Autumn 2008             Issue 111

HARVEST FESTIVAL and LUNCH Sunday October 5th Harvest gifts to go to Steppin' Stones See page 2

SANDFORD LAND GRAB Important new developments in the continuing debate over the building of a major housing development in Sandford See pages 9-12

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

HARVEST FESTIVAL AND LUNCH Sunday 5th 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 5th The Steppin' Stones especially appreciate coffee, drinking chocolate, sugar, cooking oil, custard powder, gravy granules, tinned fruit, tinned vegetables, orange squash, pickles, non-bio washing powder, raisins etc., tomato and brown sauces, salad cream, lasagne, flour, rice, angel delight, evaporated milk, rice pudding, tinned sponge puddings, pepper, salt.

MEMORIAL SERVICE The annual memorial of the departed will take place at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday 2nd November at Choral Evensong for All Souls. Those who wish a name to be read out and to light a candle, or to include names on the silent prayer list are asked to tell the Vicar or Wardens: 'So long as we too walk the earth we have a duty to remember our dead, and if we possibly can, with more joy than grief'.

Welcome to  Kerry Steele to Church Road to  Josie and Caleb Webber to Church Road to  Rupert and Sarah (sorry a bit late - and congratulations on their engagement and forthcoming marriage in France on September 27th to  Sharon Gardner to Henley Road to  Jane and Tony Venables to Henley Road to  Kenneth Robinson to the Crescent to  Gerald Walk to Church Road to  David and Emmanuelle to Pheasant Walk to  Sian and Patrick to Pheasant Walk to  Kirsten and Horrold, Reegen and Joey to Pheasant Walk to  Andy Smith and Belinda to Pheasant Walk to  Michael and Paula to Broadhurst Gardens, (and welcome back to the village) to  Lewis and Nikki and Daniel to Heyford Hill Lane to  Kate Jackson to Heyford Hill Lane to  Helen Harwood to Heyford Hill Lane to  Kenneth Robinson to the Crescent to  Sergio and Monica Ariane to Main Avenue to  Joan and Calvin Harris to Main Avenue to  Simon and Sonia to Main Avenue to  Nikky to Buckler Place to  Jane and Tony Venables to Henley Road to  Simon and Ros to Church Road

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.

Welcome to the world
to	Otto, a first for Lisa and Ven of Henley Road, born at home on 8th May
to	Harry Benjamin, a second for Karen nee Stimson and Michael Cork (ex-Heyford Hill Lane), a brother for Jack and another grandchild for Judith and Peter, Ken and Debbie
to	Faye Morgan, born on the 6th December, a first for Amy and Douglas, making Les Gibbons of Henley Road a grandfather
to	Freya Marie, born on 28th July, a first for Helen Daglish and John, making Paul and Alice of Keene Close grandparents and Marie great
to	Holly Jessica Ferguson, born on 7th June, a first for Dene and Ciara, of Pheasant Walk
to	James Lynn Mapledoran, born 3rd April, a brother for Lydia and second for Katherine and Leigh

Congratulations
to Robert King of Henley Road on his marriage in New Zealand
to Alex Dawson and Kerry Burke who got married in the Four Pillars on August 30th
to Diane Hopgood and Kevin Welch who were married in St Andrew's church on August 2nd
to Justin Dykes and Anne-Marie, who were married in St Andrew's church on September 6th.
and farewell
to Sue and Nigel, Carl and Emily - now growing up - off to Australia, at last?

Sandford novelist
and cake-maker, Lyn Hawkins of Main Avenue, has just published her first novel, Dolman (science fiction fantasy) by (non de plume) Victoria David - about global warming and genetic engineering - how timely is that! Available from Smiths and good book shops, or on line from Smiths and Tesco (£12) for 391 pages - great value. We await the film. Publishers iUniverse, New York and Bloomington.


Well done
for some excellent GCSE, A level and degree results this summer - including Rob and Paul of Church Road and Victoria Willmot of Broadhurst Gardens.


Sports news
And well done again to Kelly Caffel who finally made it to Beijing for the Olympics. Although there was no Sandford medal this time, due to food- poisoning (our sympathies to Tim), we were glad to be represented.

And to Michelle Robson, for her truly magnificent effort in completing the 'ultimate challenge in the UK' - climbing the three countries' highest mountains ( Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) within 24 hours - that's 26 miles of climbing and 12 hours in travelling time. Achieved with (a little) time to spare, and raised considerable sponsorship money for local charities along the way.

Village Hall: August 2008

Over the year to date, the hall has enjoyed a steady rate of use meaning that the finances remain strong. This is doubling pleasing in that we know from our rural Community Council that our hire rates, when combined with our facilities apparently represent the best value in all of Oxfordshire!
Noise
It has long been our policy that occasional hires are limited to people in the village or those whom a village resident will vouch for. This has been effective in reducing both noise and mess to a minimum. Sadly though, there is always the odd one with little social conscience. The Hall Committee therefore regrets that we had one over the Bank Holiday and apologises most sincerely to the residents opposite the Village Hall whose evenings were so disturbed.
Bookings Secretary
We are continuing to look for a Booking Secretary. The role takes maybe 6 hours a week of answering the dedicated mobile phone every other day, sending out and receiving paperwork and unlocking the hall / supplying keys to hirers.
There is a weekly payment associated with this role, which would clearly suit someone whose circumstances require them to be in the village a lot, but who was otherwise hale and hearty.
Our problem is that if we can't find such a person, we will have to limit use of the Hall to our regular hirers only. This would obviously be a great shame, so we hope there is someone out there who can help us. Do please let me know.

Flower Festival July 12th-13th
The highlight of the Chelsea and Sandford weekend was again a joy to behold. Thanks to Marjorie Harris and her team of great skill, including Beverley, Pam, Sue and Sue, Dorothy and Diana and Liz. These workers donate the flowers they arrange and leave them in church for the week ahead to enjoy too. Thanks also to Sainsbury's who presented some as well. The Sunday events included marriage banns for Kevin and Diane of Buckler Close, and Anne-Marie and Justin, congratulated elsewhere and also the dedications also reported on page 8

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]
If you have access to the internet... www.SandfordOnThames.co.uk which is packed with useful and interesting information on the village.	SANDFORD MOTHER AND TODDLER GROUP Meets in the Village Hall Mondays 9.30 - 11.30. New and expecting parents very welcome.

The term started well with full membership of 23 members. During the term the members trained hard for the Sandford River Run.... thanks goes to our trainers Sue & John ! as our members raised £80 towards Club funds. We held a crafts table at the Village Fete and all proceeds raised were donated to our Village Church.
We ended the term with a Sandford Litter Blitz.... My thanks to all the mums that supervised the members. (We will try to do this again as the members had a great time picking up litter!!!!). This was followed by a Pizza Party back at the Village Hall were we said goodbye to our leavers : Erin Keenan, James Gleeson, Ellie Beecham & Jake Connelly.

Protest at sale of lockkeepers' cottages
Workers on flood defences on the Thames protested outside the TUC Congress in Brighton on September 11th at Environment Agency proposals that it is claimed will increase the risk of river flooding.
GMB delegate George Fraser told the Congress that in April 2008 the Environment Agency announced that it was selling off lockkeepers houses and taking away the jobs of 16 lock keepers. "In 2007 when there was flooding on the upper reaches of the Thames lock keepers whose riverside houses had been sold were not able to get to the river on time to operate the locks and the sluices that control the flow on the river. This undoubtedly made a bad situation worse. When there is flooding people living near the river Thames and its tributaries need to know that the people who are going to operate the flood defences know what they are doing and that can get to the river to do their jobs. Selling off the lock keepers houses and bringing in contractors is gross negligence and GMB wants to see this decision reversed."
Sandford lock was on the original 'hit-list' to be rented out, but the decision was apparently put on hold in June for six months.

and congratulations
to Andy and June at the Lock for their summer library. It is closed now summer is over, but villagers are still able to swap books under the counter after a discreet word with June. And keep up the struggle to Save our Lock House.

Dedications

At the flower Festival Eucharist two beautiful new pieces of needlework were dedicated in honour of former churchwardens and their families who kept the building and parish in good order over 50 years from the 1920s. Marion Cox donated a green altar frontal, chasuble, stole and lectern and pulpit covers etc., hand made by Yvonne Bell, the world-famous artist and seamstress, in memory of her parents Norman and Charlotte Challenor, her grandmother (Marion) and aunts (Dorothy and Katherine Woodford). The fathers of Norman and Katherine fell in the Great War, and are among those remembered by name in Sandford on Remembrance Sunday.
And from Ann Pitson's years' long labour of love and stitching, the new altar kneelers in memory of Charlie and Elsie Pitson, lately of 75 Henley Road, were similarly dedicated and are also hugely appreciated. Thanks to those who did the work and met the cost, from all who will enjoy and use them.
Money given in memory the late Marjorie Spreadbury will buy new altar linen that is also needed, so thanks too to Angela and Leslie.

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.

LAND GRAB ON SANDFORD

As the Government and the City Council continue to plot grid-lock for Sandford by building 4,000 new houses on the Green Belt, their latest ploy is an application to the Boundary Commission to transfer the green half of Sandford from South Oxfordshire (who oppose the development) to the City, thus weakening opposition to their plan.
If they get their way they are expected to mount yet another attempt to take over the rest of Sandford and will then be in a strong position to build on the field between Heyford Hill Lane and the old village. South Oxfordshire beat it off last time, but - those who are unhappy about all this political manoeuvring need to act now.

Liz Shatford, Parish Clerk, writes:
	In July, SODC consulted the parish council on the City Council's proposals for an urban extension of the city. SODC had been instructed by government to co-operate with the city and to identify an 'area of search'. SODC did this and sent out their consultation which had to be returned by August 25th.
	Meanwhile the Boundary Committee for England had invited the City Council to indicate whether it would like the Commission to undertake a review of the City's southern border adjoining South Oxfordshire. On August 18th the city council wrote to the Boundary Commission requesting that 'a review is undertaken of Oxford City's administrative boundary, principally to the south of the City in order to accommodate the 'urban extension' which is planned as part of the emerging South East Plan.' The area indicated includes all of Sandford's land beyond the A4074, and parts of Nuneham Courtenay, Garsington and Horspath. It is approx. 180 hectares in area.
	The leader of SODC wrote to the Chair of the Boundary Committee expressing disappointment that SODC had not received a similar request for review because the council would have strongly opposed such a review as being unnecessary and a major waste of taxpayer's money. She requested that SODC be consulted in parallel with the City regarding any such proposals in this

	area. The City had sought to justify its ambitions to expand by claiming that inclusion of the Sandford land within the City would make it easier to integrate the urban extension with the existing area of the Leys.
	Sandford on Thames parish council has not been consulted except for the initial SODC consultation to which it replied and did not begin to learn of these more recent activities until Monday September 8th. All the land indicated is within the Oxford Green Belt which had its inner boundary finally settled only 11 years ago with an expectation of some degree of permanence.
	Any such boundary review would have a strong bearing on the future of Sandford and neighbouring villages because although last year's official proposals in the draft South East Plan for Oxfordshire recommended quite considerable amounts of building in Oxfordshire; and recognised that all provision for the City of Oxford could be made with the existing city boundary, it has been overridden by the Government. The Government Office for the South East (GOSE) states in para.22.5 of Core Strategy that 'Oxford itself will be allowed to grow physically and economically in order to accommodate its own needs, contribute to those of the wider region and help maintain its world-class status'.
	The City Council has declared its wish to build 4000 houses to answer existing demand for key workers. Allowing for a built density of 60 dwellings to the hectare and some infrastructure, about 80 hectares would be needed - less than half the 180 shown .

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 form is for comments on the Secretary of State's amendments to the South East Plan.

	You can get a copy of by contacting Regional Spatial Strategy Team, Government Office for the South East, Bridge House, 1 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford GU1 4GA (The Parish Clerk may be able to supply copies and help nearer the end of September).
	You can email rss@gose.gsi.gov.uk or comment online on www.gose.limehouse.co.uk/portal/rss/pcc/consult - under 'Resource Centre' click on 'Comments Form doc'.

Some ideas for filling it in:-
Section A - personal details as requested;
Section B - oppose; - 22(8); - ignore the box about para. no.;
Section C - personal or other reasons why change is opposed.
(The parish council response to SODC overleaf may give you some ideas but
please speak from your heart and don't be intimidated by official documentese);
Section D1 - ignore unless you need more space to expand on your reasons above;
Section D2 - say " delete all reference to the selective review of the Green Belt and the urban extension from the text".

For anyone interested, the following websites are also relevant: www.oxfordgreenbelt.net www.southoxon.gov.uk www.gose.gov.uk/gose/planning/regionalPlanning www.oxford.gov.uk www.handsoff.southoxon.gov.uk/ You will find our Parish Council's response on the proposals over the page

You may also want to write to our local MP, John Howell, who has been raising objections to building on the Green Belt in the House of Commons over the summer.

Extracts from the comments of the Parish Council to the SODC Planning Policy Team in response to the July consultation

  It is disappointing to see that planners are focussing on a single development of a great size, rather than a more dispersed alternative.

  The single development proposal is called an 'urban extension'. This is quite strange as the size is 4,000 dwellings and would therefore probably house between 8,000 and 12,000 people; this is the size of a large village or small town and to call the development an 'urban extension' runs a risk of assuming it will fit into (or onto) an existing community.
The suggestion that this is part of Oxford is primarily due to the proposal being immediately next to the existing city boundary. A development of this size - probably equivalent of a 5% to 10% increase in the current number of dwellings in 'Oxford' - will need to have its own identity.

  Infrastructure development needs will be less if the development were spread across a number of existing towns and villages, which would probably integrate much more easily. The distance of the proposed development from the current, historic centre of Oxford is greater than it would be if the development were on a different boundary of the city.

  The integration of any such development is the critical factor in the long term stability and social morality of such a community that would need to exist long after the physical development itself is complete. The development should be about people not buildings and roads.

  If the government guidance for Green Belt is to prevent the unrestricted sprawl of large built up areas then this guidance is not being adhered to by the proposal; nor is the need to safeguard the countryside adhered to nor the aim to recycle derelict or other urban land as this development will use countryside land. It appears these guidelines have been ignored.

  There is nothing to stop the on-going development of more and more dwellings, with associated infrastructure.

  Key infrastructure needs are initially physical build matters e.g. roads, centres, shopping arcades, community facilities etc, but are key steps in developing the basis for a community to flourish. It is important that such a development will enable the population to have its own identity, not be seen as people who live in 'an urban extension'.

  Criteria: These include:   1) Identity for the living population;   2) Amount of living space;   3) Quality of environment;   4) The infrastructure to suit the specific needs of the development;   5) Green spaces and trees;   6) Think 'whole town/village' not urban extension

  Transport: there is limited scope to create a good environment with regards to transport as the surrounding areas are already problematical.

Rest in peace

David Baker   born 21 October 1938, died 8 August 2008
David and Kate moved to Sandford in 2004 to be near to two of their daughters and to be wonderfully supportive grandparents. David was born and brought up in Derbyshire where he met and married Kate. He was a very talented man who became a chartered engineer and a member of both the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of Structural Engineers; and this was done the hard way, as was usual then, by working during the day and studying and taking City and Guilds and Higher Nationals in the evenings.
After David and Kate were married and when Deb was a tiny baby, Meg was two and Kirsty was only three they moved abroad and spent the next twenty years or so away, mainly in Bahrain and then Dubai. David's first retirement to Cornwall came in 1991 but he was called back to work as a consultant and then set up his own aluminium smelter engineering business in Dubai which occupied him very enjoyably until his untimely death this year. He loved his life, his family, his many friends and his work.


Reginald John Leach   born 19th September 1921, died 6th July 2008, aged 86
Reg was an 'old Sandford' man through and through. His part of the Sandford Leach family lived in the Mill Cottages (River View) and from there he went to Sandford school where they learned Oliver Goldsmith's 'Deserted Village' (about Nuneham Courtenay) - he could still recite parts of it in old age. He learned the straight and narrow way from the local policeman, P.C. Waller. During the War he was posted to the Middle East, and then in 1946 married Mabel, and they had four sons, John, Michael, Stephen (still in the village), and David. John married Jane Willmot, whose parents ran the Post Office and shop (their grandson Mark won the Sandford shield in the River Run in June) and eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
After the War he worked at the car works but always came home from work at lunchtime before beetling back on his bike. (It had to be hot on the table!). In retirement and the beginnings of long illness he was still at home daily in his local 'church', the Fox, where Joyce and then Nigel kept a friendly eye on him, plus the dog - especially after he was afflicted with the Alzheimers that finally took him into care.
At the funeral on St Swithun's day (yes, it rained) John and Jane's eldest son Andrew spoke about his much-loved grandfather and Reg was buried in Sandford churchyard with Mabel, who had died in 2005.

Doreen Sutton's ashes were placed with Gordon's in the Garden of Remembrance on Sunday 31st August after we thought of her at the 10 o'clock, still so grateful for all she was to a wider and local circle of friends. Rest eternal grant unto her, O Lord. The memorial of Jimmer's grave will appear shortly, recalling Matthew 11 and John 3.16, where Jesus says: 'Come unto me, heavy-laden, and I will give you rest... God so loved.' His nephew, Lil's Jimmy, is making a good recovery from that fatal car crash on the Littlemore roundabout this summer. Thank God for that, and remember the bereaved.

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Pilgrim Church: thanks to all those who kept the church open on Saturday afternoons this summer. Those wanting to join the group hoping to make St Andrew's a pilgrim church are invited to contact the vicar.



Quiz Night: Saturday 12th April
Report from Terry Robinson
The Quiz started at 8pm, with 50 eager contestants forming 9 teams, and Maurice as the Quizmaster. After six hard contested rounds the winners were, Best Thing Since Sliced Bread, and they were presented with the Norton Cup. The results were as follows:   1. Best Thing Since Sliced Bread;   2. Reading Group;   3. Top Gear;   4. Time Lords and Deidres Twin;   6. Mill Racers And Billy No Mates;   8. Book Ends;   9. Team 1901.
Many thanks to Maurice for a great Quiz, to Rose and team for scoring, to Janet for the raffle, to The Fox for the bar, to those who donated prizes.
The money raised is as follows. Entry fees £200, Raffle £116, Total £316 Donations: Tae Kwon Do £80, Mr and Mrs Harris Xmas Party £100, St Andrew's Church £80, Mothers and Toddlers £56.

The Vicar adds: As Maurice and Terry retire from eight years work on the Quiz Night (Maurice took over from Tim James) they thank those who have helped them. They donated the greater part of prizes themselves, so those of us who weren't so lucky thank them for their generosity and organisation, and those who received funds join all those who took part and thank them for a job well done. The rest of us look forward to carrying on on the traditional winter night in February with Andy Middleton back as Quizmaster. Other offers of help always welcome.

Sandford River Run 2008 - 28th June

Last year's 'most promising young person' award winner was this year's winner. Well done, Mark Willmot, of Broadhurst Gardens and Oxford United, 5 miles in 32.15 mins. Low turnout, but all good times: Matthew Caldwell of Batten Place 33.40 - well-earned silver - and bronze to John Creed 37.43 and the over 60s award winner yet again (every year he gets older and faster). Keith Baker of Rock Farm Lane 37.59, Vincent Boyle of Church Road 40.04 and Derek Chalmers of Janaway 40.17 - the fastest aggregate in 19 years in the 5-milers.

Twenty-one ran 3 miles, and several others walked it in lovely weather (for walking rather than running). Clear winner was Paul Davis (21.24), this year beating Kevin Simms (23.25) to take gold. In the 10-11 division Claudia Boyle took gold in 25.56 and Honor Boyle silver in 26.37 and Martin Greenaway bronze in 27.38. James Gleeson 33.45. All very good times - and well done girls. In the 9-yr-old race Nathan Chalmers won gold in 26.10, Oliver Northcott silver in 28.27, and Malik Henry bronze in 33.45. In the youthful 6-8 division Toby Patterson won gold in 33.45 (aged 7!), Jacob Patterson silver in 35.28, and at 6 was winner of the youngest competitor award, and Freya Harkin bronze in 36.14. All the Youth Club speeds were formidable.

Adults in the 3 mile race were as heroic as usual with Holly Chalmers winning the Grylls Cup for the Fastest Woman in Sandford (27.06) (not as fast as her son, Nathan, however, or the fast moving twins Claudia and Honor). Gary Greenaway at 29.06 was heroic but didn't catch son Martin. Jim Davis, a veteran of many races again clocked half an hour, outsprinting Cathy Dennis by a whisker (both 30.15). Rebecca Henry at 31.45 kept up with Malik, Daniel May 33.45, Paul Patterson 35.2 (shadowing Jacob), Anna Morgan 37.02, Grandfather Patterson 39.27 (subject to a stewards' enquiry - winner of half-empty tankard).
Among the walkers Mary Sherry, Caroline Graham, Briony Gooch and Cath Vallis were last seen lost around Radley. All runners were presented with certificates, the Youth Club with Mars Bars and medals. The vicar's plate for fund-raising was awarded to Michelle Robson, at the time on Snowdon. The rose-bowl for work with youth was shared with her assistant at the Youth Club, Cathy Dennis. The parish clerk's bowl for a promising youngster who missed a gold medal was shared between Kevin Simms, Honor Boyle and Oliver Northcott.

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

Congratulations to everyone and thanks to timekeepers, route superintendents, medical orderlies, health and safety officers, cheer-leaders, deputy lockkeepers and all who combined to make it another enjoyable occasion. Entrance donations raised £101.

Sandford Fete 12th July 2008
The weather was iffy, but the annual grand Fete was opened at 2.0 p.m. by our newly elected MP and former County Councillor Dr John Howell, M.P., who lives in Warborough. Most villagers bought raffle tickets before and some on the day and the vicar thanks all those who welcomed him on his round of door-knocking, and especially those who gave prizes, including Mr and Mrs Harris for the first cash prize, our local business Sandford Garage's free MOT, vouchers from Four Pillars, Notcutts and the Ozone Health Club, and several individual gifts, including Lyn's wedding cake. The winning numbers were posted and prizes delivered.

Thanks too for other financial sponsors of the Fete, including Pete and Linda Lamble of Copier Co., Professor and Mrs Whatley, Mike and Sue Norton of Brown's Saddlers, Tony Green of 001 Taxis, Clive and Carol Tasker of Lamb Catering, Jason Caffel and Nicol of KMC Scaffolding Ltd (local and very reasonably priced), Barry and Barbara at the Catherine Wheel, Kelly and Brian at the Fox.

A new feature this year was the Photo Competition judged by George Cocker of tley. The organisers were rather taken by surprise by the number of entries, of an extremely high standard. Prizes were won by Alan Graham, Leslie Rhodes, Chris Lewis, Geoff Cowan in the adult sections, Jake Panton, Oliver Northcott, Adam Wood and Freya Harkin in the under 10s, and in the 18 and unders Joe Davis impressively swept the board in all categories.

Oxford United's friendly co-operation was again welcomed, Maurice and Rose's cooking operation was backed up by Barry King's beer and wine tent (thanks to all for that). And to the Strawberry Fayre majorettes who again gave a fine demonstration of their skills.

The tug of war sprang two surprise results, with former champions outmuscled by a new team from Ten Acre Park, and the Ten Acre Ladies outpulled by the older ladies of Henley Road. The sports were organised by Cathy, Michelle and the Youth Club and were very competitive. The health and safety committee took note of the claim that three-legged races were dangerous, but allowed it to go ahead. When a ferocious Scotsman in the adult race claimed he was pushed by an out-of-control Welshman our worst fears seemed confirmed. However no bones were broken and lawyers have not profited from the incident.

And on the environment
The Green Sermon at the Flower Festival was on July 13th. The choir anthem was For the beauty of the earth - with the verse we all like singing: 'For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent child, friends on earth and friends above... Lord of all, to thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise'.

SANDFORD ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

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

Matters for consideration:
The OPT had started work on clearing obstructions on their land (see Link summer 2007) at the bottom of Broadhurst Gardens/Yeftly Drive and notices about the work had been distributed in the immediate vicinity. The Environment Agency plan to sell/rent out lock cottages had been deferred for the time being. The new planter near Heyford Hill Lane had had plants stolen not long after they were planted. The bus stop near the Catherine Wheel was in a dangerous condition. It was resolved to have it taken down and a new one built.
Lock Bridge - this item was deferred until the autumn
Traffic - clerk would email Peter Ronald and ask what was happening
Walnut trees - some of the new walnut trees in Church Rd rec. were overhanging the pavement at pedestrian level and needed trimming. Geoff Surman would be asked to trim them.
Broadhurst Gardens - A resident of Broadhurst Gardens had emailed SODC about tree and hedge cutting and disposing of the cuttings but it was not clear from the email which land the vegetation was on. This would be further investigated and hopefully position of boundaries would be clearer when OPT work carried out.
The Youth Club was holding a 'litter blitz' on Tuesday 8th July between 4.00pm and 6.00pm to be followed by a pizza party. They were congratulated on their initiative. Miracle Design play equipment for Fox Furlong had been ordered. There was still a problem with verge parking, this sometimes prevented the grass being cut properly.
There had been more vandalism and water leaks at Orchard House.


There was no meeting in August


Extracts from meeting of Parish Council held on Monday Sept 1st

District Councillor's report(by email)
South Oxfordshire District Council is encouraging local residents and community groups to get involved in The Big Tidy Up - a national campaign running throughout September, which aims to get everyone involved in tackling the problem of litter. The Big Tidy Up could be the county's biggest ever litter clean up. The month long event aims to get communities together to tackle the tide of litter and all the councils in Oxfordshire, working together as Oxfordshire Waste Partnership (OWP), are lending their support. South Oxfordshire District Council will be lending litter-picking equipment to anyone in the district who wants to organise a clean up of their area and will also take away any litter or recyclables

after the event. Figures released by Keep Britain Tidy, organisers of the national Big Tidy Up, reveal that council taxpayers in the UK fork out £500 million a year to clean the streets, with over 30 million tonnes of litter collected from our streets each year. To find out how to get involved visit www.oxfordshirewaste.gov.uk.

Joint Management Arrangements:
The leaders of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse councils have had detailed discussions about introducing shared management arrangements. Work to date has shown that a new management structure will generate savings of around £750,000 per annum. After taking account of redundancy and pension costs, the two councils will see a return on investment within two years. The precise length of time depends on which individuals are appointed to the new structure. Both councils will remain independent and retain their separate identities. This is particularly relevant because South Oxfordshire council is Conservative controlled whilst the Liberal Democrats run Vale of White Horse council. The combined population of the two councils is around 250,000. The two councils have a good track record of joint working as a shared finance service has been in place for some time. It is hoped to extend this further with the introduction of a joint waste collection and street cleansing service from next year. On Monday evening South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils will be asked to appoint David Buckle as the chief executive to run both councils, following a recommendation made by a panel of South Oxfordshire and Vale councillors. If agreed the new Chief Executive will officially take up the post on 17 September.

Matters for consideration:
Traffic: still no progress on mini roundabout and more complaints about the Church Rd junction. N. Northcott to invite P.Ronald to next meeting to discuss.
Overhanging trees: Broadhurst Gardens recreation ground: a resident local to the area had telephoned clerk and asked that trees be lopped as they overhung gardens. It was uncertain whether the trees were parish council responsibility. Matter was deferred to next meeting.
Green Belt: SODC were convening a meeting to formulate a response to GOSE (Government Office for the South East) Clerk would attend and report back. There had been enquiries from parishioners who would like to fill in comments forms. They were referred to the GOSE website at www.gose.gov.uk/gose/planning/regionalPlanning or telephone 01483 882255 for comments form. Documents may be viewed at public library or Council Offices.

Matters raised: Mr Michael Inston, a past member of the parish council and chairman from 1998 until 2001, had been ill and in hospital for some time. He

would be moving to Birmingham shortly, to a nursing home, so as to be closer to family. Joan would join him in the area as soon as possible. The parish council was unanimous in offering good wishes and hoped the Instons would settle happily into their new home.
Following complaints, clerk to ask highway contractor to weed kill gutters. M Hills reminded council that he wished to relinquish his post as council representative on the village hall committee and K. Welch agreed to take on the post for the time being. There was as yet no progress on the hall improvements and there was difficulty in finding a person to take on the position of bookings secretary.



Thames Valley Local Food and Farmers Markets now online.
Local Farmers markets have become a huge success, re-establishing the connection between producer and consumer, letting us see where our food and drink has come from and supporting local producers. For the farmers and producers it means they can reach their customers directly, without the supermarkets taking their larger share of the profits.
But one disadvantage has been the markets are only held on certain days and often monthly - so www.blackberrybarn.co.uk has been launched. Initially focussing on the Thames Valley region, the Local Food Group for the area www.local-food.net have endorsed the project and is encouraging members to sign up with Blackberry Barn.
Blackberry Barn helps farmers and producers to set up their websites and have organised a very efficient delivery system, which keeps the customer informed at each point. Have a look at the website.

A-maze A social support bereavement group on Wednesdays 17th September, 1st October (& alternate Wednesday evenings) 7.30 - 9.00pm Coffee, tea and chat: Rose Hill & Littlemore Children's Centre, Ashurst Way,

ARCH Assisted Reading for Children in Oxfordshire are looking for volunteers to help children who finding reading difficult. 01869-320380

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