Winter 2007             Issue 108

St Andrew's Church CHRISTMAS SERVICES See page 2 And for the latest on the Green Belt proposals,and a review of the year from our County Councillor, see pages 7-10

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. Organist elect: Geoff Cowan

CHRISTMAS SERVICES SUNDAY 23rd DECEMBER 10.00 a.m. PARISH COMMUNION   6.30 p.m. CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE CHRISTMAS EVE    4.0 p.m. CRIB SERVICE 11.30 p.m. MIDNIGHT MASS CHRISTMAS DAY   8.0 a.m. HOLY COMMUNION (BCP) 10.0 a.m. FAMILY COMMUNION

The Christmas Day (10.0 a.m.) reading in church calls us out on to the hills, where shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground. And it tells the story of a vision - the Glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. It wasn't what these working men and boys were used to - religion was for the priests in the Temple and those who could afford the time to join them in the worship of God. Their life was more down to earth - all seated on the ground.

But in this Christmas reading from St Luke's gospel, it wasn't the clergy or the regular worshippers who received the good news from God - glad tidings of great joy - but some impoverished labourers. They got the invitation and they responded, went to Bethlehem, to see what God's angelic messengers were talking about. And they found a baby. In a stable. Because there was no room at the inn.

What is said about Bethlehem might remind us of the bad situation of many Palestinians and the poverty in many parts of the world, and persuade us to share a little. In the story some have seen the vision and many have felt and will feel God tapping them on the shoulder and asking, 'What about you? Well? Do you turn or return to this blessing? Will you join the community and celebrate the inner meaning? Emmanuel, God with us.

Over the 44 hours before Christmas dinner there will be five opportunities to join your neighbours locally - at the Carol Service (Sunday 6.30), Crib service (4.0 Monday), Midnight Mass, and Christmas Day at 8 or 10 a.m.
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord . . . not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, we shall see him - some will see the vision or get a glimpse of the glory, joining the angelic choir: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill one to another.

CHILDREN'S CHURCH   11.15 monthly This includes workshops led by Pam and Lorraine and meets for 30-40 mins: Christmas Eve 4.0 Crib Service January 6th (Epiphany) 11.15 Christingle February 3rd 11.15 Jonah and the Whale (crafts) March 2nd 11.15 Mothering Sunday service and crafts Friday March 21st Good Friday: 10.0 a.m. Passion Play (volunteer actors contact vicar for briefing) March 23rd Easter Day Children join 10.0 service

SANDFORD YOUTH CLUB

Autumn Term at the Youth Club has seen new members joining us so we currently have a total of 22 members. We will be losing some members next term so this will give some availability should any one want to start in January. For more information contact Michelle on 748257.
The term programme has included Sports & Crafts and varied snacks were organised by the members. There was a surprise visit to Jamboray Activity centre and the end of term will be celebrated at the Sandford Youths Party on the Saturday 8th December. They are always happy to receive donations of unwanted/unused games & sports equipment.
A big thanks to Cathy for running the group games session, to all the parent volunteers, and to Michelle.

Thanks to James Kumar for organizing the village children's Christmas Party on December 8th - a good time was had by all who came.		Brighten up the winter evenings with BINGO in the Village Hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 in aid of Village Hall funds.
Thanks to all who have contributed already or plan to contribute in the future to the Joan Shepheard memorial loop system for St Andrew's, which will help those with hearing difficulties to hear and join in what is going on. Joan was a faithful member of the congregation, a wonderful person, and active in the deaf centre. Many of her friends filled the church at her funeral but learned with horror of our lack of a loop. This will be remedied - too late for Joan, but a good way for us remember her and be grateful for her generous friends.
The Sandford choir recently had an enjoyable visit to the Royal Albert Hall to take part with others in singing Handel's Messiah.
Congratulations: * to Kelly and Brian of the Fox on their 15th December marriage * to John Biffen, recently of Henley Road (and the Fox) who married Frances in St Mary's, Batcombe, near Shepton Mallet on 23rd September, with 19 members of the old Fox congregation in rowdy attendance. It was a memorable occasion... * to Bob and Linda on becoming grandparents this year when Anthony and Sam produced Callum.

Village Hall extension?

During the year we have been very busy updating the hall to meet users' expectations with exterior renovations, a renewed floor, re-painting and new curtains. It has been encouraging just how many compliments have been received. It was disappointing to have to repair the roof recently after the dormer windows' lead was stolen, but all of these expenses, plus the usual running costs, have been met from annual income.

This means that the committee has a significant cash balance on hand.
Although we could further invest this in a kitchen upgrade, updating of the toilets and buying new chairs, there has been some discussion of whether we should consider a conservatory like extension of the hall, on the end nearest the Fox, for groups that seek a little more comfort and don't need such a large room. Concept diagrams have been developed by Mick Hills.

However, if we were to embark upon this project we would need to be sure that it would be used. We would also need the support of a 'project team' of skilled villagers and would have to seek out a large volume of grants.

If you have a group in mind that would welcome such a facility, have skills to offer or have a view on the viability of this proposal, perhaps you could let your nearest Management Committee Member know as soon as possible:

Steve Daniels - ******
Mick Hills - ******
Ben Goodger - ******
Eugenia Skelly - ******

[via the hall bookings phone on 07759 890696]
We look forward to hearing from you -
Steve Daniels   Village Hall Management Committee Chair

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 each others houses for a lively and friendly discussion. If you would like to know more, please ring Pam Andrews on 777011.

Mobile Library every two weeks on THURSDAY 2:25 until 2:35 by The Fox. [more info]

Welcome
to	Helen Harwood to Buckler Close
to	Nicola Day to Church Road
to	Ian and Rachel Roxburgh, Imogen (7) and Cissie (4) to Rock Farm Lane
to	Gary and Louise Bryant, Danny (13) and Charlie (11) to Rock Farm Lane
to	Geoff Franklin, Natasha and Jonathas to the Crescent
to	Wayne Willoughby and Lisa Naish to Pheasant Walk
to	Lucy and Adam to Broadhurst Gardens
to	Ratzt, Justynz, Sewedx, and Dominika to Pheasant Walk
to	Alex Meyer and Cherry Jones,   to Ted Weiland and Matt Cothier,
	Sam and Hazel,   and to Gerald,   all to Church Road
to	Mark and Frances Lofthouse to Henley Road - a welcome musical resource
to	Rachel, Ian, Imogen and Cecilia Roxburgh to Rock Farm Lane
to	Robert, Jo and Dominic (3)
to	Billy and Emma Fox, Hannah, Sophie and Isaac to Henley Road
to	Sue Owen (back to Sandford) and (now grown up) Michael, Laura, Christopher to Janaway
to	Richard Queralt to Heyford Hill Lane

Welcome into the world
to	to Clara Louise Gill, born 23rd August, a sister to Elise and a second to Helen and Jasper of Broadhurst Gardens
to	to Edward Thomas Pagett, born 17th September, a brother to Daniel and a second to Amanda and Roy of Pheasant Walk

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

Liz Shatford, Parish Clerk, writes: the AGM of the Oxford Green Belt Network took place in a packed village hall at Marsh Baldon on 19th November.

      Great concern was expressed that the Green Belt, which does so much to protect Oxford from the effects of urban sprawl, is now under threat with the proposal for a major urban extension to the south of Oxford which will be damaging both to the City and to its Green Belt surroundings. The OGBN is committed to opposing any such attack, and reminded us of the Prime Minister's Commitment to Green Belts:

      At the meeting Martin Harris gave a very good exposition of threats to the Green Belt and of its importance to Oxford. He explained that in spite of statements from the house Magdalen and the city council plus their developers were fully intending to push through massive changes to 'our' piece of Green Belt, as well as others. They seem not to have considered problems which would be caused to existing settlements and infrastructure, especially Blackbird/Greater Leys and city centre roads. 4,000 (minimum) homes means about 15,000 people and at least 8,000 extra cars. Water supply and treatment are other major issues.

      Nothing will happen officially until next January when we will be given 12 weeks to comment on what will be the final decision by SEERA/SEEDA. That decision will be Government policy and so pretty well irrevocable. There is a strong possibility that the City Council will attempt to get a boundary change as soon as possible to include us within the city jurisdiction. That will be mean that SODC will have no control at all over planning issues and I have no faith in their skills in this based on precedent to date.

      Sorry for the gloom, but there is something we can do. We can write as individuals to Gordon Brown et al asking that they confirm their recent statements about keeping Green Belts intact. If enough of us do this it may persuade them that they do not wish to 'U turn' publicly again.

If you wish to protect the Green Belt, please write to Gordon Brown, and get others to do so. You might want to ask whether in the light of various current proposals to build settlements in and to 'adjust the boundaries' of the Oxford Green Belt, we can have his assurance that statements made by him and his Minister declaring that he is not proposing any changes, and that the robust terms of the present Green Belt legislation will stand and will be upheld by his Government.

A Review of the Year by John Howell, our County Councillor

As 2007 draws to a close I thought it might be useful to take a look back at some of the highlights in the relationship between the village and the County Council and to look forward to some of the challenges which 2008 might bring.

Grenoble Road and the Green Belt
The prospect of huge numbers of houses being built along Grenoble Road on the other side of the road to the Kassam Stadium sadly drew a step closer this year despite all our objections. The County Council has continued to oppose development in the Green Belt and many of us have tried to show how unsustainable such an urban extension to Oxford would be especially in terms of traffic.
However, the inspectors who reviewed the South East Plan which sets the overall planning blue-print for the South East to 2026 have asked that the area be included in the plan.

As we enter 2008, we await the Secretary of State's decision as to whether she will follow the inspectors' recommendation or whether the area will be reprieved. Given the enormous pressure by the government to increase the number of new houses still further it seems unlikely that the area will be reprieved.

But - the fight will go on. The meeting I attended recently with members of the parish council and other supporters of the Green Belt left no doubt about the strength of feeling on this issue.

Flooding
The main event of the summer was, of course, flooding. This was one of the worst emergencies the county has had to face in decades and it came through with flying colours. Within my own area, Sandford, Clifton Hampden and to a much lesser extent Dorchester were affected but on a much smaller scale than Oxford and West Oxfordshire.
I was present in Sandford as the water rose and was able to have extra sandbags delivered to the properties down by the river. I also made several trips to visit victims from across the county who were moved to the Kassam Stadium. Despite the disruption many were in good spirits no doubt as a result of the excellent service they received from the emergency services and St. John's Ambulance.

This was, though, an emergency where the internet played a vital role. The county council's ICT and communications groups come within my cabinet portfolio. Both groups worked around the clock to ensure that our web-site was up-to-date

with information on roads and areas affected. At the heights of the floods, the web-site received 30,000 hits per day and was highly praised by BBC News 24, Channel 4 News and the Daily Telegraph.

Traffic within the village
One of the main issues of the year locally has been trying to negotiate a solution which will help the various traffic problems within the village. Top of the list of these has been speeding.

After much discussion, there are now firm proposals on the table for two phases of work. The first of these includes the installation of two 30 mph vehicle activated signs and a roundabout at the junction with Brick Kiln Lane. The second includes a scheme for speed cushions through the centre of the village. Details of these can be found elsewhere in this magazine. The second phase will require wide consultation within the village before work proceeds.

Both phases will be paid for out of developer contributions connected with the Kassam Stadium and/or the Science Park.

Overall performance
My portfolio on the county council cabinet is to reform the council to make it more customer focused and more business-like in the way it operates. It was a great pleasure that the chairman of the parish council was able to provide valuable perspectives on how we were doing for a workshop on customer service I ran for senior council management.

Highlights of our performance must include the recognition by the Audit Commission at the beginning of the year that we were a four-star, excellent council. In addition, 28 of our services have been awarded Charter Marks by the Cabinet Office for excellent customer service. By the beginning of 2008 we will have finished the first phase of our work to cut duplication and waste by pulling all our support services together into a new Shared Services Centre at Cowley. In the first 8 years alone this saves a gross £27 million.
Finally, Oxfordshire has one of the highest usages of the internet of any county. During the year, more and more services have become accessible via the web, from booking appointments for births deaths and marriages to joining a library and completing self-assessment forms for social services.

SANDFORD TODDLER GROUP
We meet every Monday from 10.0 till 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 717414


JUNIOR TAE KWONDO
Every Monday 5.30 - 7.0 and Wednesday 5.30 - 7.0 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 772883 or 07721 712734


SODC need to hear from you...
South Oxfordshire District Council needs to provide more homes mainly for the growing number of households formed by existing residents, but also to accommodate new residents. We also need to provide more employment and other development to ensure that the quality of life for residents and businesses is good and gives us a competitive advantage. We are starting work on a Core Strategy for South Oxfordshire, its main purpose is to identify strategic issues and directions of growth for new development to 2026.

We are seeking views on issues such as the amount and location of new housing and employment, the amount of affordable housing, the size, type and density of new housing, defining a settlement hierarchy, shopping, transport and other infrastructure requirements.

You can see details of the consultation and complete the on-line questionnaire on the SODC website at www.southoxon.gov.uk/corestrategy.

The consultation will be widely publicised, but if you would like to be kept informed individually you can register on our comprehensive database.
Contact us on planning.policy@southoxon.gov.uk, or write to Planning Policy Team, SODC, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford OX10 8NJ, or phone 01491-823725.

Rest in peace

Denise Beecham   17th March 1952 - 17th September 2007
Denise was brought up in Cowley and arried Roy at St James' church (Beecham Lane) on her 21st birthday, and came to Sandford the next day. To stay. They brought up Scott, Darren and Lisa in their old family home at 7 Henley Road, and Denise worked some 18 years at Orchard House where she was appreciated and much loved. The warmth of her personality flowed beyond the family, but her children, and grandchildren (Amy, Ellie, Connor, Josh, Leah, and Matthew) and in-laws Joanne, Tina and Paul were all especially precious to her and she to them.
Her cooking was something special and made Christmas special for others - like the 150 freshly-baked mincepies done each Christmas Eve for the staff at British Airways at Heathrow. Christmas Day was also dedicated to making it good for the residents at Orchard House, working with Sharon. And now that good chapter of recent Sandford history is closed, but among the people who made it what it was Denise will be remembered with gratitude.
She was a rock for her family, and reacted to her illness with calmness and fortitude. A lot of people will miss her and join in offering our sympathies to Roy and all the family. The Farewell service at Sandford church was a chance to celebrate her life, and a packed church sang All things bright and beautiful - among them Denise herself who is now buried in our churchyard, her work done. May she rest in peace.

Paul Turton   born 1st March 1974, died 29th September 2007, aged 33. Paul's ashes were placed in the Garden of Remembrance on 2nd December near those of his brother Vince, who was killed in Iraq. His tragically early death is a great grief to his many friends and supportive family. Sandford was a special place to them both, and remains so to their family. Our deepest sympathies to their mother, Linda, and Paul's wife Tracy and young children Taylor and Olivia. They will be remembered.

James Smith   died 23rd November 2007, aged 55
Jimmer was born at Newbury, and lived first at Chievely where his parents lived on a farm. He worked with is Dad on the farm during school holidays, and then with his uncle Billy collecting old scrap. After his divorce he came to Oxford and latterly lived opposite his father on Ten Acre Park. He never got over his mother's death and became depressed, bottling his thoughts and unable to talk them through. But he was a kind and good-hearted man, always willing to help, and not speaking badly of others.
He loved his family, his parents, his brothers George, Bill and Maurice, and especially his sisters Lil, Ivy, and Molly, and all fourteen nephews and nieces. One of them, Lil's son Andrew read a poem he had written about his uncle at the funeral in Sandford church, and the Old Rugged Cross and Abide with me was sung, as at his mother's funeral, and his special pop music was also played. May he rest in peace, all troubled thoughts now sorted in the arms of a loving and merciful God.


Joan Shepheard   December 7th 1917 - October 6th 2007
who died just short of her 90th birthday, didn't actually live in Sandford but she was a faithful attender at St Andrew's and a good friend to the village. In spite of suffering several physical handicaps Joan kept her intelligence, good spirit and lively interest in the world and people to the end.
When she and her late husband Len (who was a great friend of Bob Crickmay) retired to Westbury Crescent they created there a little haven of hospitality for human and other wild creatures - birds, butterflies, plants, frogs, in their home and lovely garden. It was fitting that at her Sandford funeral the service sheet was illustrated with a wild fritillary, and that we sung 'Lord of all Hopefulness' and 'Praise my Soul the King of Heaven'.

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]

Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday October 1st

Matters arising from minutes: Dog waste bins were being ordered. Works to Church Road bank were progressing. No progress on Janaway playground. Traffic calming, no progress. Flood signs had not been moved yet.

Matters for consideration: Receive auditor's report - the annual return has been approved and accepted by council.
Preliminary budget thoughts for next year - There was approximately £2,000 left for this year after all known expenditures had been met. An enhanced sum should be set aside to spend on Fox Furlong and other playgrounds. Suggestions for Fox Furlong would be sought in the next Link and local councillors would do some preliminary investigation.
Invitation to S E Plan discussion (for Oct. 02) letter appended . M Hills and clerk would attend.


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

County Councillor's report: J Howell discussed various traffic issues and explained that due to problems in the County receiving government assistance for flood relief (approx £1M shortfall) it would be hard to stretch the already thin roads budget. He suggested that N Northcott call Peter Ronald directly to discuss the dilatory progress in Sandford's traffic calming and gave him the direct line number. The County Council was working towards taking over the remaining park and ride car parks next year and they would all be free to users then. Budgeting - the County was aiming at no more than 4% rise and hoped to keep it below that.

District Councillor's report: P Tomlinson was pleased to report that SODC has been given 'excellent' status in recent government monitoring. Next year waste removal services would be joined with those of VWHDC for efficiency. There would be a weekly food waste collection and fortnightly recycling which would include glass. Parish councillors stated our satisfaction with present service provided by Grundon and hoped that it would continue in the same way regarding recycling collection. SODC was also in throes of annual budgeting.

Matters for consideration: Playground inspection report. - this had been received and was being scrutinised by M Robson. It looked similar to previous reports. M Robson and K Welch had compiled a questionnaire about the Fox Furlong play area which they would distribute locally and ask for replies in time for Dec meeting. There were three basic questions being asked:-

Should equipment be left as at present but refurbished?
Should existing be removed and new and different items be provided?
Should the area be turned into a more 'garden' type area with retention of football pitch?

Budget 2008/2009: This would be kept substantially as before but with with spending on play areas included.

Matters raised: Clerk would contact grass cutting contractors again to request tidying up of verges and brambles overflowing path at Brick Kiln Lane. There was to be a meeting of the VHMC next Monday. N. Northcott asked for progress report on possible village hall extension and clerk requested that hall insurance company be asked to provide a copy of the insurance document with insured value of the hall every year. Also a copy of accounts.


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

Matters for consideration: Traffic calming: Peter Ronald said that even though the traffic survey had shown no problems warranting County Council measures there was a sum of £25,000 remaining from the Kassam Stadium agreement which had to be spent by next March. He proposed spending this on two speed activated signs to be positioned to parish council agreement at either end of the village plus a mini roundabout with road hatching, street lighting and signing. The parish council agreed this unanimously.
There was also a sum of 40,000 which formed part of the Science Park agreement which Cllr Howell would argue for. Peter Ronald suggested for this seven sets of three speed cushions with improvements to the lighting columns where they were installed. This money would have to be spent by 2011 but public consultation would have to be carried out first. It would be best to allow about a year for this. There was a successful scheme installed in Garsington.

Playground inspection report: M Robson and K Welch were congratulated on the work they had undertaken. A questionnaire was delivered to 200 houses in the Heyford Hill area between 11th and 12th of November and 17 were returned by 1st December. From the survey it was apparent that residents liked the mini football goals in Fox Furlong and favoured the improvement of the play equipment area.
It was agreed to demolish existing equipment and replace with new items suitable for children from the ages of 3 - 12. A sum would be budgeted and it was hoped to be able to spend some of it before the end of the financial year next March.

There had been some bad attacks of vandalism in the Church Road recreation ground and work was proceeding to replace and repair damaged items, all four swings, toddlers' equipment and youth shelter. Some people had heard or witnessed the vandalism and were urged in future to ring 999 if the attack was in progress or at least 0845 8 505 505 to report damage. Even though police probably wouldn't attend or appear to take any notice at least a crime would be flagged up. If there are enough incidences reported we might eventually appear on the radar.

Budget 2008/2009: It was agreed as draft with inclusion of bus stop hardstanding for Park Homes, Clerk's national pay award and improvements to recreation area Matters raised: The grass cutting service by Berinsfield Community Business had been excellent except for some gutters and railings in Church Road. Clerk would write and ensure that this was included in the schedule. They could cut the grass on Wednesday next year so that youth club and toddler groups could play inside and out without bringing in grass.

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.

OCIS provides a wealth of free information and advice on childcare and services for children, young people and families. Your child may soon be starting school, so you may like to consider returning to work. OCIS advises on childcare options and on financial help that may be available, such as child tax credits.
If you need a local nursery or toddler group, they have a list of local pre-school provision - and information on local children's centres, excellent places to make friends, take advantage of crèche facilities, and use a drop in or childcare services. They also advise on careers and jobs in childcare, and one to one support if you are new to this type of work. They also produce a newsletter with information on live vacancies in your area. For all the information your family needs, call 08452 262636 or visit www.oxoncis.org.uk

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