No 51, October 2002 Published by the Jericho Community Association – www.jerichocentre.org.

uk

Why Jericho doesn’t flood

Lucy Sholl investigates Children
returning from
Jericho’s watery past. school through

W ater will always be a feature of Jeri- Cardigan

Street in 1955.
cho life thanks to our close proxim-
However, the
ity to the canal and considerable damp floodwater
problems. Nevertheless, while other areas came not from
of Oxford can experience flooding, Jericho the Thames
seems to escape. but was the
Jericho residents were not always so result of poor
lucky. After the first houses were built in drainage
the 1820s flooding was a recurring problem. that stopped
When the canal arrived no-one had consid- rainwater
ered the effects that this might have on the escaping.
area’s natural drainage. In fact, the ground
became so waterlogged that until the late pushed through the flood water to get to house in Cranham Street has recently been
19th century it was impossible to build on the school. Michael Broadway, organist at St. flooded with sewage due to blocked pipes
western side of Jericho near the canal. Barnabas, who grew up here in the 1940s underneath the house. Thames Water con-
Flooding was at its height in the mid and 1950s remembers that street corners tractors trying to clear this spent a long time
1800s, when Jericho was considered by commonly flooded after downpours. puzzling the twists and turns of the pipes
some as a slum area. One book on sanitary But a return to this state of affairs and one worker jokingly suggested that the
conditions reported that Jericho had a ‘drain does not seem probable. In the 1970s a street should be demolished to allow a mod-
of the filthiest kind’ running through it. This new sewage and drainage system was ern system to be put in. A neighbour, whose
flooding, and the unclean water supply, was installed, and a pumping station was built back garden houses the nearest manhole,
blamed for the many deaths from typhoid in Nelson Street to keep the drains clear. had the distressing experience of endless
and other infectious diseases. Long-standing Jericho resident Ted Harris unsuccessful attempts to solve the problem
Oxford underwent a comprehensive remembers a dramatic improvement after over several weeks, with tankers pumping
draining programme in 1877 and that year this, with the flooding disappearing almost noxious materials through her home.
for the first time there were no recorded overnight. Ever since then the drains have Aside from individual blocked drains,
deaths in Jericho from typhoid or diar- been pumped regularly and flood manage- however, most of the water problems seem
rhoea. But the flooding continued well into ment generally has improved significantly. under control and it is unlikely that we
the twentieth century. One resident recalls Nowadays, at the first sign of trouble, will again be floating our children to St.
sitting on an inverted table top and being the River Authority closes the lock gates Barnabas School on the kitchen table.
downstream on the canal. This has the
effect of flooding the fields surrounding
Oxford rather than the city itself. So the
canal, which at first caused the flooding, is
Capstone
now used to prevent it. Archway
Philip Turner at Thomas Merrifield Office supplies
estate agents says that flooding is not an
issue for house buyers and points out that Fax-Photocopiers-Cordless Phones
although we are surrounded by water we Answerphones-Computer Accessories
also have extensive flood plains like Port • Friendly helpful service
Oxford’s sharpest Meadow to take up the water. Sue at North • No minimum order
men’s haircut Oxford Property Services agrees and says • Very competitive prices

101A Walton Street that it is ‘very, very unlikely’ that Jericho Telephone: Bill Wilson on 558557
Tel: 558570
will ever flood again. Email: [email protected]
www.edgebarber.com That still doesn’t mean we do not have 106 Cardigan Street, Jericho, Oxford OX2 6BW
problems with our elderly drains. One
October 2002 – Jericho Echo – 1
 Scenes from Jericho’s summer
Jubilee Street Party—Jericho’s summer of celebration got off to a great start with the Jubilee Street Party on June 3. Thanks
to Wendy Matthews, who got things moving, and to all the organizers and children who made this a great occasion.

More than 50 children get stuck into the food on a table along Hart Street ‘Queen’ Maggie Barrett (left) with Wendy Matthews

Rose Carr and Anne O’Gorman in the fancy hat contest For the energetic, the day ended with games on the school field

Annual Street Fair—Two weeks later we got together again for the Street Fair. Thanks to the organizing skills of Charlotte
Christie, Teresa Stuart and Marc Bloch, along with Ed at the Bookbinders, this too was a great success.

The burger stall outside the Community Centre draws in the hungry George Taylor watches anxiously over the castle bouncers

Jericho Rejects stars meet at the Community Centre Music at the Bookbinders bandstand went on well into the evening

2 – Jericho Echo – October 2002

Lyn leaps to success in Germany Briefly ...
Lyn Ahmed of Cardigan Street had a strik- years ago, after Bike shop threatened
ing success representing Great Britain at her daughter Sa- Another of our valuable local services seems
the European Veterans Championship in mantha joined the likely to disappear. The redevelopment at
Potsdam, Germany. Competing in the age Radley Athletic Lucy’s will displace the workshop of Walton
50 to 55 category, she won a bronze medal Club. Now she Street Cycles. Owner John Wilson says
in the triple jump, leaping 8.55 metres, and has set her sights it is virtually impossible to find a new site
another bronze as a member of the 100m on the European in the area. Lucy’s can give three months
relay team. And while she was there she also Championships notice at any time. The nearest alternative
shop would be in Botley Road.
finished sixth in the 100m sprint, seventh in in Spain in March
the long jump final, and eighth in the 80m and, if she can get sponsorship, the world School keeps to timetable
hurdles. Lyn only took up athletics five championships in July in Puerto Rico. The extensions to the school are to be
finished on time. School governor, Erica
Jubilee party supporters Farewell Ed, and thanks Hedges, says they were fortunate to have
Wendy Matthews thanks everyone who On September 8, Ed Bradbury, landlord Kingerlee as the contractors: ‘They were
helped with the Jubilee Party including Rob of the Bookbinders for the past three and brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble’.
for the disco and John Hinkes for the music. a half years bid an emotional farewell to
Support was received from Grantham his regulars. “It is without doubt the most
20 mph zone slows down
House Club, Lucy’s, Somerville College, special pub I have ever experienced.” Mor- A 20 mph zone in Jericho now seems
further off, largely because the police insist
the Synagogue, OUP, and Mr Silver at rells of Oxford have sold the Bookbinders
that the zone be self-policing through extra
KFC who donated tableware and drinks. to Greene King and Ed, who is currently traffic calming measures.
Special thanks to Father Michael for the Morrells manager of the year, is moving
purchase of Jubilee mugs for the children. with Maeve and Jake to the Bygone Inn at
A small remaining sum will be divided Bladon. Ed transformed the Bookbinders,
100th birthday celebration
between the toddler group, the playgroup, and also added music and a beer festival to Many congratulations
and the school. Thanks also to Maggie our annual street fair. Welcome now to the to Mrs Roberts of
Barrett, our ‘Queen’, for performing her Jericho Street who
new landlord, Alan Day. Morrells have also
celebrated her
duties so royally—and also to the people sold Jude the Obscure but have retained the hundredth birthday
of Jericho for their good humour and Globe and a few others—possibly keeping in August. The Jericho
proving that we are still a community. those with redevelopment potential. Rejects group put on a
special show for her at
Gordon Mowbray—Gordon who lived in Grantham House.
In Memoriam Wellington Street died in August having
faced his final illness very bravely. He loved Canalside plan delay
Colin Bennett—Colin, who drowned in to travel and knowing that he was terminally Bellway Homes have still not put in
the canal, came to live on a narrowboat ill, he chose to visit Iona and other places a planning application for the British
five years ago. Colin brought a certain flair in Scotland only a few months before his Waterways land behind the Church.
and flamboyance to the canal community. death. Our sympathy to his family. Meanwhile, negotiations continue over just
Gordon Woodward—Gordon was born in how much land is likely to be available for
Born in Biggin Hill, he had reached the
a new Community Centre.
age he wanted: ‘three score years and ten’. Jericho in 1918. He was raised in one of our
Many people from the canal community at- two-up, two-down houses and was a choir-
tended his funeral at the ‘canal church’, St. boy at St. Barnabas. Gordon often told the
Barnabas, on September 3. story of how the house was so small that that
Gladys Couling—Gladys was born in he and his twin brother Anthony (Jericho’s
Sherbourne, Dorset in 1906 but the family former cobbler) had to go next door to sleep.
moved to Oxford when she was five years Gordon worked in the electricity industry all
old, settling finally in Jericho. She attended his life but his most significant contribution
St. Barnabas School where during singing to the city was his 1960–83 period as a coun-
lessons the teacher would say: “Be quiet
Gladys so we can hear the others!” Gladys
cillor for South Ward which culminated in
him becoming Lord Mayor. He also helped
THOMAS
always had a distinctive voice. She worked build the links with Bonn and Leiden. But MERRIFIELD
first at Cape’s drapery store in Walton Street he never turned his back on Jericho and
and then the Co-op drapery store in George supported many Oxford charities. On one
Street. She met Harold Couling from Sum- occasion he took the role of Father Christ- All the property
mertown and they were married in 1930. mas at St. Barnabas School and, discovering expertise you will
They settled in Canal Street where they they were 35 presents short, raced around
brought up their two children, Peter and local shops in full costume, gathering up the ever need is ... on
Margaret. Harold died in 1983. Earlier this necessary presents. Gordon died in the John your doorstep.
year, following a stroke and a fall Gladys Radcliffe surrounded by his wife Dorothy
died in the John Radcliffe Hospital. Gladys and his family and friends.
often told her family: “I’ve had a long and
Holyfield House
Our thanks again to Oxford University Press 1 Walton Well Road. Tel: 515000
happy life and wouldn’t change a thing”. for printing this issue of the Jericho Echo.
October 2002 – Jericho Echo – 3
 Jericho Notice Board Ali’s
Parents and toddlers group – Tuesdays
in term time, 9.00 a.m.–11.30 a.m. at the
p.m. For further information, call 554001.
Piano and Jazz Piano Lessons –
Jericho
Community Centre. A chance to chat —and
to learn some new ways. Contact Meriem
Experienced, friendly and qualified teacher
in Jericho. Beginners and adults welcome. Store
on 559075, or Julie on 427787. Call Richard Dutton on 552024. Groceries – Off-licence
Jericho Over-60s Group – We warmly Contacting Councillors – Jericho and Newspaper deliveries
welcome new mem bers. We meet on Osney Ward Councillors’ surgeries at the
Wednesday evenings at 6.30 p.m for tea, Community Centre. First Saturday of the Open 6.30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
bingo, and a get-together at Grantham month, 11.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. Or call Monday to Friday
House and at 2.00 p.m. on Fridays for talks, 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m on Sunday
City Councillors: Colin Cook, 272548, or
quizzes, and conversation. Afternoon trips. Susanna Pressel, 554001; County Coun-
Annual subscription, £3. Information from cillor: John Power, 247153.
John Radford, Chair at 558883. Police contact numbers – Jericho’s new
Jericho Community Association – Meets Community Beat Officer is PC Colin Paine.
on the second Monday of the month at the
Community Centre at 7.30 p.m. Everyone
He can be contacted on 266361. General
Enquiries, 266000.
The Old
in Jericho is welcome.
Babysitting – Mature student available for
Footballers wanted—Susanna Pressel
hopes to start a new team for the under-
Bookbinders
babysitting. I have experience in nannying
and childcare. Jericho area. Please phone
nines. If you want to play or to help organize
this, please call her on 554001.
Ale House
Gemma on 510495 or 0789 9093552. Jericho on the Web – The Jericho Echo
Community Centre Café – Open every website has now been updated, with an in- For atmosphere, fun, food
Saturday, 10.00 a.m.–3.30 p.m. Coffee, teractive map and an aerial view. You will
tea, cakes and full English breakfast. find it at www.pstalker.com/echo. The Com-
and fine ales
Jericho Youth Group – A weekly club at munity Centre site also has a website, at
the Community Centre for 8–12 year-olds. www.jerichocentre.org.uk. Canal Street, Jericho
Tuesdays, 7.00 p.m–9.00 p.m.

Tried and tested

Jericho Family Lunches – Every Thurs-
day, 11.45 a.m.–3 p.m at the Community

Walton
Centre. Good value refreshments. Crèche,
50p. All ages welcome. If you were asked by a friend to
rec om mend someone who had
Stationers
Albert Street Chapel Sunday School
– Every Sunday 3.00 p.m to 4.00 p.m. for done good, conscientious work,
ages 3 to 14 years. Various treats throughout who would you suggest? Please
the year. For more information or transport, let us know. Tel: 552794 or Post Office
phone David or Jenny on 245939. [email protected]. Here are a few to start:
Stationery
Jericho Playgroup – Two- to four-year- Carpenter: Tony Everett, (07778) 907834.
Painter and Decorator:Tony Simpson:
Greetings cards
olds. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.–11.30 a.m. National Lottery
in the Community Centre. Places available. 762173 Plumber: M. Daniels, 557086.
TV, Video and Hi-Fi Repairs: Oxford Tobacco
Call mornings 552001.
Youth Club – Ages 13–18 at the Com- Powershop: 375834. Washing machine Soft drinks
munity Centre, Thursdays 7.00 p.m.–9.00 repairs: AES Repairs, 766392. Lunchtime snacks
Open Monday to Saturday
Classes at the Community Centre also some all-day sessions.
Oxford Tango Group – Contact: 288340
Arts and Crafts – For beginners or ex- Wing Chun, Martial Arts – Mon. 6 p.m–

THE
perienced artists. Fri. 1.30. p.m.–3.00 p.m. 9.30 p.m. Contact Ed Yuen, tel. 862518.
Contact Fiona Ferguson, NAWOCEC, tel. Tai Chi – Tue. 12.00 a.m.–1.30 p.m. Mixed
511757. class. Everyone welcome. Contact Emma
Body Alignment Movement – Tel:(07816)
396964
Egyptian Dance – Wed. 6.15 p.m-9.00 p.m.
Westlake tel. (0771) 0768810.
Yoga (Ashtanga) – Wed. 9.15 a.m.–11.30
a.m. Con tact Mariella Di Mar ti ni, tel.
GLOBE
Contact, Katrina Robinson, tel. 777462. 245893. Good Food
Life Drawing – Sat. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Con- Yoga (Iyengar) – Sun. 11.00 a.m.–12 noon.
tact, Chris Nirrenski, tel. 559004. There are
Pool Table, Real Ale
Contact: Joe Burn, tel. 715147.
Thursday Quiz Night
The Jericho Echo is published three or four times each year by the Jericho Community Asso-
ciation, Jericho Community Centre, Canal Street, Oxford. Editor: Peter Stalker, 51 Cranham
Pleasant Atmosphere
St., tel. 552794 or [email protected]. Please call if you can help with delivery. This edition Cranham Street, Jericho
has been printed courtesy of Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, from artwork Tel: 557759
supplied by the editor. Previous issues are also available on-line at www.pstalker.com/echo.
4 – Jericho Echo – October 2002