Summer 2006             Issue 102

SANDFORD    VILLAGE FUN DAY Sunday 20th August 12.30 - 5.0 See PAGE 5	PARISH  FETE   and FLOWER FESTIVAL WEEKEND July 15th/16th See pages 8/9
SANDFORD RIVER RUN Saturday 24th June Change of time to enable us to watch the football: start 3.30 See page 4 inside
EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL FETE Sandford Road, Littlemore: Saturday 17th June 11.0 - 1.0 p.m. All welcome. Lots of stalls, activities, home made cakes, plants, books, bric a brac etc.

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.

The Fauré Requiem

The highpoint of the Sandford musical year was on Passion Sunday a fortnight before Easter when the Sandford Singers, reinforced by visitors, sang the Requiem in church, giving the audience/ congregation a chance to meditate with them and remember some special person.

Solos by Christian Bradley (formerly Henley Road) and Trudie Ball (Keene Close) were outstanding and Phil Palmer came back to play the organ. (Also good to see former organist Daniel Chambers back for it). The church building is a place where heaven and earth meet, a place of peace and joy, and hearts were uplifted and Holy Week prepared for, and soul-work done.

Thanks to all the singers for their hard work on Wednesday evenings preparing this. Other hidden musical talent locally interested in joining the happy band of musicians to sing some life-changing anthems and songs of praise? Next choral occasion is during the Flower Festival, 6.30 p.m. Sunday July 16th.

has the well-deserved reputation of being one of the best in Oxfordshire, and this year the theme is a flight around the world. If anyone would care to give a donation towards the cost of the flowers it would be appreciated: the donation will be given in memory of a loved one and a list displayed in church. All enquiries to Marjorie Harris, 24 Henley Road (777900). The church will be open to visit the Flower Festival on Saturday July 15th 10.0 - 6.0 and Sunday July 16th 11.0 - 6.0 St Andrew's Church services on Sunday 16th: 10.0 a.m. Parish Communion 6.30 p.m. CHORAL EVENSONG including the Green Sermon on the Environment.

Turville Books a book barn with all proceeds going to charities will be open on August 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th from 10.0 - 4.0. Turville Valley Farm is ½ mile from Turville (not Turville Heath), on the Watlington Road. About 30 mins from Sandford. Ring 748848 for more information.

Recycling via the Internet

A new green recycling group devoted to using the Internet to keep things out of landfill sites has been set up at Wallingford. Currently, it has only 24 members, but organiser David Cross is certain the idea will take off.

Mr Cross, a gardener from Cholsey, set up the Wallingford branch of Freecycle last month. He said: "We use the Internet to post items which people want to recycle rather than throw away, and it is used to exchange things which other people have posted. It's a bit like e-Bay except that everything posted on the website must be free.
There is no question of money changing hands. The whole idea is to keep stuff out of landfill sites. It backs up the ideas of Sustainable Wallingford, which does such good work with its swap shops and collection days saving things from landfill by recycling them."

The Internet idea was launched in Tucson, Arizona, by people determined to stop the dumping that went on in the state's deserts. There are other branches in Oxfordshire involving about 4,000 people in the county.

People can join the Wallingford group via the www.freecycle.org website, where you can also find details of swap shop days in Wallingford.


Lewis Carroll

The annual Whit Sunday commemoration of his visits to Sandford took place on 4th June. The Alice sermon was by Linda Chapman of Cuddesdon, who considered the impact of stories on children and the subversive challenges to established authority in Wonderland and Looking Glass.

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

Ride or Stride A sponsored event to raise money for the church of your choice and the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust. Sponsorship forms available from Ray Lee, 93 Henley Road.

Congratulations to Bob and Sylvia Loveridge of Ten Acre Park on their wedding on 27th May, and welcome to Sandford, Sylvia, from Bridgewater. Welcome to the Crescent, Vanessa Lewis and Andrea to Heyford Hill Lane, Catherine Davey and Olena to Church Road, Claire Herbert also to Church Road, Stephanie Austin Welcome into the world Stanley Edward Philip Mahon, a first to Sarah and Neil of Pheasant Walk, born 13th January	TODDLERS GROUP Mondays 10 - 12 in the Village Hall with summer holiday break. Run by Clare (718741). Mums and Dads etc. very welcome.
A STITCH IN TIME Sewing repairs and alterations Anything from trousers (no jeans) to curtains, adjusted or mended Please call Julia on 01865 748702	CHANGE OF DAY and TIME The Mobile Library every two weeks is now on THURSDAY at 2:25 - 2:35 stopping by The Fox. [more info]
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]	BINGO in the Village Hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 in aid of Village Hall funds.
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

Choosing a primary school

When I went to Primary school my parents didn't have a choice of where to send me. The education authority dictated to parents which school their children went to. If you were interested in an alternative school you had to move house into the catchment area. Hence I wasn't prepared for the plethora of primary schools available for me to send my child to in Oxford, and the agonising decision of where my child would best flourish.

Having visited 4 or 5 schools in the area, I was beginning to wish the education authority would choose for me. It was over coffee with an equally distressed mother that St Swithun's school in Kennington was mentioned. I'd never heard of it, and it wasn't in the Oxford City booklet of schools. However, as the crow flies, it was probably the closest school to where we live in Sandford on Thames.

The next week I visited the school. For the first time I felt I had found a primary school that was right. It was a gut feeling. I felt like I was going back to my old Primary school. I had visions of my daughter and I gaily cycling over the Sandford Lock every morning to school, it seemed it could be idyllic. Two years on, the rush out the door and the manic cycle ride to school due to our persistent lateness every morning is not so ideal, but the school has matched all my expectations.

St Swithun's primary school serves the village of Kennington, the other side of the Sandford lock. The school is the focal point of the village, and has strong links with the local community, Forest school and St Swithun's church. The school provides a safe, caring and supportive environment where pupils can grow into happy confident individuals. The careful provision for promoting pupils spiritual, moral, social, cultural and personal development is reflected in their good attitudes, behaviour, relationships and willingness to take responsibility. Pupils are happy and enjoy coming to school. The head-teacher is very effective in giving the school clear direction, and the school boasts well-qualified teachers, leading to good achievement levels throughout the school.

The school has a very supportive parent body, which enthusiastically raises funds not only for the school, but for other worthy causes such as for its partnership school in South Africa. More recently it has celebrated the successful fund-raising efforts of the Bus 4 Us mums, who managed to raise £20,000 in one year for a new school mini-bus from fund-raising events and from grants.

St Swithun's provides a playgroup on site for 2-4 year olds, which leads into the St Swithun's nursery providing morning, afternoon or wrap around care for 3-5 year olds, and then children enter the school in the term they turn 5 years old.

Choosing the right primary school for your child is a difficult decision. There are many primary schools within Oxford that work hard at providing a good environment for children to flourish in. As I said before, you have to go with your gut feeling.

Quiz Night

Another very pleasant evening was enjoyed by 84 players on April 8th. Thanks to all the helpers who set up the hall and to those who generously donated gifts for the raffle, making this a big success. The sum raised for village causes was £425, distributed as follows: Mothers and Toddlers group £100, Tae Kwondo club £100, Disabled Lunch £100, St Andrew's Church £100 and £25 to Jane Ford's great contribution to cleaning up the village.

The results were as follows. Winners: Bald is Best (91), Runners-up The Management (86), Unlucky Bronze The Squad (85). The Rest: Nil Desperandum (79), Six Sorts (78), Mill Racers (74), RFL (72), Wombats (72), Bookends (63), The Black Swan (59), Hardy Perennials (57), 1901 (Janet, 54), Anthill Mob (53), BGs (50), Merry and Jim (45). The raffle raised £154, and cherry brandy auction £26.


Ascott Music Festival in aid of Oxfordshire Mind

Friday 21/Saturday 22 July Crown Farm, Ascott-under-Wychwood, Nr Witney
A family friendly event with a mix of music - jazz, rock, blues, folk. Richard Thompson, Paul Jones and the Blues Band, Nine Below Zero, Rachael Warwick, Dave Kelly and including local bands Pseudo7, Reservoir Cats, Trev Williams and many more. Volunteers needed. There will also be a jive workshop, children's activities, crafts and a music workshop. Visit www.amf.uk.net or phone Martin Smith on 01993 852758.

PARISH FETE Saturday July 14th at 2.0 p.m.
Test yourself or beat your friends on the GREAT BUNGEE RUN

Or go for a prize by entering the competitions:
Make a model from recycled materials - everything you use has to have been used before. Anything you like - a building, a boat, a robot, a spaceship: see how imaginative you can be, and bring it along to the Fete at 2.0 - the judges will award prizes for children and for adults.	Superveg We are looking for the * largest tomato   * ugliest potato     * longest carrot       * fattest leek         * heaviest onion and longest nettle - (put in so that the editor can win something). You don't have to grow them yourself, just bring them along and beat the competition! Judging 2.15.

COULD YOU HELP?

If you would enjoy doing an hour on one of the stalls on the day, please ring Prue on 748848. In addition please could you help us by giving

	books to Diana and Bill (777198) as soon as possible
	plants to the recreation ground on the morning of the Fete (or ring Prue on 748848 if that is not possible). If you can label plants it is much appreciated, or maybe put together a hanging basket?
	new or nearly-new (ladies only) clothes, scarves, jewellery, belts etc. to Pam (777011)
	cakes, jam, marmalade, biscuits to the recreation ground on the morning of the Fete (ring Prue 748848 if that is difficult)
	tombola prizes to Leslie and Angela (778475)
	raffle prizes to Marjorie (777900)
	bric a brac to Kate (712621) after the 7th July

COME AND ENJOY . . .  IRISH DANCERS    GRAND RAFFLE    PLANTS    COCONUTS    BEER TENT    BARBEQUE    BOUNCY CASTLE AN TDDDLERS FUN    TEA TENT    TOMBOLA    BRIC A BRAC    BOOKS    TUG OF WAR    GREEN WATCH FIRE ENGINE    POSH FROCKS    FORTUNE TELLING    ICES    GOLF    SUPERB CAKES    FLOWER FESTIVAL IN CHURCH    AND A TEST OF SKILL AND STRENGTH FOR THE FITTEST IN SANDFORD

Environmental Playscheme at Hinksey Heights Nature Park July 26th, 27th, 28th, August 8th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 18th £10 per child, 8-13 year olds only. 10am to 3.30pm. Bring packed lunch. Family Days: July 25th, August 9th, 11th, 17th £7 per child, any age - must be accompanied by adult - max. 4 children per adult. 10am to 3.0pm. Bring packed lunch. team building games, pond dipping, making birdboxes, bug hunting, environmental games, nature walks and environmental art. Please call Naomi on (07941) 312654 or email hinkseywarden @ yahoo.co.uk Booking essential

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.

REST IN PEACE

Michael Andrew Hemmings 18th May 1962 - 26th May 2006, aged 44
Mick and Jenny moved from Abingdon into Pheasant Walk three years ago, close neighbours to Mick's parents on Broadhurst Gardens and younger brother at Littlemore. He was seriously ill for the past two years and lovingly cared for by his family, but his illness proved terminal.
The family was brought up first at Blackbird Leys, then Chalgrove. Mick worked at Blackwells and at Centrica. He was a passionate supporter of Oxford United and joined in social events with great gusto.
All who knew him said what a loving and lovely man he was and how sadly he will be missed. But he is at peace and we thank God for his life while deeply perplexed at the illnesses which mar our world and give people opportunity to show such reservoirs of love and care, fortitude and endurance.
At the funeral in Sandford Church the music included Rod Stewart Wonderful World, the Hollies He's my brother, and ended with George Best. Also All things bright and beautiful and Crimond, and the lesson 'I saw a new heaven and a new earth' - a vision of hope.
Our deepest sympathies to Chris and Norman, and to his brothers Garry and Andy, and all their family, and to Jenny and Ayleen and everyone whose lives Mick gently touched in his own short life.



Bill Loveridge 14th December 1948 - 28th May 2006, aged 57
It was a great sadness to hear that Bill had died, after a long battle with cancer, the day after Bob's wedding. He lived in Sandford for 23 years before going back to Marston, where he was brought up. He frequently returned to the village, mainly to the Catherine Wheel, and was very well liked, having a good word for everyone and being willing to help anyone.
He had a heart of gold, could be trusted in every way, and suffered in silence. As his sister-in-law said 'He was a king amongst gypsies - a real gentleman'. Barry King said he would be sore missed.
Our sympathies to his mother, Dorothy, his widow Sylvia, his daughter Joyce and four other children. The funeral cortege is expected to stop at the Catherine Wheel for his ritual brandy before continuing to Old Marston Church on 14th June.

SANDFORD ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday April 3rd 2006

District Councillor's report J Stimson reported that the Customer and Community Scrutiny Committee had received the report regarding Mobile Homes action. H Hutton was happy with the outcome. Further discussion should take place at the Cabinet meeting on April 6th. The result of the Kings Arms licence appeal was reasonably satisfactory for local residents. Changes were being made to the green waste collection service.

County Councillor's report Proposals for S E Plan were in consultation and J Howell would organize another workshop in due course. The response to the minerals consultation had been successful. Lobbying had recently increased for the 'Trailriders Fellowship' to have historic footpaths, bridleways and green roads opened up to motor vehicles such as quad bikes. This would be resisted. One phone number - 0845 310 11 11 is for all highways enquiries.

Matters for consideration
Traffic calming - Peter Ronald had located the original drawings for the junction improvement and parking bay at the Church Rd./ Henley Rd junction. The parish council agreed that he be asked to expedite the work and also traffic calming measures at the entrances to the village.
Playgrounds - M Robson reported that Safe and Sound were undertaking the repairs to the play equipment. Some seats and chains were still awaited. The new 'Miracle Designs' equipment was now complete and would be signed off. It all looked very good.
Matters raised M Robson said that she and some others were arranging a 'fun day' in the Church Rd recreation ground to be held on a day in August. The parish council agreed to contribute £100 towards costs as part of the youth provision in the parish. The day would be advertised in the Link and fliers would be posted and delivered.
The Clerk would send a letter to the contractor on the Science park with copies to Magdalen College Bursar and J Howell following complaints of heavy site traffic driving through the village towards Littlemore in the night.


Extracts from annual meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday May 8th

Election of Chairperson Dr N Northcott was unanimously re-elected.
Election of Vice Chairperson M Norton was unanimously re-elected.

Matters arising from the minutes The new playground equipment was now all installed and had been favourably received by local children. M Robson and the installers were congratulated. The hidden safety matting was very good.

County Councillor's report J Howell hoped complaints regarding HGVs travelling through the village from the Science Park had been resolved. Traffic calming measures through the village should start soon, according to the traffic engineer in charge. The Government was proposing a national review of speed limits - some would go up and some go down. He was arranging a workshop for parishes on the S.E. Plan on June 06, venue to be arranged. In addition to the recent local elections there had been two bye elections in Banbury and Eynsham and both seats were now held by conservatives. The works to the Oxford Castle site were complete and had been opened by the Queen in May.

Matters for consideration
Risk assessment - the annual insurance for the parish had been paid and ongoing playground maintenance work undertaken. 'Safe and Sound' had satisfactorily carried out the work and would be asked to undertake ongoing inspection and maintenance prior to inspection set for July.
Audit return 2005/2006 - accepted and the statement of assurance signed.

Annual parish meeting. N Northcott requested that M Hills pass on to the village hall committee that the parish council looked forward to a hall extension being completed this year with the backing of the parish council.
Traffic - update. Traffic movements through the village had continued to increase especially at the morning rush hour time - sometimes until 10.00 o'clock and when there was a full capacity crowd at the stadium overflow parking was a hazard and would block the access of emergency vehicles.


Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday June 5th 2006

District Councillor's report J Stimson has been made Deputy Leader to the Liberal Democrat group and now has access to Chief Executive. The District Audit visit had resulted in a favorable report. SODC to set up an audit committee to scrutinize financial transactions and intentions. Large proposed financial transactions should be reported in advance to members. A government grant had been given for improving the planning process. J Stimson was pressing for a substantial proportion to go to improving enforcement rather than just top dressing the earlier part of the process. SODC had received a late invitation to bid for government money to encourage the development of additional housing, not a large sum and to be spent on 'cosmetic' items such as health centers etc. Additional housing will be imposed anyway so we should apply for any grants going. SODC and the Vale districts were examining the possibilities of forming a unitary authority between them.

Matters for consideration Traffic calming - Clerk had written to Peter Ronald expressing concern that there would not be parking spaces in tandem with the re-aligned Church Rd junction and he had replied that the scheme was

aimed at reducing vehicle speeds entering Church Rd and improving visibility for those driving out. He cannot support the reduction of existing parking restrictions at this time. The situation could be reviewed when present proposed work was completed. Clerk would invite him to next meeting of parish council.

Matters raised The Village Hall Committee had met for AGM. The good news was that all members of the committee had agreed to stand again but the bad news was that the fund had gone down relative to last year because a large payment had appeared in this year's accounts rather than the previous year. There was a very large debtor and steps were being taken regarding this. Progress was slow on the extension because a lot of repair and redecoration work was becoming necessary. The parish council thanked the hall committee for all its hard work and re-stated support for the future.
I Reveco would investigate furthering the 'good neighbour' scheme. M Hills would contact the Link about a village directory update to be distributed with the Link to all village newcomers.
M Robson said the toddler group was hoping to start a 'messy play' meeting once a month on a Friday morning.


Extracts from Annual Parish Meeting of May 8th 2006

Minutes of meeting held May 9th 2005
These had been posted on the parish noticeboards and were agreed by the meeting and signed by the Chairman.

Chairman's report 2005- 2006:
Kassam Stadium and traffic The traffic impact in Sandford from the 'Kassam' complex has been less of a problem this year in part due to the disappointing performance on the pitch by Oxford United. However, the general traffic concerns in the village are getting worse. The County Highways Authorities have identified some £60,000 to reduce the impact of traffic on the village and plans are well advanced to put in place measures, which it is hoped will be complete this summer. John Howells is thanked for tirelessly pressing the right buttons to get this matter moving.
Hall - the village hall have plans to extend the building with the support of the Parish Council.
Police liaison - Regrettably Police activity within the village remains low. We rarely see an officer in the village and have not seen one at our Council meetings all year, indeed I no longer know who our beat officer is or which station serves us.

Recreation/play areas - Following hard work by Michelle we have upgraded the existing play equipment within the village and installed three new climbing frames; two at Broadhurst Gardens and one at Church road. The new contractor has kept the grass etc. in the village in a very acceptable state.
Appraisal - The village appraisal has been reviewed and the Council are pleased to report much of it has been actioned and appreciated.
Greenbelt - The debate about house building South of Grenoble road has moved on to the Regional Assembly and we await a response and outcome from them.
Mobile Home site - the residents of the site seem at long last to have a more optimistic view of their tenancy with their landlord.
Licensing - New licensing arrangements for local public house have been introduced allowing much longer and later opening. The Parish Council made representations at the SODC licensing meetings to safeguard our interests; which so far do not appear to be violated by the new licences.
Appreciation - is extended to the council for its hard work over the past year and thanks to the villagers that attend meetings and help represent views.

District Councillor's report
Park Homes: .A report was submitted to the Scrutiny Committee on 27th March and some progress has been achieved throughout the District
Some long outstanding matters remain to be addressed at Sandford. The Model Standards applicable to Mobile Home sites are currently under review.
Licensing: Under the 2003 Act licensing matters are now dealt with by panels of three District councillors in a quasi-judicial process. As one of three vice- chairman I have now presided over a considerable number of such hearings although as local member I was barred from dealing with any applications from within this Parish. Initial concerns about the way the new procedure was introduced have I believe largely been resolved. However the lack of direct involvement by Parish and Town Councils needs to be changed. At present local councils can only address licensing panels in response to a resident's request.
Planning: Following an unsatisfactory episode at a recent Planning meeting the District Council's constitution has been amended. The Head of Planning if he is unhappy with a decision made by members must, immediately after the vote, give notice, on very limited grounds, that he wishes to invoke a cooling- off period. The application will then be returned to the Planning Committee, with an additional report. A final decision will then be made.
The Council has recently received around £300k from Central Government as a "Planning Delivery Grant" This is essentially a payment for speeding up the process. While rapid decisions are usually desirable, I believe speed does not always equate with quality.

Bus Passes: The Government has announced its intention to make bus travel free for everyone of pensionable age throughout the country. Some confusion has arisen but locally passes are available for travel to and within most local towns as well as within the District. The Lib Dem group requested that where buses are few or non-existent taxi tokens should continue to be. Unfortunately only those over 70 will be issued with tokens.
Green Waste: A system using large wheelie bins is being introduced, available on payment of an annual charge of £29. The existing systems for disposal of green waste have ended and although it will take some time to make the system available throughout the District, no interim system is proposed.
Housing and the Green Belt: The District council remains opposed to Oxford City's ambitions to spread South across Grenoble road. I am a member of the new Local Development Framework Task Group which will be considering the allocation of land for housing throughout the District
Council Tax: Thanks to a reasonable settlement from Central Government the District element of the Council Tax has not increased over last year. The Tax overall has unfortunately increased due to the County and Police elements, which must continue to fuel requests for a fairer system of local finance.
I very much enjoy representing Sandford on the District Council and would like to the thank the Parish Council, and their Clerk for their assistance and unfailing courtesy throughout the year

J Howell reported that complaints regarding early morning HGVs travelling through the village from the Science Park had been resolved he hoped.
Apologetic letters had been received from the Contractor and Magdalen College. The traffic calming measures through the village should start in a couple of months according to Peter Ronald the traffic engineer in charge. The Government was proposing a national review of speed limits which could mean that some would go up and some go down. He was arranging a workshop for parishes on the S.E. Plan on June 06, venue to be arranged. In addition to the recent local elections there had been two bye elections in Banbury and Eynsham and both seats were now held by conservatives. The worksto modernize the Oxford Castle site were now complete and had been opened by the Queen on Friday.

Statement of accounts 2004- 2005
Before presenting the accounts, the clerk expressed the thanks of the parish council to Mr N. Mackisack who so generously acted as the parish hon. internal auditor. The accounts were presented by the Clerk and adopted by the meeting.
Matters raised by parishioners:

G Surman would be asked to remove dead tree on roadside opposite The Fox.