Autumn 2007             Issue 107

see page 2 ALL SOULS MEMORIAL SERVICE Sunday 4th November see page 2

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.

HARVEST FESTIVAL AND LUNCH Sunday 7th 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 (sweet things or a pudding to share at the lunch are welcome) 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 7th The Steppin' Stones especially appreciate coffee, drinking chocolate, sugar, cooking oil, custard powder, gravy granules, tinned fruit and plum tomatoes, cup-a-soup, orange squash, non-bio washing powder, tomato and brown sauces, salad cream, tinned spaghetti, baked beans, jelly, angel delight, evaporated milk, rice pudding, tinned sponge pudding, pepper, salt.

Memorial Service The All Souls service will be at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday 4th November. Everyone is invited to light a candle in memory of someone close, and those wanting names of departed to be read aloud are asked to notify vicar, lay ministers or church wardens.

READING GROUP We now have vacancies for anyone interested in joining the local Reading Group. We meet usually once a month on a Tuesday at 8.0 p.m. Each member chooses a book in turn. We meet in others houses for a lively and friendly discussion. If you would like to know more, please ring Pam Andrews 01865 777011.

Welcome
to	Trevor and Natalie Harris to Church Road
to	Marion and Stephen to Heyford Hill Lane
to	Elvira Lubos to Pheasant Walk
to	Jim Foster to Pheasant Walk
to	Helen to Pheasant Walk
to	Jeni Hauptfleisch to Heyford Hill Lane
to	Vicky and Luke to Yeftley Drive
to	Victoria Pullin to Pheasant Walk
to	Chris and Elsa Shannon, Olivia and Elliott to Church Road
to	Joyce and Paul Markham to Church Road
to	Dr Suyash Prasad to Henley Road
to	Monica and Katharine Sephton to the Crescent
to	Helen Smith and Rebecca to Church Road
to	Tom and Melanie to Church Road
and welcome back to Pheasant Walk to Dr Kugar Nagaraja

Welcome into the world
to	William and Isabella, born 12th June, a double first for Gill and Giles of River View
to	Alantis, a second to Kelly and Timmy and sister to Charma.

Congratulations on their Engagement
to	Tracy and Hugh of Pheasant Walk
to	Helena and Paul of River View
to	Kevin and Diane of Buckler Close

YOUTH CLUB is back in action Tuesdays in the Village Hall (term time only) from 4.0 - 6.0 p.m. for 6 - 11 year olds. Leaders Michelle Robson (748257) and Cathy Dennis. Enquiries to Michelle.

A House of Prayer for All
One big item on the Parish Church Council meeting on September 27th will be how to ensure that the building is more available for those who do not meet there for worship on Sundays but nevertheless may want to visit ancient holy places for quiet reflection on their own. Anyone with views is invited to make them known to the vicar or church wardens or a member of the ministry team so that they may be included in the discussion (which will be continued in Nov/Dec).


Welcome
The Fox has become a family pub again with the arrival of Kelly and Brian (and Charley, 14, and Bena, 7) and several locals have commented on the transformation - paint, flowers, and people can do a lot. We wish them all well for their tenure here and congratulate John on their appointment.

Meanwhile across the road congratulations also to Barry and Barbara on making the Catherine Wheel such an enjoyable place to go to, hosting special occasions and contributing generously to the life of the village - including putting emergency calls out on the radio when the tug-of-war rope disappeared.

From all the family at 'Furness', Church Road:
We would like to convey our thanks for offers of help during the flooding in July. It was much appreciated. John, Mavis, Gary, Joanne and Rio

and after the Flood
Good to see Lisa and Malcolm got the King's Arms back on track after the bad luck of having to close and clean up in high summer season. We wish them every success for the rest of the year and beyond, and congratulate them on taking food in Sandford to new heights.

CHILDREN'S CHURCH   11.15 monthly This includes workshops led by Pam and Lorraine and meets for 30-40 mins: 30th September (new beginnings continued from 2nd September) 7th October Harvest Festival - invited to bring food and drink for Steppin Stones 4th November All Saints 2nd December Advent Sunday - preparation for Christmas 23rd December Children's Carol Service 24th December 4.0 p.m. Crib service 6th January Conclusion of Christmas. Epiphany Christingle.

SANDFORD TODDLER GROUP We meet every Monday from 10.0 til 12 noon, and are open all year round, apart from Bank Holidays. Suitable for 0-4 year olds. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers welcome and older siblings welcome in school holidays. Craft activity every week plus themed parties throughout the year, e.g. Easter and Christmas. £1 per family, first session free! For more info contact Rebecca Henry on 01865 717414 'Everybody is so friendly and there is a good wide age range of children. I think it is great to see both free play and constructive play.' Karen, grandmother of Sam (3) and Nathan (7 mths).   'Its great that it is open in the holidays and my daughter loves the craft activity every week. Both my children have made some lovely friends.' Jacqui, mum of Isabel (3) and Charlie (1)   'It is a very friendly group and there is a good selection of toys and activities.' Roy, dad of Daniel (2)

" Our Future-Plan It "

Employment Action Group (Berinsfield) Ltd invites you to a presentation on a revolutionary energy production system by eco-entrepreneur

Christopher Maltin of Organic Power Ltd on Wednesday 3rd October at 7:00pm at Berinsfield Primary School, Wimblestraw Road, Berinsfield

Christopher Maltin says "We can take 60 per cent of what people put in their rubbish bins and turn it into fuel to power cars." It was in the 1960s that he was first engaged in fighting pollution. Alarmed at the research into the impact of lead on children, he began adapting engines of high performance cars to run on lead-free petrol. Organic Power, based in Horsington in Somerset, has worked with DaimlerChrysler to pioneer vehicles powered by renewable natural gas, and Christopher Maltin believes that it is only a matter of time before Somerset's household waste can be turned into a resource for the community. Refreshments provided

RSVP EAG (Berinsfield) Ltd, Dorchester House, Wimblestraw Road, Berinsfield, OX10 7LZ Tel: 01865 341944 Email: eag.berinsfield @ lycos.com Jill Love (Mrs), Chairman and Director of EAG

2007 Baptisms at St Andrew's 18th February: Jacob Feliks Todryk of River View.   29th July: Caitlin Rose Burke and Natasha Louise Burke of Rock Farm Lane;   Henry Lennon Connelly of Henley Road;   Charles Lewis Bartlett, formerly of Henley Road; 16th September Lily Imogen Baker Smythe of River View;   Margaret Rose Millard of Main Avenue.

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

Village Hall Bookings Secretary needed: about 5 hrs a week max. with an honorarium payable. Would suit someone who is home based. Call Steve Daniels [via the hall bookings phone on 07759 890696]	NEED A BABYSITTER? Fully Qualified Nursery Nurse (NVQ Level 3), First Aid trained and CRB checked. Own transport. Available evenings and weekends, and some afternoons. (References available) Kylie 07760369829 or 01865 777629 kizmac3000 @ hotmail.com
Brighten up the winter evenings with BINGO in the Village Hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 in aid of Village Hall funds.	Mobile Library every two weeks on THURSDAY 2:25 until 2:35 by The Fox. [more info]
Junior Tae Kwon Do Every Monday 5.30 - 7.0 and Thursday 5.0 - 6.30 in village hall: 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 5 yrs or over in the village welcome). Contact James 01865 772883 or 07721 712734	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 23:30) are a fixed fee of £60 in all cases. [Village Hall - Info]

River Run 2007

The fun-runners set off as usual at 5 p.m. on the last Saturday of June (30th) in a slight drizzle after a fortnight's rain had made the towpath muddy and slippery. No ankles were twisted.

The winner of the Sandford shield was again Giles Chalk of River View in 30 mins 25 secs. The recent arrival of twins may have slowed him down, but not that you'd notice. They came to welcome him in. The Sarah Grylls cup for the fastest woman over five miles was won by Amelia Parsons in 37.40, the Parish Clerk's cup for outstanding teenage performance by Mark Wilmot, aged 16, in 34.16, and most promising youngster cup by Sian Riley, aged 12, who ran the 5 miles in 43.56.

The over-60s 5 mile race was won by Mike Dixon in 45.10, and the award for the youngest competitor to complete 3 miles by Toby Patterson, aged 6, in 38.10. Medals in the youth division (11-16): Gold - Christian Riley, 23.35 (fit from his paper round); Silver - Kevin Simms, 23.57; (Virtual) bronze - Paul Davis in 24.57. In the primary division (5-10): Gold - Nathan Chalmers, 29.52 and runner up Alex Skelly in 30.09; Silver - Claudia Boyle in 30.57 and runner up Oliver Northcott in 31.17.

Other impressive recorded times in the 5 mile race were John Tyler 34.44 (virtual bronze); Geoff Raynham 38.09; Matthew Wilkinson 38.48; Jo Zaremba 40.35; Vincent Boyle 42.16 - all faster than some of us have ever achieved.
In the 3 miles childrens races other impressive times in muddy conditions were recorded by Adam Felix 26.28; Harriet Boyle 31.19; Karl Andrews 31.14; Honor Boyle 31.45; Anna Morgan 32.58; James Gleason 39.59; Malik Henry 40.47; Natalia Dale 41.58; Luke Mayor 47.32; Freya Harkin 49.27; Elly Beecham 51.10; Bea von Eichstorff 54.17. Retired hurt: Gabriel Harkin.

3 mile adults, some accompanying their children: Holly Chambers 29.53; Sue Facey 31.18; Jim Davis 33.58; Philippa Poznaish 34.16; Paul Patterson 38.10; Kevin Gleason 40; Rebecca Henry 40.47; Lisa Holmes 41.31; Michelle Robson 42; Geraldine Walters 42.55; Paul Skelly 43.10; Martina Mayor 47.32; Cathy Dennis 51.10.

The Vicar's Plate for highest sponsorship was again won (subject to confirmation in church) by Sian Riley, and great sponsorship for Youth Club funds was raised by Toby Patterson, Freya and Gabriel Harkin.

Firstly the weather was good - so thank God for that! And then thanks for the workers who made it such an enjoyable afternoon, despite problems with Tug of War rope. Great to have some of the local schools involved - alongside the Youth Club, still recovering from their triumphs in the River Run in June.

And thanks for those who gave prizes - these included the Garden Furniture hand-made by Dennis Harris, several meals at 4 Pillars and Kings Arms, free MOT at Sandford Garage and much else. Thanks too to those who gave cakes and books and bottles and bric-a-brac etc, and to everyone who helped on the day, and to all who bought tickets and spent money, helping to make it a successful event.

This is the main annual fund-raiser for the church building (the Sunday regulars cover the working budget - electricity, insurance, water etc. and the contribution to clergy salaries and pensions paid into the national pot, and the 10% given to other local charities and the parish project in Tanzania). But this is a day for everyone who wants to enjoy and meet some of their neighbours in a cheerful setting - so thanks again to all who supported it.

Sponsorship was gratefully received from Copier Co, Lamb Catering, Michael Norton, Alan Butler, Solarview, 001 Taxis. Most visitors also got the Flower Festival, as always a stunning presentation. Congratulations to Marjorie and her team on another year of extraordinarily creative and beautiful displays. The Green Sermon on the environment at the Flower Festival was by Elaine Bardwell, the area Dean, followed by a party in church.

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

The Poppy Appeal The total collected in Sandford Church was £84.70. Thanks to the Revd Morgan and Mrs M. Harris for their help. In the financial year the total collected for the RBL Littlemore District was £9904-52. Thank you - B.H.James, Honorary Organiser

Could you help a bereaved child? SeeSaw are looking for volunteers to work with children following the death of a close family member. Taster evening: Wednesday 7th November from 6.30 - 8.0 Phone 744768 for more details

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

Revd Donald Fehrenbach
born 18th January 1917, died 29th June 2007, aged 90
Donald Fehrenbach was a gifted painter and a musician who heard God's call in Jerusalem when picking up signals in the Middle East during the war. When the war ended, he studied theology at Selwyn College, Cambridge, a contemporary of the distinguished plant biochemist, Professor Whatley of Church Road and Magdalen College (which until recently owned much of Sandford). He was destined for a musical career in the church (following a curacy in Beverley Minster) as minor canon in Salisbury Cathedral (1954-9) and St George's Windsor (1959-65).

As the last full-time vicar of Sandford for 19 years (1965-84) he built up an impressive village choir from a combination of local talent, improbable kids and some less musical adults. He contributed in other ways to the musical life of the village and insisted on the highest cathedral liturgical standards in a parish which had been touched by the Oxford movement and gothic revival of the nineteenth century. As Sandford did not have a vicarage the parish raised money for a house on Henley Road (the Old School was thought too large for a bachelor) which was handed over to the Church Commissioners when he retired.

He nurtured a small but dedicated congregation, some remaining friends following his retirement to Bracknell, including Charlie and Elsie Pitson, his warden and key workers, an inspiration to all who knew them. He was pleased to return for the last stage of his earthly pilgrimage to Greater Sandford (now named after one of the eight Sandford farms, Blackbird Leys) and was cared for at Longlands on Balfour Road by Sharon Fenn (the second of the 167 babies he baptised at St Andrew's). He was regularly visited by Gwen, Michael and David Beaver, and by Andy Middleton and others.

At his funeral Crimond and Abide with me were not sung - out of respect for his strong views about these hymns and the veto he had often exercised, but David Beaver paid tribute and Martin Pitson his organist made melody. A diverse congregation including local dignatories sang 'The day thou gavest' and 'O God our help in ages past', in the ancient church building of Sandford whose traditions he strove to uphold. And at the crematorium the organist played Abide with me anyway - to add to the merriment of heaven.

Mrs Bertha Johnson:
the friends Bertha made in Sandford when she came down from Newcastle to live with her son on Henley Road will be sad to hear of her passing in the new Isis home on Cornwallis Road, where she had settled well. Her Geordie accent defeated most of us but we will treasure her memory and pass on condolences to George and family.


Older villagers who remember Harry Dodgson (lately of Herschel Crescent, Littlemore) will be sad to hear of his widow Hilda's death last month, aged 90. She was buried with him in Sandford churchyard.


Members of the Youth Club in the 90s and short revival of Sandford cricket team will be shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Adam Charlton, aged 24, in Perth, Australia. A delightful and promising young man he made his mark and will be fondly remembered. Our special sympathies to Vicky, who led the Youth Club with such distinction, and to Keith and to Adam's brothers Scott and Michael. Few families have made such an impact on the village in such a short time and raised the Australian profile in sport. They remain in our affections and prayers as they cope with this tragedy.


Mrs Bet Crawford neé Naish:
Bet died at Mon Choisi in Kennington on August 28th. At 105 she was the oldest living Sandford citizen (following Lilian Bennet's death at 109). She was alert to the end and loved to talk about the old days in Sandford before the First War, when she was a child in the Mill cottages (9 River View) with her eleven brothers and sisters, and orphaned cousin, and parents - the great Naish family, including Hilda who died recently at 102, Annie Welch, and others whose relatives are still with us. She remained a keen reader of the Link to the end.

Bet lived to bury her only child Joyce a few years ago, but her so-in-law Bill continued to visit her faithfully, as did others inside and outside the family. She had a wonderful smile for everyone and was much loved. We shall remember her. The funeral was in Sandford church followed by burial with her husband in Rose Hill. Several of the old village were present, most of them related to Bet - a reminder of the complex web of blood relationships in the old village (the importance of the Table of Kindred and Affinity in the BCP).


As the Link goes to press we have heard of the very sad death of Denise Beecham of Henley Road. Obituary in next issue, but time here and now to offer deepest sympathies to Roy and to Darren, Lisa and Scot and all the family. Denise was a very lovely lady and we hoped she had many more years, but it was not to be. May she rest in peace.

Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday July 02

Matters arising from minutes:   Lock bridge handrail had been repaired and it had apparently been found that it was the responsibility of the brewery due to a deed dated 1937. Parish council had not been notified formally of this. There had been further complaints regarding noise from Salter's steamers holding noisy parties at night by the lock. Clerk would write to Environment Agency to complain

District Councillor's report:   the Riverside pool at Wallingford has opened again for the summer. The Council is organising school holiday activities for young people in the District for the period 23 July to 31 August, activities include athletics, hockey, golf, cricket, tennis and swim school. There is a leaflet available from the office at Crowmarsh or by calling 01491 823417.
The Council web site has information regarding the new smoke free regulations for enclosed areas, which come into operation on 1 July. The District Council is to receive a planning delivery grant of £44,600 from the government thanks to its efficient planning performance and service. The Council will invest this money to improve service without further call on taxpayers. Following a meeting with John Howell, I have sent in comments on the Minerals Site Document.
I look forward to meeting you at your September meeting (assume you do not hold meetings in August) and working with you for the next 4 years.

Matters for consideration:   Elect Vice Chairperson. M Robson had indicated that she would be prepared to stand and it was decided to wait until the next meeting to decide this formally. It was noted that there is still a vacancy for a councillor and that no one as yet had shown any interest following recent publication of the Link. Apparently the Link had not as yet reached all parts of the village. *   Vandalism - there had been only one incident noted since last month which was the smashing of a car rear window one night when the car was parked on a forecourt. P C Ken Cooney was able to come to the September meeting and was willing to answer any questions from parishioners.

*   Traffic - progress report. There has been no visible progress apparent since the last meeting.
*   Report from village hall meeting. The hall committee was now without a dedicated bookings clerk so Steve Daniels was nobly holding the fort. The decorations were complete and the floor due to be re sanded and polished first week in August. The finances were in a healthy state and the books being audited for presentation to Charities Commission as income/expenditure now exceeded the £10,000 ceiling.


Extracts from meeting held on Monday September 03

County Councillor's report:   J Howell reported that the recent Inspector's report on development in the South East was a mixed bag. The recommendation was for an increase in 16% in house numbers to be built and contentiously that SODC and the City Council should work together to produce a development plan for 4,000 houses south of Grenoble Rd. Even more contentiously, G.O.S.E. was asked to 'monitor' progress, which was shorthand for ensuring it was carried out speedily.
Shillingford bridge would be closed for eight weeks from the beginning of October for essential repairs.
A comparative survey had been undertaken between 2001 and early summer this year to track HGV movements across our district from the M40. There was a measured increase in lorries leaving at the A329 junction (jnct 10) A copy of the survey was left with the parish clerk.

District Councillor's report:   Cllr Pamela Tomlinson was welcomed to this, the first meeting she had been able to attend. She reported that the views of SODC had not changed following the Inspector's report on the South East Plan.
A consultation on waste collection was to take place in September and questionnaires would go out in the next issue of Outlook. We were urged to reply. It would also be featured on the website.
SODC was formulating priorities on matters such as aims and sensible targets for waste, street cleaning, housing, town centres etc. There was - negotiation for a greater input into matters usually part of the County Council's brief such as transport.

Matters for consideration:   Elect Vice Chairperson. M Robson was unanimously elected Vice Chair
*   Co-opt new councillor. K Welch was unanimously co-opted as a parish councillor and welcomed.
*   Community Support Officer Ken Cooney introduced himself. His office was based at Wheatley and he intended to patrol the village on foot 3 or 4 times a week at staggered hours. His duties were to attend to anti social behaviour, parking and traffic matters, criminal damage, theft of or from motor vehicles.
He was grateful to have been offered the use of the village hall by the committee to use a 'base' in Sandford. He had a colleague, Dan Tucker who would also be patrolling the village when Ken was elsewhere. Neighbourhood action groups were being set up which would meet 3 or 4 times a year for the purpose of residents being able to transmit their views on priorities to the police representatives.
He again urged that if any member of the public should see or hear anything suspicious then they should immediately report it phoning 0845 8 505 505.
*   Installation of dog mess bin at lock. Environment Agency had agreed to a one year trial of a dog mess disposal bin at the lock. The parish council would pay all charges and organize emptying. Lock keeper would monitor use of the bin.
*   Works to Church Rd. It was an ongoing problem to get the bank cleared because Four Pillars had to be constantly reminded of their responsibility to keep it cleared. Parish council had arranged for some cutting back and weed killing and grass sowing next spring. The road surface was in a very poor state and clerk would write again to Highways. Residents and users of the road were urged to ring the County Council direct to make formal complaints as these often seemed to work better than official letters.

Matters raised:   Janaway - clerk would contact Persimmon again.
*   Fox Furlong - it had been decided to remove substandard equipment and consult local residents as to their preferences for the area.
*   Salters boats were still causing unacceptable noise nuisance and SODC, City Council and Environment Agency were moving to revoke their entertainment licence unless it stopped.

Age Concern If you have a spare hour or two a week to visit an older person for a friendly chat, Age Concern has a home visiting service which is looking for volunteers. Training given and expenses paid. Contact Alex Ivey on 01235 849400

If you have access to the internet... please take a look at www.tarzey.************** and www.SandfordOnThames.co.uk Both websites are packed with Sandford information.

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