Winter 2005             Issue 100

CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PARTY SATURDAY 17th DECEMBER See page 5	Children's Carol Service 11.30 a.m. Sunday 18th Dec. Christmas Carol Service 6.30 p.m.
Christmas services see page 3

CHURCH NEWS
Ministry team: Robert Morgan (Lower Farm, 748848) priest-in-charge; Lydia Cook (01491 833242) associate priest. Licensed lay ministers: Brian Andrews (777011);  Liz Shatford (772598). Church Wardens: Mrs Marjorie Harris (24 Henley Road) and Ray Lee (93 Henley Road). Director of Music: Christian Bradley.

Good Fridays all the Year
Each Friday at 1.30 - 2.0 p.m., there is silent prayer in church for the peace of the world and justice for all. People of any religion or none are welcome to join in silentl,y confronting the million crosses in the world today and asking for wrongs to be set right...

Lord God as a miracle of humanity and love, as a word that makes people free, your Son comes to us, and where he comes life is no longer dark and fearful. We pray that he may come to life among us, that we may not be lost in confusion, obsessed with doubt and discord, but that we may be filled with faith and courage, simplicity and peace.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES SUNDAY 18th DECEMBER 11.30 a.m. CHILDRENS' CAROL SERVICE 6.30 p.m. CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE CHRISTMAS EVE 4.0 p.m. CRIB SERVICE A candlelit service for parents and small children 11.30 p.m. MIDNIGHT MASS CHRISTMAS DAY 8.0 a.m. Holy Communion (BCP) 10.0 a.m. FAMILY COMMUNION (No 6.30 p.m. service) At Littlemore church: COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE Monday 19th December at 7.0 p.m. Sunday January 1st 10.0 a.m. Parish Communion (No 8.0 a.m. or 11.15 services) 6.30 p.m. Evening prayer

Welcome
to Francis Murphy and Elizabeth Callejo-Patterson to Church Rd
to Brian Musto and his dog to the Crescent
to Daen Skane to the Crescent



Sandford Ladies Group
Early in October Angela Howard held a Coffee Morning at her home in Pheasant Walk. At least £30 was raised, which was donated to the Donkey Sanctuary near Wallingford to pay for arable land for the donkeys to graze on. Our next meeting will be in January.   J.M. Inston.

Environmental Playscheme at Hinksey Heights Nature Park.   Run by Peers School in association with   the Oxfordshire Forest Schools Project December 19th & 21st 2005.   £10 per child,   8-13 year olds only.   10am to 3.30pm. Family Day December 20th 2005.   £7 per child, any age.   All children must be accompanied by an adult.   Max. 4 children per adult.   10am to 3.00pm.   Please bring a packed lunch.   Activities may include team building games, pond dipping,   bug hunting, environmental games, nature walks and   environmental art. Early booking essential to avoid disappointment.   Please call Naomi on (07941) 312654 or email   hinkseywarden @ yahoo.co.uk

SANDFORD JUNIOR TAE KWON DO PRESENTS CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY at the Village Hall QUIZ GAMES REFRESHMENTS DISCO ALL CHILDREN AGES 4 - 12 YEARS FROM THE VILLAGE ARE WELCOME Saturday 17th December 6.0 pm - 10.0 pm Admission free For more information please phone James 772883, mobile 07721-712734 Parents welcome to help out: also offers of food to bring and share.

Sandford Youth Club

Are you aged 8-13?
Or is your child bored on a Wednesday evening?

To encourage new members the Youth Club are offering free membership until the end of the year (normally £2). We meet at the Sandford Village Hall from 7pm until 8.30pm on Wednesday evenings. Along with table football, air hockey, darts and loads of games, activities for the next few weeks will be as follows:

November 30th: T-shirt design, please bring a plain T-shirt (any colour).
December  7th: Stickers, make your own design using the stickers.
December 14th: Christmas cards.

Please try coming before Christmas. Membership numbers are too low to continue running the club and it will close in the New Year if we do not increase numbers.

For the teenagers:
Unfortunately I did not get enough questionnaire replies to make the older club feasible so this will not be happening at this time.

For more information call Naomi on 730427.

Regular readers of the Link will have noticed the Editor's practice of dropping a deliberate (?) mistake into each issue to make sure you keep awake as you read. Thus in the last issue we congratulated Daniel and Paul Gardner on their recent wedding - sorry about that, Denise and Paul!

Following the completion of the Parish Plan, which Mick Hills is now responsible for driving forwards, a combination of Bob Morgan and Nigel Northcott suborned me into taking over as the Chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee. This mix of news and information will appear periodically in The Link to keep everyone up to date with what is going on.

I am very fortunate to have joined a very committed, if small, group of volunteers who manage and maintain the hall. In many cases they have done this work, largely unsung, for a number of years. I am sure that you will join me in thanking them for their considerable work on our behalf.

Sadly, after a number of years of service, and in the light of other obligations, Eugenia Skelly has had to tender her retirement from the role of Booking Secretary - although she will be remaining on the committee as Administrator.

We are therefore recruiting for the role of Booking Secretary. This role takes perhaps 4 or 5 hours a week to perform and would suit someone whose circumstances require them to be at home, although it could be performed on an evenings and weekends basis. The duties involve processing booking enquiries, requests and the receipt of hire and deposit monies that are passed to the Treasurer to bank. Duties in respect of hall unlocking and locking are shared across the committee as a whole. If you think you might be interested, do let me know on the number or e-mail address below.

The Committee have resolved to build a 4m x 8m extension onto the north end of the hall to store the hall furniture that looks unattractive when stacked up in the 'stage' area. Targeted at being a summer '06

project, the cost could be as much as £15,000 for which grants will be applied for, with and from the Parish Council. If you know local building companies that may wish to tender for the work, again do let me know.

The hall continues to be used extensively for a wide range of activities, which we are looking to extend with more groups, in line with the Parish Plan's findings. If you have preferences, and especially if you know someone who could run it, please Let Mick Hills know on ******.

The rates for hall rentals (that are now to village members only - to further reduce the few problems with we have experienced with noise) have not been increased for nearly 3 years. After some discussions it has been resolved to leave them at the present levels of £5 per hour for Children's parties (under 12 and before 18:00) and £10 per hour for adult events. However, from January 2006,Friday and Saturday nights (from 18:00 to 24:00) will therefore be a fixed fee of £60 in all cases.

These rates represent excellent value for money for such a big hall with such extensive facilities and car parking. So, if you are thinking of a party, why don't you check out the hall (literally!). Please phone the Booking Secretary on 07759 - 890696.

I hope that this report will be of interest. Should you have ideas, issues or wish to help run the Hall, do feel free to call or e-mail.

[via hall bookings phone on 07759 890696]

Quiz Night
Another enjoyable evening was spent on 15th October when 14 or so teams were entertained by an excellent set of questions from Maurice Earp. Not much divided the teams, but 'We're Comfort' (?) beat the River View 6 and so retained the Norton Cup, and Henley 49ers took bronze.
Thanks again to Rosie and Sylvia for preparing food, Nigel and Claire and Gina for drink, Janet for doing a bingo to get it started with a bango. Lynda and Stephen (who had just had a smashing time) again did a fine job as judges.
£500 was raised: £200 was given to the Senior citizens lunches, £40 to Miss Ford for services to the village (bin liners,etc.), £130 (£120 plus £10 ticket money) to St Andrew's church and £130 to the Sandford Tae Kwan Do group.

Henley Road, Sandford on Thames, Oxford OX4 4GX Telephone: (01865) 334444 . Fax: (01865) 334400 WEB http://www.four-pillars.co.uk Email: enquiries@four-pillars.co.uk Set in 30 acres of glorious parkland on the banks of the Thames. Open to non residents for drinks, light meals and riverside dining. Carvery lunch on Sundays. Conferences, Weddings (including Ceremony) and private parties. Telephone 01865 334444.

NEW TIMES FOR THE MOBILE LIBRARY As from the New Year the mobile library will call every two weeks on MONDAYs at 2:35 - 2:50 pm, stopping by The Fox. The new service will commence from Mon 16 January 2006. [more info]

CAR SERVICE
Following Paul's letter in the Link we were asked for a few more details, so:
Sandford Service Centre, 46 Henley Road, Sandford on Thames, OX4 4YP
Phone 01865-777344.     www.sandfordservice @ aol.com


Congratulations to the English rugby team for nearly beating the All Blacks.
We are confident of another grand slam in the Six Nations... and soon we'll know who for.

South Oxfordshire Dial-a-Ride This door-to-door service is available to people who qualify on grounds of disability or other mobility impairment. It is designed to help them to access key local services such as pharmacies, shops and leisure facilities. For more information, please contact Walters Limousines 01869-327048.

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Rest in peace

Mrs Ruth Abbott died 29th November 2005, aged 67
Ruth was born in the cottage next door to the Post Office in Clifton Hamden, a beautiful spot by the water meadows which remained precious to her, and where her ashes will be scattered.
She worked at Corpus Christi College but after marrying Jim in the 1960s became a very full-time mother with five children as well as fostering two others. Jim and Ruth came to Sandford two years ago and found themselves surrounded with good neighbours.
Ruth bore the news of her illness with fortitude and quiet dignity, always looking her best and welcoming family and visitors. She was thrilled to live to see her first great grandchild, Archie, son of Brendon, the eldest of her 15 grandchildren.
Our sympathies go to all the family, to Jim and their children Dawn, Tony, Mandy, Wendy, Suzanne.

TUTORING Kip McGrath, in the Cowley Road, offers extra English, Maths, Spelling and Reading tuition in very small friendly groups. Recommended by one local person whose child goes there and has found it very helpful: ring 402950 or look at www.kipmcgrath.com

Can you help the Crisis Line? We will soon be recruiting new volunteers for our evening telephone service. We listen and support people experiencing all sorts of emotional distress and difficulties. Volunteers work from home after completing our training programme, which starts in February, and we give regular supervision, support and on-going training. If you are at all interested then do get in touch with me, Jen Cothier, on 791105 or email: crisis.line @ virgin.net

SANDFORD ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday Oct 03 2005

District Councillor's report J Stimson had attended a meeting at H Hutton's home at Oxford Park Homes together with two officers from Environmental Health. The officers agreed that there had been a long period of inactivity on the works to the site and that they would dedicate time to getting the outstanding matters cleared up. Some of the items discussed related to personal abuse which, while regrettable, was something that the officers had no power to do anything about. The police could prosecute if there was witness evidence at the time. Environmental Health had written to the site owner again with a timetable for action and some work had started. It was suggested that the SODC working party be invited to a parish council meeting.
J Stimson corrected some errors on the open space survey and discussed the recent Licensing Committee meeting at which the Kings Arms application for extension of licence had been granted.
There had been a low level of complaints about SODC sent to the Ombudsman and not many of those upheld.

County Councillor's report J Howell was not present but had sent a report which the clerk had distributed to all councillors. He has devised a system for better logging of highways maintenance issues.
He mentioned the housing consultation booklet recently distributed asking for comments on the two options for the location of the additional 8,000 houses which must be built in Central Oxfordshire in the period from 2016-2026. It was agreed that the clerk would request more copies of the consultation booklet from the County Council and parish councillors distribute them through the village. Next week, J Howell would send some notes which would be useful in making this parish's response to a Minerals and Wastes consultation recently received.

Matters for consideration Traffic measures - R Dix had not yet done any work on this due to pressure of work.
Playground maintenance contract - M Robson had done extensive research on 'pyramid' type playground equipment and requested that representatives make site visits to ascertain the suitability, size etc of various sizes. Westbury's had agreed to complete the final three items of outstanding work before the parish council would agree to take over the Janaway.

Matters raised It was noted that numbers had fallen drastically in the youth club, the leader was printing some leaflets advertising the youth club which could be distributed locally.

M Hills had attended the recent Parish Forums event in the Town Hall and thought it was useful.
N Northcott commended the police for their rapid response in a recent occurrence of theft and car stealing and recommended that as previously stated by the police, they welcome information from the public if it was thought a crime was taking place.
There had recently been incidences of strangers fishing from the wharf and leaving litter etc. It was agreed to ask G Surman to make some 'No Fishing' notices and put them up.

Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday Nov 07 2005

District Councillor's report In his report emailed to the clerk, J Stimson said it is likely that funds will be available to deal with a large backlog of enforcement cases.
An appeal has been lodged by the applicants with regard to the conditions and restrictions imposed at the recent licensing hearing. There appear to be two possibilities: either the matter will be returned to SODC for another hearing or the panel concerned (three members) will be required to attend at the Magistrates court to explain their decision. He would keep us informed as soon as possible.
He received a phone recorded message from Mrs Hutton who is pleased that a letter has at last been issued from Environmental Health, SODC which promises some action.

County Councillor's report J Howell said that the Structure Plan review was now complete as also the result of the housing questionnaire consultation which had been driven by SEERA. 6wks had been allotted and a small budget of £5,000. The OCC Cabinet decision was to endorse the Structure Plan policy of not building in the Green Belt. This would be reported to SEERA.
He recommended visiting www.transaction.org.uk to learn about the proposed local transport plan which involved a cut in government grant.
Various highways departments had been amalgamated under the umbrella of 'Oxfordshire Highways.'
He has emailed two forms relating to minerals to clerk who would fill them in and return on behalf of the parish council.
Fire control centers were being moved to Fareham at a much increased £2B over the original estimate of £750M. Oxfordshire would gain nothing from this.
And lastly, the good news is that R Dix has obtained funding of £66,000 to be spent on traffic calming measures in Sandford. He would be invited to the January meeting to discuss ways in which this might be spent in addition to measures already agreed.

Matters for consideration
Playgrounds - update. M Robson had met 3 play equipment companies and obtained estimates for 'pyramid nets' these were way beyond budget after installation costs were added so it was agreed that she would bring suggestions to the next meeting for what was available for £6,500.
She had also got quotes from Safe and Sound for repairs and maintenance to existing equipment and it was agreed that she accept their quotation and ask them to carry out the work asap.
Budget 2006 / 2007 - After discussion of draft budget for next year, Clerk would prepare a final version to be decided at next meeting. Expenditure to remain substantially the same with provision for more play equipment at Fox Furlong and Church Road and provision for proposed village hall storage extension.

Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday Dec 05 2005

District Councillor's report
J Stimson had attended the Park Homes AGM last Monday. Mrs H Hutton had been re-elected as Chair. SODC has asked for a plan of action for the improvements from the site owner but nothing was forthcoming as yet. Some outstanding issues had been addressed. The recreation ground was in a poor state. A report was going to the Scrutiny Committee this month.
Regarding planning enforcement, a large sum of money (£280.000) had been requested in next year's budget to increase planning staff. They would of course have to be trained.
From next April the district council would be expected to provide free travel on local buses for the over 60s and disabled passengers. This of course would not help those villages without a service. The new benefits help line was proving popular. The help line no. is 08454 585449 If there are any problems please ring the Communications Manager on 01491 823748.

Matters for consideration
Budget 2006 / 2007 It was agreed to precept SODC for £15,000 and the draft budget was agreed
Playgrounds - update M Robson asked for this to be deferred until January because only 3 of the 6 requested quotes had been received. Minor repairs had been completed and Safe and Sound work was in hand.
Grasscutting 2006 It was unanimously agreed to request BCB to quote for next year's grasscutting on a rolling agreement based on costs for this year plus an increase in line with the retail prices index.

ALAN BUTLER Your local maintenance man, builder, carpenter. Mature, honest trustworthy - excellent local references. Sandford-on-Thames tel. ****** LET THE BUTLER DO IT [now retired]

Volunteer Reading Children who have fallen behind benefit enormously from the one-to-one attention of a patient adult with an enthusiasm for books and reading. Volunteer Reading Help give free and local training to people who have a little spare time - could you help? Contact Hilary Burr on 0845 4500329

001 TAXIS City centre waiting room 50 yards Carfax Central heating Light refreshments 24 hr service Zero meter No surcharge outside city Phone 240000 108 ST.ALDATES, OXFORD OX1 1BU BEHIND BULLDOG PUB OPPOSITE TOWN HALL