Spring 2006             Issue 101

Sunday March 26th 10.0 a.m. Parish Communion 11.15 a.m. Family service		Sandford Parish Council ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Monday May 8th at 7.0 in the Village Hall
			Fete weekend This year the Fete and Flower Festival will be the weekend of July 15th/16th All welcome to a planning meeting on April 25th (see p.5)
Fauré's Requiem Sunday April 2nd in St Andrew's church (see p.3)		QUIZ NIGHT Saturday April 8th (see page 7)

CHURCH NEWS
Ministry team: Robert Morgan (Lower Farm, 748848) priest-in-charge; 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.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES PALM SUNDAY 9th April: Distribution of Palm Crosses at 10 a.m. service. MAUNDY THURSDAY 13th April: Lord's Supper 7.30 p.m. GOOD FRIDAY 14th April: Special children's service 10.0 a.m. Silent meditation in church from 12.0 - 2.15 - opportunity to drop in. Service of devotion 2.15 p.m. HOLY SATURDAY 15TH April: 8.0 p.m. Easter Vigil and Confirmations at Littlemore church EASTER SUNDAY 16th April: 8.0 a.m. Holy Communion 10.0 a.m. Parish Communion 6.30 p.m. Evening prayer

Mothering Sunday
Like Christmas this religious festival has become a national one, still for everyone, and a Good Thing. To say thank you to our mothers and remember them if they are no longer with us. Originally the phrase referred to the mother church to which people went back, and those who were baptized but now elsewhere might recall where that was.
But we have other mothers to think about too: 'Dear mother Earth, who day by day unfoldest blessings on our way' - St Francis of Assisi.



Good Friday: Dying without God?
Our death is not only the end of our life. It can give shape and form to our life. Next month Christians will observe Holy Week and Good Friday (14th April) - the point in history where God's engagement with the world is deepest and yet most hidden. The contrast between what was seen and what is unseen is sharpest when the man on the gallows in whom Christians know and love and live with God cries out in agony (as millions have done before and since) 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'. And dies. God's identifying with the human condition runs that deep and this is what gives us hope for the future.

April 16th is Easter Sunday and Spring will be breaking through everywhere because 'unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies it bears much fruit' (John 12.24). Each of our lives is loaded with potential. Much good can come of them if we let ourselves be united with the source of our life who is also its goal.

Welcome
to Matthew Freeman to Pheasant Walk


Welcome into the world
to Eleanor Louise, born 18th December, a first for Rhys and Meredith Newman of River View
to Jacob Feliks, born 10th January, a first for Stephen and Sharon, also of River View
to George Rudman-Smith, born 4th December - a third son for James and Leah and increasng the tribe for Steve and Val Rudman of Henley Road
to Edward Baker Rushton, born 29th November, a second for Neil and Meg of Church Road but shortly Henley Road, a brother for Molly and another grandchild for Kate and David of Church Road and nephew for Debbie and Frazer of River View
to Lydia Rachel, on 5th October, a first for Katherine and Leigh Mapledoram of Broadhurst Gardens
to Max, on 22nd July, to Joe and Fioa Baro of Broadhurst Gardens, a brother for James
to Tiernan Patrick, on 26th October, a first for Natalie, lately of Heyford Hill Lane, and Mark (and a first grandchild for Peter and Carol).

Baptisms 19th February: Jamahl Levi Henry		Six Nations Say no more
Rebecca and Chris filled the church with their friends and extended family. Malik and Estelle were joined by lots of other children to welcome their latest family member into the church, and Rebecca's father Malcolm Woodward read the lesson. Sister Reed sang a beautiful solo, as she did at Charlie Fox's funeral here a few years ago.
19th March: Eliza Jane April Harper Andy and Louise, ex-Janaway, plan to be reunited with their friends here where they made a great mark through the Toddlers' Group, bringing back the elder children to their mother parish.		Hackett can hack it As readers of the local press will know, Sandford soccer star Chris Hackett has moved to Edinburgh to join Hearts. He has made an excellent start - watch this space.

Would you be willing to open your garden for a couple of hours on the afternoon of Saturday June 24th or Sunday June 25th? If so, please ring Liz Shatford on 772598 or Marjorie Harris on 777900. All welcome, experienced gardeners and beginners alike . . .

Sandford Ladies Group
Eleven ladies met at the Crusader Bar in the Four Pillars Hotel on Saturday, the 25th February. We all enjoyed afternoon tea comprising of scones, sandwiches and cake, with plenty of tea and coffee, according to taste. Another afternoon out is likely to be planned in the near future.      Joan Inston

And the Link would like to wish Joan
very happy birthday on her impending 80th.
'Jerusalem' will be sung.

Barry and Barbara welcome you to the Catherine Wheel FREEHOUSE 38 Henley Road Sandford-on-Thames, Oxford OX4 4YP Tel: 01865-778340 Hot and Cold Bar Food Traditional Sunday Roast Lunches     Real Ales Large Garden     Ample Car Park Parties and Outside Functions catered for	TODDLERS GROUP Mondays 10 - 12 in the Village Hall Run by Clare (718741). Mums and Dads etc. very welcome.
	WALK FOR THE STEPPIN' STONES The Steppin' Stones project in East Oxford have a sponsored walk from Donnington Bridge to Abingdon, with a lift back on a Salter's steamer. Ring 728545 for info and sponsorship forms. [The Porch - more info]
BINGO in the Village Hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 in aid of Village Hall funds.
VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS Bookings phone: 07759 - 890696 £5 per hour for Children's parties (under 12 and before 18:00) and £10 per hour for adult events. Friday and Saturday nights (from 18:00 to 24:00) are a fixed fee of £60 in all cases. [Village Hall - Info]	MOBILE LIBRARY every two weeks on MONDAY at 2:35 - 2:50 stopping by The Fox. [more info]
If you have access to the internet . . . please take a look at [web site no longer active] and www.SandfordOnThames.co.uk Both websites are packed with Sandford information

From this April 1st, the Council will offer FREE bus passes to people aged 60 and over, the disabled and their necessary travel companions. If you have a current half fare pass which expires after 1.4.06 you do not need to do anything, your pass will automatically convert to a free pass. If your half fare pass expires on or before 1.4.06 you should have received a letter from the Council asking you to reapply.

From the same date, the Council's travel token scheme will change. As an alternative to the bus pass, the Council will continue to offer travel tokens to the value of £20 per person per year but the eligibility age has changed from 60 to people aged 70 and over, the disabled (including children aged 15 and below) and necessary travel companions.

The new pass enables you to travel anywhere in South Oxfordshire, Reading, and Oxford City. Also Abingdon, Aylesbury, Princes Risborough, High Wycombe and Stoke Mandeville Hospital and destinations on the way.

For further information, contact Vivienne Taylor on 01491 823413.

Calling Time at the Fox

The impending 'retirement' of Nigel (helped by Claire - and also at times by Gina and by Biffo - marks the end of 87 years of the family hospitality, making the Fox a wonderful meeting place that many ex-Sandburgers like to come back to.

Nigel's grandfather Charlie Barrett took the licence over in 1919 and when he died his widow Selina continued until 1961 followed by their son-in-law Andy Rolston (1961-9) and daughter Joyce (1969-92), who was born and died in it and chaired the Parish Coucil. Then Nigel, who was brought up in it and was in the last year of the village school, maintained the family tradition for warmth and decades-long friendships (e.g. Keith started legally drinking there at 18 and is now 73 and has not missed many days, nor Bernard over 40+ years).

Joyce was often helped by George Adams and they both keep a watchful eye on the place from across the recreation ground and are remembered as older residents and clergy wander around the churchyard choosing their spot. In the last couple of years many 'regulars' have made that journey across the green, the verge of Jordan, landing safe on Canaan's side.

We wish Nigel and Claire and Nicole and Laura all the best for the next step. How Nigel copes with his first day off for 15 years and a reduction from his 80 hour week remains to be seen, but his friends think he is wise not to want to follow his parents and grandparents in making this precious place his grave. Green-King plan to continue the Fox as a pub but adjust it to a changing world. In honour of Nigel and his parents and grandparents we reprint, on page 12, part of Bob Crickmay's (ex-Henley Road, now Brookfield) December 1991 Kingcup article.

STOP PRESS On April 18th Graham Barr will become the new landlord of The Fox, and he and Samantha will be moving into the village soon.

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT When the Link comes out Fairtrade Fortnight will just be over. Leslie Rhodes spoke about it in church (since we are a Fairtrade Parish) pointing out this is not a brand name but a guarantee that a food item has been produced giving a fair price to the producers. In our shopping we can all do something towards increasing justice in a world where the poor are trampled on by the rich nations by unfair trading practices.

The Sandford Book Club       Tim writes:

The Sandford Book Club was founded by Pam in February last year. There's currently a full quote of ten people in the group. We meet monthly, but had a holiday break in August, to recover from the demanding schedule.

It's a simple format, with few rules - the only rule I can remember is a loose-ish limit of 300-pages on the book length. This is not rigorously enforced. We take it in turns to host the meetings. We meet at about 8.0 p.m. in one of our houses, have a drink, maybe a bite to eat, talk about things, talk about the book. There has usually been disagreement about the quality of, or at least the level of enjoyment afforded by, the books.

So far, luckily, this has not resulted in any outbreak of violence unbecoming to our serene surroundings. At the end the next person must reveal his/her choice, and we firm up the date for the next meeting, in that person's house.
Soon after there is a race to Oxford's bookshops, to strip the shelves of the nominated title. Then the serious business begins - members must pick up their books and read.

Occasional awkward encounters can occur in the following month, with the anxiety becoming more intense as the meeting approaches. Shames and guilt - 'I'm only on page 45', 'I've just been too busy at work', 'I just can't get into it'.
But it's all ok really, no need to worry, the group is very supportive.

Oxford has one of the highest numbers of homeless people in the country. Many people are not eligible for help with the local authority, such as single people and couples with no other medical issues.
The Lord Mayor's Deposit Guarantee Scheme was set up to provide an alternative solution to homelessness. The Scheme provides access to private rented accommodation with on going support.
We are seeking new landlords in order to house more people. If you have a spare room in your home, own accommodation or would like further information, please contact us on 01865-782540.

Archway Builders needed The Archway Foundation helps those who are hurt by loneliness in and around Oxford. Oxford. Could you be part of a team that seeks to alleviate some of the distress dassociated with loneliness? They need drivers on a Monday evening, people to get alongside others at one of their social events, and people to befriend others in their home. Contact Sheila, Ray or Audrey for more information on 790552, email office @ archwayfoundation.org.uk or look at our website www.archwayfoundation.org.uk.

Welcoming at Christ Church cathedral
The Mothers' Union organises a Ministry of Welcome which runs from Easter to the end of September each year. Welcomers are men and women who are at the cathedral door to welcome visitors who come from all over the world - to talk to them, to give them a leaflet in their own language and point them to where they want to go.
The time you give is totally up to you - maybe a couple of hours a week or a month or every two months - whatever you can do. If you are interested in learning more ring Robert or Jackie Walker on 01235 522361 or email randjwalker @ compuserve.com.

Ryder-Cheshire Volunteers is a local charity assisting adults who have any physical disability to pursue an educational or leisure activity of their choice, with the help of a volunteer who has similar interests. Since 1989 we have operated in south-east Oxfordshire to set up all sorts of activities - from art history to bowling - and we currently have several vacancies for new members. If you are aged between 16 and 70 and have a physical disability, and you wish to take up or return to a leisure or learning activity, please call to find out more about joining the scheme. Membership is free, and includes a quarterly newsletter and invitations to our optional social activities. If you are interested in membership or volunteering, please call the area coordinator, Kathryn Robinson, on 01844 350381 or email k.robinson @ rcv.org.uk Our website can be visited at www.rcv.org.uk

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.

              The Fox Inn

The Fox Inn is a comparative newcomer when compared with the two older establishments, yet as we shall see has remained true to its origins in being the villagers or working man's drinking house for some one hundred and sixty one years.

James Morrell the brewer of Oxford bought the Sandford estate in 1828, and included in the sale was a small detached parcel of ground on the south side of Church Street (now Church Road) of just over an acre, on which stood three small cottages.

By the time of the 1841 census we find that a room in one of these cottages was recorded as a Beer-house, kept by one William Boucher, beer seller, born in Littlemore, aged 53 years. As no record of a beer house appears before this date, it is most likely that it had been established under the Beer House Act of 1830. This Act allowed ale and beer to be sold from any small establishment such as a cottage or outhouse on payment of two guineas for an excise licence, without the need of a justices licence.

These humble establishments were usually kept by labourers or common tradesmen and were in the main frequented by the working population, usually agricultural labourers, as a place where they could drink and talk freely, beyond the eyes and ears of their masters (for remember this was 1830) although they were widely condemned as a resort of drunkards and poachers.

William died in 1861, and from the census taken in the same year, his widow Hannah is recorded as the beer house keeper in Church Street, while her son Stephen, then aged 33, had become the first landlord of Morrells new beer house on the London road, now recorded for the first time as the 'FOX Tavern', and for a short period the village could boast four drinking houses.

What Morrell required was an inn on the London road which would catch both the London bound traveller and also those going by ferry to Abingdon, an ideal situation in that it stood halfway along a long drawn out hill, much steeper in those days, where a carter could both rest his horses and refresh himself.

The date of building appears to be around 1853, a year when much building was going on at Sandford farm, the row of four model farm cottages and the new beer house built at the same time.

By 1871 William Eaton was the landlord, yet it does not yet appear to have achieved the status of an inn, and still recorded as the Fox beer house, although what was probably the first sign had the legend The Fox Inn, said to have been painted by one of Morrell's friends. Sadly this old sign which was probably unique was removed c.1960. The original beer house in Church Street and the old cottages eventually disappeared to form part of 'Elmslea' garden, circa 1970.

[Kingcup - more info]       [Calling Time at the Fox]

SANDFORD YOUTH CLUB

The Chairman of the Management Committee (and vicar) writes:
It is now 17 years since our charismatic community police office Carl Reynolds (helped by Gina, and Ann and Linda Waterfield) thought it time to move on and handed over his managerial responsibilities to me.
He was irreplaceable, but as in former years with the likes of Stan Cotton, we have had since then a succession of really good leaders and helpers,
starting with Tim James (who also started the Sandford Quiz Nights to boost funds), De and Richard (who moved away, having also briefly edited the Link, as did Carl Reynolds, and Laurence Boyd), Wendy Akrigg (helped by John and Marlene - who got up Snowdon with the whole club, including a few moaning minnies ('This mountain is a public health risk - it should be shut down!'),
Nigel and Sue Northcott (who nearly revolutionised the eating habits of the young - no more gobstoppers), Vicky Charlton and family, now back down under, Charlie and Suzanne Wilson (now half-way through their absence from the village - send greetings from Amsterdam, and tulips), Alice and Paul Daglish, Michelle Robson (whose return when the boys are older is still looked forward to), Julie and Matthew Wilkinson, and for the last three years Naomi Crawford - a professional youth worker who runs playschemes etc. about which the Link continues to inform.
These and others have done a great job.

It is therefore with sadness that the committee has temporarily suspended the club due to low numbers, until a new chapter can begin.
It thanks especially the constant support of the Parish Council, especially in the last few years, and Dr Jane Jackson for taking on the Treasurer's job, and all those parents who have taken their share of voluntary helping, especially Lorraine in buying the tuck.

COUNCIL'S BENEFIT HOTLINE If you are making a benefits claim you can, through the hotline, arrange for a benefits advisor to call back, free of charge, to complete an application form over the phone and give advice about what you need to do next. Alternatively, you can arrange a home visit to complete the necessary paperwork. 0845 458 5449 9.30 - 4.0 p.m. Monday to Friday

Rest in peace

Winnie Crawford   March 23 1909 - December 15 2005
There are not many people left in this country who left school and went into service at the tender age of 12, as Winnie did. She was living at Ardley near Bicester at the time and soon had to leave her service to go home and help with her brothers and sister.
Later she met Albert Crawford and they married and produced three children - Hazel, Russell and Gill went to live in South Hinksey and then Oliver Rd, Cowley. Winnie and Bert had three children.. Tragically Gill was not a healthy child and was ill for most of her life so Winnie devoted a considerable portion of her own life to caring for her, and this in wartime.
In spite of that, the house was always filled with guests. Airmen and soldiers were billeted on Winnie and Bert, who always made them feel welcome so the house was filled with noise and laughter. I think most of us in Sandford knew of Winnie's great interest in life which was breeding Alsatians. Winnie and Bert moved to Sandford and they lived for many years in a large caravan in the old brick yard which some of us can still remember. While Bert worked hard at running the Sandford Concrete Company, Winnie brought up her family and bred and showed dogs around the country becoming a familiar figure at the shows. One of Winnie's dogs in fact became a champion in South Africa.
The next and last move wasn't very far. It was to the adjacent mobile home park at Bert's retirement. In all her time on Main Avenue Winnie kept up her true passion which was for football. She and Bert had followed Headington United from the early days in the Manor ground and when Oxford United moved to Sandford that made following the team even easier. Winnie became their oldest living and possibly most fervent supporter and was feted at birthdays and got her picture in the local press with the new owner.
Winnie was a remarkable woman who was loved by everyone who met her, and most especially by her family. She cheered people up with her humour - even in hospitals and Orchard House in the last few years - and she will be much missed by many people.


Lucille Wright     aged 87, 23 July 1919 - 15 February 2006
Lucille was a regular visitor to Sandford, staying with her daughter Jenny Fox and family at Church Road, and a prayerful presence in church - she will be remembered and missed. Our sympathies to Jenny and Tom and their children and wider family.

Joan Moore     died 7 March 2006 aged 82
Joan was born in February 1924 in the Mill Cottages, now River View. She attended the village school, left at the age of 14 and went into service. She moved to Abingdon and worked at Wellworthy where she met Ted, and they were married at the Wesleyan Church, Abingdon, in 1944, returning to Sandford to live. They had three children - Bryan, Yvonne and Keith. Joan was well known in the village for making wonderful wedding and birthday cakes.
She worked hard all her life, looking after her husband and children, always there for the family and neighbours. She was well known and loved working at the Catherine Wheel. She loved her darts and was a members of the pub's darts team. In 1989 she moved to Paignton, where she became a member of the Baptist Church, making many friends. She found great comfort in God and her beliefs when Ted died.


Yvonne Vivienne Smith-France     aged 40, 19 February 1965-12 January 2006
Yvonne née Smith was Colin and Lucia's daughter, and grand-daughter of Vi Smith of 85 Henley Road, so as a child she often visited and loved Sandford, and in due course bought her own house in Broadhurst Gardens while she was an airline stewardess, after a variety of careers. In 2002 she married Dave in Sandford church at which Fr Pascoe of Greyfriars celebrated the nuptial mass, and buried her mother Lucia here too.
She was beautiful, full of life, and a joy to know - and her early death is hard to bear. We offer our deepest sympathies to Dave, and to Colin, and to her brother, and share their perplexity, but also the privilege of having come to know her. She remains for ever young in our memories, and committed and commended to God.


Dave Harris     aged 58, 25 May 1947 - 26 February 2006
Dave was born and brought up in Cumnor, married Peggy in 1972 and they came to Kiln Close from Headington in 2000. He worked as Transport Manager for Tappins coaches and took a special pride in his 'élite fleet'. He was passionate about motor-bikes and despite an accident which ended his love affair with his Kausake 1100 thought he might make a come-back on two wheels. He was a very private person with a wry sense of humour and enjoyed the quiet of Kiln Park and found good neighbours there.
A year ago he fell ill and bore it with fortitude, never grumbling, lovingly nursed by his wife and son David. At his funeral The Old Rugged Cross was sung at his request, 'Do not stand at the grave and weep' was read, and Don Williams (Country and Western) was played. Our deep sympathies to Peggy and David and all the family, especially Kevin, Stephen and Jane and all their children.

Dennis Francis     died 21 February 2006, aged 82
Dennis was a familiar and well-liked figure walking his dog Dai on Broadhurst Gardens. Like many good Welshmen he left his mining village and came to Oxford in search of work - at Morris Motors he met Merle, and they had 34 happy years together with their lovely garden. Dennis was a gifted footballer but the war came and he joined the medical corps and saw the harsh world from aircraft carriers. Ill-health brought slightly early retirement.
Four years illness were endured with fortitude and great care and devotion from Merle, and great help from her sisters and brother-in-law. Neighbours in Broadhurst Gardens were friendly and supportive, and that was appreciated. He continued to support Welsh rugby and followed all less important sports as well. We shall miss his delightful good humour, his wanting no fuss, and the example he gave of a love for his wife which only deepened with age. Our sympathies go to Merle and all the family. He will be remembered.

Council offers help with urgent repairs
Residents can apply for financial help with urgent repairs to their home. The Council's Home Repair Assistance scheme is available to home owners who have lived in their home for at least three years and receive an income related benefit (i.e. income support) or are on a low income. Examples are repairing a roof, replacing windows, or improving home security. Further information from the private sector housing officer on 01491 823332 or email housing.service @ southoxon.gov.uk.

Environmental Playscheme at Hinksey Heights Nature Park Run by Peers School with the Oxfordshire Forest Schools Project May 31st and June 1st £10 per child, 8 - 13 yr olds. 10 - 3.30 p.m. Family Day: June 2nd £7 per child, any age, all children to be accompanied by an adult. Max: 4 children per adult. 10.0 - 3.0 p.m. Activities may include team building games, pond dipping, bug hunting, environmental games, nature walks and environmental art. Early booking essential: phone Naomi (07941) 312654 or email hinkseywarden @ yahoo.co.uk

SANDFORD ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday Jan 9th 2006

District Councillor's report: The Fringe Area Forum had been wound up. J Stimson thought this had been a useful vehicle when parish matters needed to be aired and hoped it could be re-convened when necessary, for instance when Green Belt development issues came up.
He was pleased to report that there had been a 13% Government increase in funding and possibilities for using it were being discussed at present. There could either be a small cut in the District Council element of Council tax (which would barely register) or improvements could be made to some services e.g. by going back to having free collection of bulky household waste items, more local bottle banks, improved street cleaning (at present only twice a year in Sandford), improvements to Park Homes management etc.
The parish council was asked to discuss this and then inform J. Stimson of preference. For information if anyone had concerns regarding planning enforcement it was best to contact Karen Claridge on the SODC website.

County Councillor's report: This was very short because of the break. The officer to contact re. highways management, signs etc was Peter Ronald at Drayton, otherwise it should be Steve Howell who is head of transport at the County Council for speeding, parking complaints etc.
Following last summer's tragic fatal accident on the Eastern bypass, concrete barriers were to be erected and the speed limit lowered to 50mph.

Matters for consideration
Traffic matters - R Dix had emailed clerk that there had been no progress and therefore no point in attending meeting. "His staff had been busy with priority work on next year's Transport Capital Programme that is in their Local Transport Plan. Ad-hoc schemes added during the year like the Sandford one have to fit in as best they can." He hopes to provide firmer news of a programme by the end of February. J Howell said that he had been disappointed to read this news and had emailed Richard to request him to be more positive in terms of giving Sandford a realistic timetable of when they can expect a response. He had pointed out that discussions between Sandford and the County over traffic issues have been going on for some time and he had asked for a commitment to have a representative at either the February or March meeting with a worked up programme.
Playgrounds - M Robson had obtained quotations from 4 companies for playground equipment. One was impossibly expensive and it was unanimously

agreed to accept that of 'Miracle Design and Play' for 3 items of equipment, two to be installed at Broadhurst Gardens and one at Church Rd. as soon as possible. There had been no progress on the final repairs to the Janaway playground.

Matters raised There had been several complaints from parishioners on traffic related items - mostly speeding, since the last meeting and one person has written a letter with constructive suggestions to the highways department. Cllr Howell suggested that the person best placed to deal with complaints is Steve Howell who is head of transport. There had been complaints from the Park Homes site regarding parking on the grass verges adjacent to the site on match days. It was clearly marked where parking should occur but fans were disregarding this and also obstructing the access to the site.
H Hutton reported that she was pleased with the improvements in response from SODC environmental health officers to complaints re drainage, the playground etc.
I. Reveco asked when a new lock keeper might be expected. Apparently the position has been advertised.
Clerk was asked to inform J Stimson that the council would prefer to see the additional expenditure going on services.


Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday Feb 6th 2006

County Councillor's report J Howell reported that Richard Dix would no longer be involved in the traffic measures in Sandford, Peter Ronald based at Drayton would now be in charge. Clerk would contact him to arrange a Friday lunchtime meeting to show him the problems and ask him to prepare plans to bring to the April meeting.
Spending on older persons in the County was not going to be cut but the emphasis changed. More government money was available so that people could be moved out of hospitals and back into the community. There had been a successful meeting held at Chinnor and a small working party formed to work on youth services. Funds would be made available over the next 3 yrs for capital expenditure and for running of services.

Matters for consideration
Playgrounds - M Robson had placed order for 3 items of equipment but had been told that company wanted 60% down payment. This was not acceptable. Clerk would deal with the company. Repairs to existing playgrounds were in hand. Westbury's have now been taken over by Persimmon who are unlikely to honour the agreement to repair the Janaway playground items so Safe and Sound would be asked to add the items to their repairs.

Forest of Oxford - it was proposed to establish an 'Oxford Forest in the Green Belt' which would comprise a number of community woodlands linked by footpaths. The existing Cutteslowe Community Woodland would be taken as a model. It was intended that the project would enable people to become involved and to be able to walk via footpaths linking the new woodlands, the flood plains, Shotover and Boars Hill.
Village Plan - review. N Northcott reviewed the items over which the parish council had some control and so far progress was good. The roads and traffic issues were in hand, there were 3 new neighbourhood watch schemes, improved grass cutting and the village hall committee was in good shape and planning an extension for storage. The youth club had closed due to lack of demand but new items of play equipment were on the way. No response to request for 'good neighbours' in the Link or to request for items for village directory, though the village directory had been well received. The web site was popular.

Matters raised There had been no problems at the Kings Arms since the new licensing regulations but it was of course winter and there had been few customers. The landlord had said that the focus of the pub was for family meals and not night time entertainment.


Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday March 6th 2006

District Councillor's report There had been some action regarding the Park Homes site. The working group had prepared a report which was going to the next Scrutiny Committee on 20th March. Some recommendations have already been carried out including a guide for residents and a technical guide. Reviews about the Model Standards are in hand.
The budget had been approved on 23rd Feb. One concern was buses because only passes had been budgeted for, not tokens. This could lead to hardship in areas with no buses because tokens can be used on taxis.
Money had been allocated for 8,000 wheelie bins for green waste. Residents would need to sign up to the scheme at a present cost of £29 per annum. Meanwhile the whole subject of waste disposal was still up for scrutiny.
The King's Arms challenge to the license conditions was to be heard in a magistrate's court, not at SODC.

County Councillor's report The first phase of traffic calming measures in the village was now underway and it was hoped that Peter Ronald, the traffic engineer would be able to report to the April meeting of the parish council.
J. Howell reported that Oxfordshire has had the lowest increase in council tax in the South East. A £500,000 fund (to be matched 50/50 by the Government) had been created. The fund was targetted at community well being e.g. for village projects such as solar activated speed signs, facilities for older people etc. It was 'bottom up' funding with the impetus for expenditure coming from residents