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| ABOUT CRICKLADE |
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The Saxons created the basic road layout of the present town around their settlement.
A timber wall was built in the time of King Alfred when the borough was part of a line of strongholds to defend the north of Wessex against the Danes.
Later, around the early 11th century, the timber was replaced by masonry walls.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
The town is dominated by St. Sampsons Church which dates back to Saxon times although the nave is predominantly 13th Century.
Located in the High Street is St. Mary’s Catholic Church which is partly Norman but renovated in the 1860’s.
Calcutt Street is the location of the United Reform Church which dates back to 1777.
SCHOOLS
There are three Pre School Nurseries in Cricklade. The largest being Meadowpark Nursery & Pre Prep.
Prior Park Prep School used to be known as The Hermitage and was the largest house in the town until it was extended and became home to this Independent School.
There are two state Primary Schools – St. Sampsons C.E. Infant School and St. Sampsons C.E. Junior School.
Secondary education is available in nearby Purton (Bradon Forest School) , Fairford (Farmors School) which also has a sixth form and Deer Park and Kingshill secondary schools in Cirencester.
There are school buses from Cricklade to all these schools.
HEALTH
The town has two doctors surgeries. One single doctor practice and one multiple choice practice. Both are centrally located.
LEISURE
Cricklade Leisure Centre provides an Indoor Swimming Pool, Badminton and Squash Courts and Outdoor Tennis Courts.
There is also a fully equipped gym and a Bar.
In the grounds of the centre is a children’s play area and football pitch.
Cricklade Hotel and Country Club has it’s own 9 hole golf course and there are numerous 18 hole courses only a short drive away.
AMENITIES
The High Street has a selection of shops including two family run butchers shops and a Tescos, where all the usual basics may be purchased.
A variety of large supermarkets are only a short drive away in either Cirencester or Swindon.
TRANSPORT
There is a regular bus service to Cirencester and Swindon. Cricklade is convenient for both the M4 and the M5.
There is a major railway station in Swindon with regular trains to London (Paddington) and Bristol (Templemeads). |
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| ABOUT FARINGDON |
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Faringdon (meaning 'fern-covered hill') was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Wessex and Alfred the Great had his castle here. Mentioned in the Domesday Book and granted its charter in 1218, it is dominated by a fine church and an Old Town Hall on pillars in the middle of the market place.
In 1203 with the permission of King John, Cistercian Monks built an abbey in the grounds of what is today the Beaulieu Estate. In 1218, it was the Abbot of this monastery who granted a charter to the town to hold a market. This still takes place every Tuesday, with a farmers market on the first Tuesday of every month.
The Faringdon Folly Tower, completed in 1935, has become a local landmark. It was the last folly to be built in England, commissioned by a charming eccentric, Lord Bernes.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Most denominations of worship are serviced by the town's churches:
Church of England: All Saints in Church Street
Baptist: Faringdon Baptist Church in Bromsgrove
Catholic: Blessed Hugh in Marlborough Street
Methodist: United Church in Coxwell Street
Quakers: Friends Meeting House in Lechlade Road
SCHOOLS
Within the town environs, educational facilities catering for all ages are available:
Ferndale Independent Preparatory School in Bromsgrove
Faringdon Infant School in Lechlade Road
Faringdon Junior School in Gloucester Street
Faringdon Community College in Fernham Road
In addition there are two nurseries in Faringdon; The Old Station Nursery in Park Road and The First Class Day Nursery in Butts Road.
HEALTH
There are two doctor surgeries who share premises at the Medical Centre in Volunteer Way, The Ferndale Practice and White Horse Practices.
The town also has a dental practice in Gloucester Street, Peter Walker & Associates.
LEISURE
Faringdon Leisure Centre provides an indoor swimming pool, badminton and squash courts. There is also a fully equipped gym, steam room and sauna. Fully trained gym instructors provide a full programme of workout classes in the activities room. In addition, creche facilities are available during the day.
AMENITIES
Faringdon is serviced by a wide range of thriving local businesses. From the butchers who specialise in traditional sausages which are made on the premises to the specialist cheese and delicatessen, gift shops catering for a broad range of budgets and a Budgens supermarket.
The market place also boasts some fine eating houses, wine bar and coffee shops ranging from innovative organic menus through to more exotic Thai and Indian cuisine.
TRANSPORT
There is a regular bus service to Oxford and Swindon. Train services are provided by Oxford, Swindon and Didcot providing access to London and the West Country.
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