts rats • Save water To make sure there is enough water for both us and wildlife in future years, use water wisely. Contact Thames Water on 0845 9200 800 for free leaflets on saving water or check out the website www.thames-water.co.uk/waterwise. To find out more about the brook, visit the other boards at Mably Way and Mary Green in Grove. Foot of the information board Letcombe - lede in the combe - river in the valley Wantage - intermittent stream Grove - thicket on copse Logos: Grove Parish Council Grove Joint Environmental Trust Vale of White Horse District Council Environment Agency CONTACTS: Environment Agency is responsible for protecting and improving rivers. For pollution and flood defence matters call 24-hour emergency hotline 0800 80 70 60. Public open spaces: Grove Parish Council - 01235 766599 and Vale of White Horse District Council - 01235 520202