Summer 2008             Issue 110

Weekend July 12th/13th (see pages 3, 10 and 11)

SANDFORD RIVER RUN Saturday June 28th (see page 9)

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: Geoff Cowan www.sandfordchurch.org.uk

Duty and Joy
'It is our duty and our joy'. Those words begin the great Thanksgiving at about 10.40 a.m. every Sunday in Sandford and in most other villages and towns in England, and beyond - the world over. 'It is indeed right', we say. To be thankful. To express praise - since saying it is doing it. And millions find joy in doing it.
But duty? Not a word we hear much today. Obligation? Even less. Being obliged to do something is a bit of a chore, a bit of a bore, better forgotten or ignored. But to ignore what cannot be ignored is ignorant. Better just do it - and discover the joy that follows doing a duty.

To the thirsty I will give water:   Revelation 21.6
  This promise is for you, for you who want something.
  For you who know that you have a thirst that has not yet been satisfied.
  For you who have heard of a water that refreshes beyond compare.
  For you who feel burdened, who feel that you have reached the depths   and want to rise.
  For you who are on top of the world, but who know that all the world does not have enough.
  For you who are full of fears and anxieties, for you who feel hardened and closed.
  For you who are full of eagerness and enthusiasm, for you who want all a human being can have.
  For all, there is a promise, a promise made by God, by the one who made you.
  He offers you a promise, a free gift of new life.
  He offers it to you freely, just as he created you freely,
  because he loves you.

one of the best in Oxfordshire Weekend of July 12th/13th in St Andrew's church open Saturday 10.0 - 6.0   and Sunday 11.0 - 6.0, with Choral Evensong and Green sermon 6.30 p.m. on Sunday 15th

The Environment

The annual Sandford Green Sermon on the Environment is at the end of the Flower Festival at choral evensong on Sunday 13th July, at 6.30 p.m. This year's preacher is Margaret Barker, author of many books on Apocalypse etc.

Environmental concerns are becoming more prominent in many sermons here and elsewhere as everyone becomes aware of the crisis facing us and this wakes theologians up to the warnings contained in the Bible and the vision for the future that will galvanize some to take action. To make a change in our lives in response to the disaster that is already beginning we need to care about the future and also to share a vision of how it can be. Otherwise inertia wins - there's not much we can do as individuals and anyway most of us will be dead before the worst happens - pity about our children or grandchildren, but it's more their problem than ours, even if more our responsibility than theirs.

Scientists tell us what needs to be done and the technology is available, but not enough political will, and in democracies that means not enough pressure from all of us. Why? We can be frightened into doing what is necessary, and no doubt will be, perhaps too little too late. But we need to be inspired. 'Without a vision the people perish'. So where are the poets and the prophets and the preachers? There are some powerful films and books.
We have been warned. Do we want to be inspired? And to respond?

URGENT: LOCK KEEPERS' COTTAGE Those concerned by the Environment Agency proposal to sell off lock cottages, including Sandford, and employ seasonal staff may like to visit the website www.saveourservice.org - their petition is going well.

Welcome
to	Susan and Emily (joining Robert) to Henley Road
to	Andrew Guise to Church Road
to	George and Mary Cocker to Yeftley Drive
to	Sarah Kerrigan and Jennifer Beaucham to Buckler Close
to	Heather and Nicholas to Main Avenue

Welcome to the world
to	Eloise Lily, a first to Helen and Louis of Heyford Hill Lane, born on 15th February, another grandchild to David and Marie to join Shanae
to	Nataliya Ksenin, a second to Catherine and David and sister to Olena, born on 20th February
to	Justine, a second for Lee and Boon of Rock Farm Lane and a sister to Jessie
to	Bobby Geoff Loveridge, of Ten Acre, born on 30th December, a first to Bob and Sylvia and granddaughter to Leonard and Margie
and Congratulations
to	Clive and Deirdre of Henley Road on becoming grandparents

BUS CHANGES - good news * The 106 bus service will remain as an hourly service * Off-peak services 105 and 140 have been linked together to provide a through service between Oxford and Abingdon via Sandford-on-Thames, Berinsfield Village and Clifton Hampden. * There have been other changes which improve a number of services to villages around South Oxfordshire * Most of the new services have low-floor accessible buses New timetables available, or call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.

Six Nations backdate: congratulations to England on coming second despite a disappointing start and being thrashed by Scotland. We understand their position owes much to France being so convincingly beaten in the final game of the championship. Heaven help their depleted ranks against NZ.
[Stop press news: no comment on events in South Africa]

EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL FETE Sandford Road, Littlemore Saturday 5th July 12.0 - 2.0. All welcome. Lots of stalls, activities, toys, plants, books, bric a brac etc.

New CD by Sandford flautist CELIA REDGATE wins critical acclaim The recent CD recorded by Celia Redgate, of Heyford Hill, has been enthusiastically received by the musical press. The reviewer in the International Record Review writes: 'I can't think of a single modern player who makes a sound to rival the ravishing tone that radiates from Celia Redgate's 1921 Rudall Carte flute... Glowingly recorded and played with exemplary taste and skill, this is one of the most distinguished flute discs to have come my way in a long time. More please!'. With music by Edward German, Arnold Cooke, York Bowen, John Stainer, and John Tavener among others, the CD is on the Divine Art label and is available at the special price of £10 from Celia Redgate, 1 Batten Place, Sandford on Thames, OX4 4SZ

EAG Furniture Project exists to provide low cost recycled furniture and household items to all local people who are on a low income i.e. Income Support, Tax Credits, State Pension, Disability etc. WE WOULD WELCOME ANY FURNITURE OR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS THAT ARE IN GOOD SERVICEABLE CONDITION Please call Employment Action Group on 01865 341944 or drop in at Dorchester House, Wimblestraw Road, Berinsfield.

BINGO in the Village Hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 in aid of Village Hall funds.	JUNIOR TAE KWON DO 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
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]
Mobile Library every two weeks on THURSDAY 2:25 until 2:35 by The Fox. [more info]	THANKS to Dan Tarzey, who pioneered an excellent Sandford website and showed us all how it should be done. His main website is now closed, but he is still maintaining www.sandfordchurch.org.uk

A request to be more thoughtful

Fly-tipping - NB Broadhurst gardens
A resident in the village has recently been warned by SODC that depositing garden waste on public land carries a very large fine - I believe up to £50,000. It is clear that in several places on Broadhurst Gardens that residents seem to think they can dump garden waste on this land. This matter has been reported to SODC and residents are advised that this must stop or you could face prosecution for fly tipping and you/we have to pay to have it removed.

Salter's Steamers
A number of residents have asked me about the noise from disco boats operated by Salter's. If this noise disturbs you then I advise you to make a report to SODC either on line (www.southoxon.gov.uk) or by phone 01491 823240. Noise that disturbs others can be managed by the environmental health department.

Rubbish bags
A small number of villagers leave rubbish sacks on the highway over the weekend. This is illegal and could result in a fine! Bags should be put out after dusk on Sunday to be collected on Monday. The refuse vehicle comes at around 0730. And please remember the more paper, tins, cans and plastic that you put out for recycling - the less council tax.

Parking
Please do not park on the pavement. Parking on the road is an excellent speed deterrent and many of our roads have grass verges that are being damaged by thoughtless drivers. Repairing this damage will again affect us all in increased council tax.

Reporting crime
We now have a much more enthusiastic police presence in the village. However, we must all act as the eyes and ears for the police - report all crime and all suspicious behaviour. The more that is reported the more policing we get.

Nigel Northcott
Chairman, Parish Council, May 08

Great Dames of Sandford - an occasional series
This March two of the leading ladies of the village passed a notable milestone among much celebration. The Link joins in saluting these most youthful at heart luminaries as they enter their ninth decade.
Hazel Hutton has loomed large in these columns for many years, tirelessly defending the rights of mobile home- owners against unfair practices, and her kind-heartedness is a byword. Lil Sleath has also been a ray of sunshine in the village for many years now. And since behind many good women stands a good man we remember with affection Hazel's Bob, a Sandford footballer of note) and salute Rex with admiration. May they dance all night and make use of the very interesting gadgets provided at the party.

Skills for Coping with Stress based on cognitive behavioural therapy A two-week course run by Oxfordshire Mind at the East Oxford Health Centre, Manzil Way, Oxford, two Wednesdays from 10 - 1,   9th and 16th July Call 01865 511702 or look at www.oxfordshire-mind.org.uk/groups.htm

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.

SANDFORD RIVER RUN Saturday June 28th 5.0 p.m. start (registration 4.30) on the recreation ground. 3 or 5 miles along the riverside Sponsorship forms available from the vicar or Michelle (below). [More information on the River Run]

SANDFORD TODDLER GROUP meets every Monday morning from 10.00 - 12.00 (subject to review). We are open all year round except for Bank holidays and are suitable for accompanied children aged 0 - 4. Grandparents, Dads, Carers are welcome. We have a craft activity every week and parties at Easter and Christmas and a summer outing if possible. We charge £1.00 per family per session and your first session is free.

SANDFORD YOUTH CLUB sometimes has places, and anyone wishing to join can contact Michelle on 748257.   Tuesdays in the Village Hall (term time only) from 4.0 - 6.0 p.m. for 6 - 11 year olds. Many thanks again to Cathy and to all the parents for their continued support.       Michelle Robson

Volunteers

Many people nowadays want to put something back in to the community by volunteering a bit of their time to help others out.
Examples where Sandford people are active include bereavement counselling (Cruise), befriending charities e.g. in mental health (Tandem), St John's Ambulance, school reading projects, driving disabled, care homes, day centres (e.g. Steppin Stones in East Oxford), charity shops, youth organizations and clubs, religious organizations etc.
There are opportunities for all (adult) ages and how much time given is down to you. If everyone with time to spare and willingness to meet new people did something life in Britain would be transformed.

COULD YOU HELP WITH THE FETE?

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

BOOKS to Liz Shatford, The Old School (772598) not before June 5th please (or ask us to collect)

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?

CAKES, JAM, BISCUITS, MARMALADE to the recreation ground on the morning of the Fete (ring Prue 748848 if not possible)

TOMBOLA PRIZES to Leslie and Angela (778475)

RAFFLE PRIZES to Marjorie (777900)

BRIC A BRAC please ring Prue (748848) if you have some to be collected or would like to know where it can be taken to.

COME AND ENJOY... MAJORETTES GRAND RAFFLE COCONUTS KARATE DEMONSTRATION ICES BEER TENT BRIC A BRAC PENALTY SHOOTOUT PLANTS BARBEQUE FACE PAINTING SLIDE BOUNCER TODDLERS FUN BOOKS PHOTO COMPETITION TEA TENT TOMBOLA FORTUNE TELLING GREEN WATCH FIRE ENGINE SUPERB CAKES FLOWER FESTIVAL IN CHURCH TUG OF WAR SPORTS AND RACES LOADS OF GAMES

VILLAGE FETE

Saturday July 12th at 2.0 p.m.

GET OUT YOUR CAMERA

a competition for all ages

We are holding a competition for your best photos - there will be prizes for ages 10 and under, 11 - 18, and adults, with categories of photos of Sandford, of people, of animals and pets, and a general category.

We are fortunate to have George Cocker, a professional photographer recently moved to the village, as a judge (see his website on www.g-pik.co.uk) - he says he is not bothered about technical things or the quality of the print, but he will be looking for imagination and good composition.

SO GET OUT THERE AND START SNAPPING - could you take a funny pic of your mum or dad or catch your hamster running on his wheel? Get out and look for an unusual view of Sandford, or capture a garden in full flower? Bring your photos along to the Fete at 2.0, with your name and phone number on the back, where they will be displayed and judged at 2.30. (If you can't make 2.0 and are desperate to enter, ring Prue on 748848)

RIDE AND STRIDE: Saturday 13th September A sponsored event to raise money for the church of your choice and The Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust. Sponsorship forms from Ray Lee, 93 Henley Road. www.ohct.org.uk/bike.htm

JAZZ IN A SUMMER MEADOW from Jazz to Soul - Gershwin to Stevie Wonder, with Noel McCalla and the Tim Dawes Band Saturday 2nd August 2008, 7pm Harcourt Arboretum, Nuneham Courtenay Bring a picnic, your friends and family and enjoy great music in the beautiful meadow Gates open 6pm Adult £12, Child £6, Family ticket £30 (2 adults + 2 children) Info/tickets 01865 286690/341576, postmaster@obg.ox.ac.uk In aid of the Friends of Oxford Botanic Garden Palmers Leys Appeal

THE GREAT GROWING PICNIC SEASON In the Oxford University Botanic Garden This year our popular summer picnic afternoons will be full of sowing, growing, planting, munching and cooking, along with selections of stories, music, tours and trails to compliment the Garden. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, find a shaded corner, relax and enjoy the afternoon and its entertainment as they unfurl. Each picnic runs from 1.00pm - 4.00pm. Activities take place throughout the University Botanic Garden in Rose Lane on the following Saturdays: 31 May, 14 June, 28 June, 12 July, 26 July, 16 August, 30 August

ST BIRINUS PILGRIMAGE Sunday 6th July A great walk for all the family, from Churn Knob to Dorchester (or part way) followed by a barbeque. Information from 01765-341866

Rest in peace

Mrs Betty Dougan   born 27th November 1929, died 20th February 2008
The sudden and unexpected death of Betty caused sorrow to her friends. She and Colin came to Rock Farm Lane in 1982 from Forest Hill where they ran the King's Arms - having bought their eighteenth-century cottage in 1979 and rebuilt it. An East Oxford woman, she was the daughter of Hilda and Major Jack Allaway, alderman, sheriff and last mayor of Oxford (his successors became Lord Mayor) who ran the then pub at the end of Magdalen Road.
She went to school in Cowley Road and worked in St Hilda's College and (until recently) in the Examination Schools in the High Street. Betty was friendly and always helpful, as many who entered that building with fear and trembling can testify, but a private person within the village, with most of her friends in Oxford. We offer belated sympathy and support to Colin and condolences to son Steven and granddaughter Lucy.


Mrs Doreen Sutton
Gordon and Doreen came to Broadhurst Gardens in 1993 on Gordon's retirement, following a distinguished career in higher education and to continue a rich life of studying art (especially the frescoes in former Yugoslavia and Byzantine painting. Following Gordon's death in 1998 Doreen continued with her wide range of interests and convened a weekly group in the village. Her sheer joy in life and deep spirituality inspired those who knew her.
At her funeral in St Andrew's tributes were paid to a women who into her nineties continued to make a contribution to the world by the radiance of her personality. She is greatly missed and we share both sorrow and celebration in offering our sympathies to her children Anne and Gill and David, and their families world wide who were so special to their grand and great-grandmother.


Mrs Mary Bewick
Joe & Mary Bewick each served the community over forty years as nurses at Littlemore Hospital, during which time they lived in a hospital house in Heyford Hill Lane. On retirement they bought one of the then-new houses in Yeftly Drive, literally around the corner. They married in 1957 and had two sons and three daughters and celebrated their golden wedding last year.
When Mary could no longer be cared for at home, and spent her last two years in a home in Reading and died in hospital. After a service in st Dominic Barbery she was buried in Rose Hill. She will be remembered for her gentle and sweet nature and greatly missed. Our warmest sympathies go out to Joe and all the family.

And Farewells

Among recent deaths an departures we also note with gratitude and sadness some regular visitors to their family in Sandford who made themselves part of the local congregation, especially Thora Andrews, who has died at 93 in St John's Home, and Marjorie Spreadbury, who at 94 has died in the Isis, Cornwallis Road. Both senior citizens showed us something of how good old age can be and we extend condolences to Brian and Pam Andrews and to Angela and Leslie Rhodes and their families in their bereavements - with great admiration for all they did to make these years so happy for their mothers.

Some leave the village for other, less final reasons, and among them we say au revoir (since we trust they will be back as visitors) to John and Eileen Davies of Church Road, who have been a big-hearted part of that end of the village as well as winning the oldest runner award in the River Run a while ago, and to their neighbours Mike and Gill Dixon who have also moved to be near children and grandchildren in Cambridge. Mike was St Andrew's treasurer for ten years and instituted significant changes, and a regular and fanatical runner - this new interest stimulated in mid-life when they moved here and he entered the River Run regularly over 15 years. Also to Charlie Kail and Janet and - again from that bit of Church Road - Anita Gladwell, who first proposed the weekly lunch (Meeting Point) in the village hall which lasted many years. Those who knew James and Anita still remember with affection and gratitude.

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

Littlemore Mental Health Shop is open Monday-Friday from 8.0 - 3.0 and is our nearest source of newspapers, milk, bread etc.

Weddings in Church
'The purpose of liturgy, sacred or secular, is to celebrate the most cherished and central traditions of a society, to express the common convictions which give that society cohesion, and to manifest those living symbols which are necessary for its vitality and continued existence.'
The quotation recognizes secular as well as religious rituals, but when we think of them Cwm Rhondda at Cardiff Arms Park and 'Abide with me' at Wembley are a thin echo of a religious past. The decline in corporate religious observance therefore means a decline in liturgical celebration, reaffirmation, expression of values and all that builds up community. So community declines and society is impoverished.
All the more reason to celebrate this summer's weddings at St. Andrew's, and to wish both Diane and Kevin of Buckler Close and Justin and Ann-Marie of the Partridge (Henley Road) family all the best after their careful preparation - as the service says, 'not to be undertaken carelessly, lightly, or selfishly, but reverently, responsible, and after serious thought'. The act of commitment brings its own power with it and building our life on a firm foundation is a recipe for a good life.


And congratulations to the Sandford choir on their brilliant rendition of Stainer on Palm Sunday. Memorable - great work by director and soloist Christian Bradley and new organiust Geoff Cowan. Long may they continue. (We have a vacancy for another tenor).


Alice Sermon 2008: the annual Lewis Carroll service in Sandford each Whit Sunday (when he first preached here) took place on May 11th. The sermon this year was by leading Oxford theologian and writer Professor Paul Fiddes, carrying on from his Bampton lectures on wisdom with doors into the rose garden at Christ Church etc. It can be read on the Sandford church website, www.sandfordchurch.org.uk.

If you enjoy gardens and gardening, consider a visit to BRIDEWELL ORGANIC GARDENS an award-winning charity based in a walled garden and five-acre vineyard at Wilcote, near North Leigh. The garden will be open on Sunday 13th July and Sunday 14th September with refreshments and entertainment. Bridewell is a place to fall in love with - in a beautiful setting near Wilcote, it combines vegetables and flowers, blacksmithing and beekeeping, a vineyard, chickens and ducks, blacksmithing and more. For directions ring 01993-868445.

SANDFORD ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Extracts from meeting of Parish Council held on Monday April 7th

Matters for consideration:
Risk assessment/internal audit review: - summarized and distributed. All items were satisfactory, receipts and payments recorded monthly, insurance had been updated and N. McKisack had agreed again to audit all books for us. This would be reported at next meeting with finalized annual return for external auditor.
Budget: The final budget for 2008/2009 was agreed and signed.
Fox Furlong: M. Robson had obtained suggestions for various items of play equipment from 2 companies out of the 4 she had contacted. The cost of works was considerably increased by the necessity to remove and take away existing equipment and supply and lay new safety surface to existing concrete.
It was agreed that Miracle Design would be asked to quote for a slide and swings and grass tile safer surfacing. This would involve breaking up and taking away the concrete undersurface additionally. It may be possible to get another agency to do that part of the work. It should in any case be done soon.

Items for Annual Meeting: None tabled.
Community policing: Police would be in 'surgery' on morning of Wed. 9th April in village hall. All were encouraged to visit them. H Hutton said they had been monitoring speed of passing traffic from hall car park on Bingo nights. It was suggested they might monitor speed of traffic passing new light up sign as it seemed to flash for most cars passing.

Matters raised: Following request from the parish it was decided to cancel the weed treatment of Church Rd bank and to ask G. Surman to sow grass such as couch grass to bind soil and BCB would be asked to include 4 strims per summer in their maintenance schedule (following the spring flowering).
Clerk to write to Spirit Group regarding decoration of lock bridge. If they declined to do it or did not reply then councillors would DIY.
The situation regarding dog mess in Broadhurst Gardens had improved following note in last Link. It was hoped this would continue.
G Surman would be asked to make repairs to bus shelter near the Catherine Wheel. He had priced up for making planters out of railway sleepers and

filling with earth at £330 each. One would be placed at entrance to village near H. H. Lane and one at Church Road, and possibly another at other entrance to village. M Robson volunteered the youth club to 'adopt' one of them.

Extracts from meeting of Parish Council held on Monday May 12th

Matters for consideration: Parts 1 & 2 Audit return 2007/2008 - the accounts were accepted and the annual governance statement approved and signed.
Traffic: the speed sign had been vandalized a few weeks ago on a night when there had been a serious incidence of violence at the top end of Henley Road. Clerk would contact Drayton to find out whether repair was possible. Before it was broken, it was noted by all that it showed a majority of cars approaching at more than 30mph and not slowing after it flashed.
Lock keeper's cottage: the impending loss of a resident lock keeper was regretted. Clerk would contact Boris Johnson and ask for his support for an early day motion to be held next week in parliament. It was being brought by an MP from further down the Thames valley.
Fox Furlong play area: M. Robson brought along some quotes she had received. The two most favourable were from Safe and Sound and Miracle Design. It was agreed to accept that from Miracle Design in the sum of 10,899.00 which included removing and taking away existing condemned equipment and surfacing and replacing with new poured surfacing and a new piece of multi purpose equipment which could be extended in future.
Elect parish councillor to VHMC: this was to attend meetings at approximately 2 month intervals and report back to parish council. K. Welch thought he would possibly be a little freer to attend in September/ October and M Hills agreed to carry on until then.

Matters raised: A swimming pool in Church Road had been installed without planning permission and was now subject to appeal.
N. Northcott said that there had been several persistent and ongoing incidents of fly tipping in Church Road, Henley Road and Broadhurst Gardens, mainly of garden waste, which was subject to a large fine if the perpetrator was detected. South Oxfordshire had been informed.

M. Robson said that a youth club 'litter blitz' was being arranged for Tuesday July 15th and asked for volunteers to attend from the parish council to help supervise the children.
Extract from P Tomlinson's report appended to Annual Parish Meeting: 'Following a consultation on waste plus the present contract ending in 2009 the council is now writing the tender document. The collection of waste will change. Wheelie bins will be provided by the Council. Recyclables, residual and glass will be collected alternative weeks with food collection weekly.
The brown bins collection will not change although the cost will increase by £1 per annum. We already collect 33% recyclables but need 50% and must reduce anything going to land fill. The Council will have heavy fines if we continue to use land fill.'
Clerk was asked to contact P Tomlinson and express the concern of the parish council that the recycling bins and two weekly collection be adequate for the task.

Extracts from meeting of Parish Council held on Monday June 2nd

Matters for consideration: The VHMC had met last Monday and planned to renovate the kitchen and toilet. It was hoped that a bookings clerk had been found.
Some letters had been sent regarding the proposed renting of the lock cottage and a negative reply received from the Environment Agency but nothing from Boris Johnson though apparently there were at least 27 MP signatures on the tabled early day motion in Parliament.
N Northcott had spoken to the SODC Environmental Health Dept. regarding the fly tipping of garden waste in several areas of the village. Residents had been notified and warned and the situation would be monitored. Apparently undisturbed piles of mixed garden waste form ideal nesting sites for rats whose numbers are increasing rapidly.

P Tomlinson had replied to query about the future waste collection that final decisions would not be taken until the contract was firmed up.
County Councillor: The parish council offered congratulations to John Howell on his selection as Conservative candidate for Henley.
District Councillor's report (sent by email): a new Chairman has been elected, Colin Daukes, a town councillor for Didcot. The latest Outlook is due out early June. The swimming pool should be open now (was due to

open 24th May, which probably accounts for the rain!!). The cost will be £3.50 for adults, £2.5 for 4-17 years and under 4 free, open at 11.00am each day.
PCSOs have supported a variety of operations to reduce a wide range of antisocial behaviour and activities. For example the Thame PCSOs participated in local operations against under-age drinking. Another PCSO assisted in an operation in the Watlington area to combat heavy goods vehicle (HGV) weight restriction abuse. PCSOs have issued over 780 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for a broad range of offences. Offences that result in FPNs include parking on double yellow lines, no vehicle tax and cycling on the pavement.
The Town and Parish Council Forum will be held on 11 November from 6.00pm - 9.00pm at the District Council office, a letter of invitation should be received.

Matters for consideration: S. Paine had prepared a comprehensive report, with pictures, on the proposal to re-decorate the foot bridge but only K. Welch and clerk had received it due to administrative error. Also it was thought that the weather (and forecast) were against so it was deferred until the next meeting. Timing of any works would be important - i.e. when the bridge would not be too heavily used to give the paint time to dry.
The first planter had been built and planted at Church Road/Henley Road. junction. It was agreed that it looked good and another one, rectangular in shape should be built at the Heyford Hill Lane end of the village. The youth club hoped to take over responsibility for the Church Road. planter.
Works to the bus shelter by the Catherine Wheel were in hand. Clerk would contact SODC again about absence of litter bins. A new bus time table had been scheduled. The good news was that the existing 106 Thames Travel service would remain as an hourly service. Additionally there was to be a new Heyfordian Travel service subsidised by the County Council. This would run hourly at a half hour interval from the Thames Travel service and would be routed via Cowley Centre. The service would start on June 1st and timetables are available.

VOLUNTEER WITH US We are look for volunteers to help with the day to day running of our centre and volunteers to help with our activities. For more information please contact the steppin' stone centre 'a place of safety, a place of change' a day centre for homeless and insecurely housed people 01865 728545

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