Autumn 2006             Issue 103

HARVEST FESTIVAL         AND LUNCH SUNDAY 1st OCTOBER See page 3

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.

Believing and Belonging

September marks the beginning of the school year - and most churches' autumn programme - a new start after the summer break, catching up with each other if we've been away and planning the run-up to... Christmas.
The small children's church restarted on 3rd September and 1st October will be Harvest Festival - and lunch for those who would like to eat together in the Village Hall and be thankful for 'all good gifts around us'.
Then there's All Souls' memorial service at 6.30 on November 5th (also Guy Fawkes night). Then Advent - four weeks' preparation for Christmas with extra services (Wednesday 7.0 p.m.) and group meetings.

So who will this involve - who will accept the invitation? Those who choose. That's a change from our grandparents coming from a sense of duty and obligation, and it makes for cheerfulness and curiosity and exploration - also a bit of uncertainty. Do I belong? Do I believe? Am I part of it - or do I want to be?
One Bible motto is 'taste and see'. Lives are shaped by coming to understand ourselves as part of the Creator's design, in tune with our environment and caring for the earth and sea and air that keeps us going. The Christian language that we learn to inhabit is unfamiliar and takes some time and effort to learn, but the experience it interprets is in reach of anyone.
So people gather together and repeat it, wanting to respond to 'the love that made the earth and all the stars'. The vicar's job is to hand out invitations. If he has missed you feel free to complain to the Link office - or just accept this general invitation to join in what's going on in Sandford, and say what you think should be.

HARVEST FESTIVAL AND LUNCH SUNDAY 1ST OCTOBER 10.0 a.m. Parish Communion 11.15 a.m. Family Service, followed by 12.0 - 2.0 Harvest Lunch in the Village Hall (if you would like to bring something to share at the lunch it will be appreciated). Harvest gifts will be donated to Steppin' Stones, and can be left in the church porch on Sunday mornings, or brought to the Harvest Festival services on October 1st. The Steppin' Stones are especially grateful for coffee, drinking chocolate, sugar, cooking oil, custard powder, gravy granules, tinned fruit, tinned plum tomatoes, cup-a-soup, orange squash, non-biological washing powder, tomato sauce, brown sauce, salad cream, tinned spaghetti, baked beans, salt and pepper, jellies, angel delight, evaporated milk, rice pudding, tinned sponge puddings.

ALL SOULS MEMORIAL The annual Sunday evening 6.30 sung service, at which many of the Departed are remembered by name and with candles, will be held this year on Sunday 5th November. Those who want people specially remembered and/or plan to light a candle are asked to tell the vicar or churchwardens.

QUIZ NIGHT Saturday 11th November. Bar         8.00 start         Raffle Donations for raffle gratefully accepted. All money raised to be distributed to village charities. Due to rising costs there will be no food provided - Please feel free to bring your own. Cost of tickets £3.50 each, maximum of six per team. Tickets available from the vicar, Maurice (41 Henley Road) or on the door.

YOUTH NEWS Starting up January 2007 in term time only a Youth Club with 25 membership places for ages 6-10 yr from 4-6pm in the village hall (day to be advised nearer the time). The Youth Club will commence with football/pool/air hockey table, craft table, board games & music followed by Drink & Snack time (provided by Youth Club) followed by Team Games. Full term programme of activities & crafts. End of term trip. Parental help required or help from Sandford 14/15 yr Youths Contact Michelle 01865 748257 for further info or to reserve a place

BINGO in the Village Hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 in aid of Village Hall funds.	TODDLERS GROUP Mondays 10 - 12 in the Village Hall Run by Rebecca (717414) . Mums and Dads etc. very welcome.
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
	TUTORING Kip McGrath, in the Cowley Road, offers extra English, Maths, and Reading tuition in very small friendly groups. Recommended by one local person whose child has found it very helpful: ring 402950 or look at www.kipmcgrath.com
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 THURSDAY at 2:25 - 2:35 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

Welcome to   Kate Heydon and Jonathan Briggs to Pheasant Walk to   Jaganath and Pun Ky to Pheasant Walk to   Andrew and Sophie Cole and Lucia to Pheasant Walk to   Peter Rhoades-Brown and Klaudia to Pheasant Walk to   Alice and David to River View to   Paul and Debbie Smith, Emma and Matthew to Broadhurst Gardens to   Roger and Mary Drage to Kiln Close to   Carol Saxton to Main Avenue to   Victoria and Carrie to Church Road to   Ellen, Chris and Daniel to Church Road to   Vega and Cheyenne to Church Road to   Martin and Lisa Potter, Amber and Abby to Keene Close to   Becky and Andy to Yeftley Drive to   Paul and Helena to River View

Welcome into the world to   Henry Lennon Connell, born on 3rd August to Kevin and Julia of Henley Road, a brother for Jake and Sophie to   Charlie, to John and Jackie of Henley Road, a brother for Isobel to   Jamie Armstrong, born 21st April, a third to Claire and Julian of Heyford Hill Lane and a brother to Charlie and Nathan to   Lily Rose Rudman, born July 14th to John and Emma, a sister of Jack and an addition to the growing tribe rooted in Henley Road, as evidenced also by the arrival of George a few months ago, to James and Leah, a brother to Harry and Louis to   Chloe Michelle Hemming, born 4th July (an independent-minded baby) to Ruth and Garry, another granddaughter for Norman and Chris of Broadhurst Gardens to   Charma, a daughter to Kelly and Timothy of Pheasant Walk, born 20th June.

Ryder-Cheshire Volunteers


Kathryn Robinson writes:
We are a registered, local charity helping adults with any physical disability to pursue an educational or leisure activity with the help of a volunteer who has similar interests. Since 1989 we have operated in the Sandford-on-Thames area to assist with all sorts of activities - from art history to bowling - which improve independence and quality of life that disabilities can take away.

Calling all anglers! We are looking for someone with an interest in coarse fishing who could volunteer to take local resident, David, out on an occasional basis. Due to a physical disability he can no longer go fishing without some help. If you think you could help David, maybe once a fortnight, please contact Kathryn on 01844 350381 for further details. Travel expenses paid.

Vacancies for new members: if you are between 16 and 70 and have a physical disability, and you wish to take up any leisure or educational activity, with a bespoke volunbteer or as part of a community group, please call to find out more about joining us. Information from me on 01844 350381 or k.robinson @ rcv.org.uk.

Graham & Sam welcome you to The Fox     A warm friendly welcome! Well kept cask ales. Good choice of wines. Lunchtime food served. Large beer garden. Regular entertainment. Refurbishment We are currently busy planning for the complete refurbishment of The Fox. Soon we will be shutting for a few weeks to enable us to transform The Fox into a great place to eat, drink and socialise! Improvements will include...       A complete fedecoration       Central heating throughout       Full menu: lunch and evening       Much much more!

Congratulations

to all Sandburgers who graduated in June, among them Tracy of Pheasant Walk on a 2.1 in psychology from Brookes

to Laura and Theo Becker of Broadhurst Gardens, married in Florida in June.

to Miss Sandford, Miss Oxford, Miss England - Miss World? Congratulations to Eleanor Glynn of Sandford House, Henley Road on a remarkable achievement in graduating from Miss Oxford to Miss England. We wish her well in Poland in November, and hope we may yet have Sandford's first Miss World to celebrate. Next step the Universe.


Sandford Village Fun Day
The weather was mild and pleasant for the first Village Fun Day on the recreation ground on Sunday 20th August. Rugs and picnics were in evidence, a variety of outdoor games were played, and we hope very much that the organisers might be up for a similar event next year.


Kings' Arms closed
for renovations and relaunching. Fortunately we are still excellently served by the Catherine Wheel, the Fox, and Four Pillars, and when the Fox follows suit for renovations in a few weeks' time there will still be three or four public spaces to meet. So let joy continue.

Junior Tai Kwon Do Every Monday 5.30 - 6.30 p.m.and Thursday 5 - 6 p.m. in the village hall: come and join a mixed and friendly group and learn integrity, courtesy, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit in a martial arts context. Ages 7 - 17, but any 5 yrs or above in the village will be welcome. Information from James on 772883 or 07721 712734.	A Sandford carpenter: Stuart Smith, 105 Pheasant Walk.
	Volunteer Reading help Badly needed for children who need one-to-one help. Free local training to people with a little spare time - could you help? Hilary Burr, 0845 4500329

Sandford Fete and Flower Festival

Thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this event, blessed also with nice weather. To those who gave prizes or items to sell, who bought raffle tickets or sponsored the event, including Oxford United, Sandford Services, 001 taxis, Four Pillars, the Catherine Wheel, The Fox, Kevin Allen (carpet fitting), Adam Marsh (all your insurance needs), Alan Butler (carpentry services).
Barry's Catherine Wheelers again won the Sandford Challenge Cup for Tug of War, but have lost so much weight that they are now looking vulnerable. The crown is slipping.
The raffle was won by Sarah Marsh of Church Road, and thirty-odd winning numbers posted as usual and major and consolation prizes delivered. Several stall clocked up record sales - warmest thanks to all the helpers.
And thanks once again to Dennis Harris for making some very fine garden furniture, and to Marjorie Harris and her team or helpers on another outstanding Flower Festival, and to Bishop Kenneth Cragg on a memorable Green sermon (environment evensong).


Garden Waste

SODC's new garden waste scheme is proving very popular - in the first week alone nearly 40 tonnes of garden waste was collected for composting - double the amount expected.
The Council would like to clarify

*	if you still have some ecosacks, you can put them next to your wheeled bag for composting
*	if you do not have a wheeled bin you can put ecosacks or green bags out with your refuse, but the waste will not be composted
*	if you register for the new garden waste scheme you will receive a letter 2-3 weeks after paying for the service, confirming the delivery date of your bin and the date of your first collections
*	if you have more than 20 ecosacks the Council will refund the cost
*	residents waiting for their bin to be delivered can   - stock pile their garden waste until the bin arrives   - take the waste to the Recycling Centre at Redbridge.
For more information call 01491 823416 or email public.amenities@southoxon.gov.uk

Sandford River Run 2006

The last Saturday in June is a regular fixture, but hot weather and Germany in the World Cup led to a record low entry.

The Sandford Shield was won by Giles Chalk of River view, a first time entry, in 32.22. On the principle of keeping it in the family (a succession of high-achieving Bakers), Tom Baker won the new award, the Parish Clerk's Cup for the best teenager (5 miles in 40.46) but striking a blow for his age his father Keith beat him, coming second with 37.51. Third John Creed in 39.12 - winning the over 60s award again.

Paul Simkins followed Tom Baker in 41.19 and Mick Glanville in 41.22 and Vince Boyle in 44.18. A stalwart of former years did not quite finish and a few others did not quite start. Sic transit.

The three mile race was won by Mark Wilmot aged 15 in 21.43 and Paul Davis aged 12 in 21.54 - both get gold in their divisions. Silver, both Kevin Simms aged 13 in 24.58 and Sian Riley aged 11 in 27.02. The other merit medals went to Alex Veitch (12) in 28.28 and Harriet Boyle (11) in 30.16.

Jim Davis 29.28 was awarded the half empty tankard. The fastest young mother was Michelle Robson in 32.58, but since Sian was faster she yielded the new First Women of Sandford Cup (presented by Sarah Grylls) to the next generation. Also timed - Ilana Veitch.

The Vicar's Plate for highest sponsorship was again won by Sian - thanks, pal. Made up for low numbers and no Youth Club. The youngest competitor award was not made on account of no under-elevens running.

AUTUMN ART at the Arboretum Sunday 15th October 2006 Admire Autumn's rich colours, and participate in the Big Draw! Come and join in the FREE activities at the Harcourt Arboretum. Make your own Autumn snapshot collage to take home with you. All visitors are invited to help decorate our Autumn tree, a large artwork to celebrate this beautiful season. Explore the Arboretum, and enjoy the visual feast of the leaves at this colourful time of year. Drop-in session between 12.00 noon and 4.00 pm. at the Harcourt Arboretum, Nuneham Courtenay

Rest in peace

Frances Port   1st February 1914 - 8th August 2004

Frances, who died this August in Brookfield Nursing Home following a period of illness, has at last joined her beloved husband Henry. She was born 92 years ago, in 1914, in Romsey, Hampshire and spent all her childhood in the village of Ampfield near there. In 1935, Frances and Henry married and moved to Winchester which remained her home during all the war years when Henry was away fighting with the R.A.F.
After the war, Henry was with NATO and Frances joined him in his travels all over the world. In this period they spent some time in every continent except North America until they both retired when Henry was 55. They then settled in Kingsworthy for a very happy 10 years until sadly Henry died at the age of 65. Frances is still remembered in Kingsworthy and made many friends there especially in her work for the Red Cross.

Frances' next move was to Oxford, where once again she made a very happy life and many new friends. She was a courageous, intelligent woman who loved and much loved by her family, who gathered together at her funeral in the Oxford Crematorium.
Frances had designed her own service; besides a reading from St John's Gospel, there were readings by the family from Christina Rossetti and Henry Scott Holland. The Lord's my Shepherd and O Lord my God were sung and at the end of the service the organist played the R.A.F. March.

Environmental Playscheme at Hinksey Heights Nature Park Run by Peers School with the Oxfordshire Forest Schools Project Oct 23rd and Dec 18th 2006, Feb 12th and 14th 2007. £10 per child, 8-13 year 10am - 3.30pm. Family Days: Oct 24th and Dec 19th 2006, Feb 13th 2007. £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 July 03 2006

County Councillor's report
J Howell said that there were two current consultations regarding minerals development and waste, details were available on the website. It would appear that central government has commissioned a study of future development in the South East which would more than double the proposal put forward and generally agreed in the recent S E plan. The document for the South East had proposed to protect the Green Belt and go for the lowest practicable development. It looked as though all the work put in so far might be wasted if the Government's wishes combined with the City Council's bid to become a growth point at the examination in public in the autumn.

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.

Matters for consideration:
Lock garden - the new lock keeper, Andy Lovell and June, his wife were making a huge improvement to the planting at the lock. It was costing quite a sum of money from their own pocket because the Environment Agency only allowed £90 per annum for bedding plants. Andy and June were trying to get some more permanent shrub planting so that the lock looked good throughout the year. The parish council applauded their efforts and voted a donation of £100.

Matters raised:
M. Robson said that there was a PFA roadshow coming up which she would like to attend. This was agreed.
Clerk would write to the Kings Arms asking for some maintenance work on the hedge beside the Church Rd footpath. This had got narrower over the years and was now impassable for wheelchairs, buggies etc.
Cars were increasingly being parked on the double yellow lines in the wharf area and there was no enforcement . Clerk would request some improvements.
There had been complaints regarding cars always being parked outside the Catherine Wheel with notices that they were for sale.


Extracts from Parish Council meeting held on Monday September 04 2006

County Councillor's report:
J. Howell now had the list of invited participants and timetable for the SEERA enquiry. The central Oxon area would take place at the beginning of February and the major representatives were Savills for Magdalen College and Thames Water, Oxon CC, SODC and OGBN.

District Councillor's report:
J. Stimson had been working on the Local Development Framework working party for 2006 - 2026, (this replaces the Local Plan). The consultation period was to be from 6th October to 17th November. All SODC residents would be invited to respond by the website or possibly telephone (01491 823725) quite soon now.
With respect to Park Homes, Trevor Dean is the officer who has been dealing with it. The chain had been removed from the rec. gate, and dog fouling signs would be posted, also a site plan for visitors would be prepared and adequate lighting installed. He was of the opinion that drainage was adequate. SODC's Health and Safety team had explained requirements for the dismantling of redundant homes and were looking into reports that there may be contamination of the field at the rear of the site.

Matters for consideration:
Report from OPFA road show - M. Robson had attended this and found it very interesting with a demonstration on disability discrimination and illustrations of home inspection of play equipment.
Playgrounds - Janaway, following letter received from Persimmon who had taken over Westbury Homes and who declined to maintain the playground, it was agreed that the parish council would adopt the area and maintain it.
RoSPA report, the only urgent items were to replace one swing seat in the Church Rd Recreation ground and to remove cuphooks from goals. G. Surman would be asked to do this. It was felt that some of the items raised had already been seen to by Safe and Sound so M. Robson would inspect to check.
Yeftly Drive trees - these had been satisfactorily pollarded. SODC tree surveyor would be asked to give his opinion on further work necessary to various trees.
Pheasant Walk - a complaint had been received about an overgrown area at the rear of a property adjacent to Janaway play area. Councillors had visited the site, there was a problem with access and it was thought that the area formed a small wild life haven and was not unsitely and so nothing further would be done at this time.
Receive Auditors report - Clerk reported that the annual audit for 2005/2006 had been completed and there were no matters which had come to the auditor's attention. The Annual Return has been approved and accepted by Council. Prop. M. Robson, Sec. M. Norton.
Good neighbours schemes - I Reveco presented a report she had prepared with a view to Sandford having a good neighbours scheme. She was thanked and asked to send it to the editor of the Link for inclusion in the next issue. The Parish Council could not directly sponsor such a scheme.

Matters raised:
H. Hutton said that new terms for Park Homes would be included in residential agreements and she was in dialogue with SODC in relation to ongoing matters. M. Robson said that all who had attended had enjoyed the Village Fun Day and it was intended to repeat it next year.
The style at the Four Pillars end of the footpath to Church Rd was now missing, County Council had been informed.
A post at nearby entrance to recreation ground was loose, G. Surman would be asked to repair it.

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

Ordinary No-one special lives down our street, just ordinary people living in an ordinary world. Nothing is special. Over our heads in the sky a bright star shines covering us in star dust. An ordinary star for the ordinary man. Roger Phipps

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, OX1 1BU BEHIND BULLDOG PUB OPPOSITE TOWN HALL