Winter 2008             Issue 112

SANDFORD ON THAMES CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY All village children welcome 4 -12 years SATURDAY 13th DECEMBER See page 5

St Andrew's Church CHRISTMAS SERVICES See page 2

CHURCH NEWS
Ministry team: Robert Morgan (Lower Farm, 748848) priest-in-charge; Licensed lay ministers: Brian Andrews (777011);  Liz Shatford (772598). Church Wardens: Mrs Marjorie Harris (24 Henley Road) and Ray Lee (93 Henley Road). Director of Music: Christian Bradley. Organist: Geoff Cowan www.sandfordchurch.org.uk

CHRISTMAS SERVICES SUNDAY 21st DECEMBER 6.30 p.m. CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE CHRISTMAS EVE 4.0 p.m. CRIB SERVICE A candlelit service for parents, grandparents, small children, friends 11.30 p.m. MIDNIGHT MASS CHRISTMAS DAY 8.0 a.m. HOLY COMMUNION (BCP) 10.0 a.m. FAMILY COMMUNION

Compline by candlelight A 15-minute plainsong service held in Advent in St Andrew's Church on Wednesdays in Advent at 7.15 p.m. (December 3rd, 10th, 17th). All welcome.

The Shift - an o.a.p., p.i.c, writes:

'The sixth age shifts into the lean and slippered pantalone' says Jacques in Shakespeare's Seven ages of Man (As You Like It) - a time of life familiar to many pensioners. We still remember the second age, (school), the third (lover), the fourth (battle-axe) and the fifth ('full of wise saws' etc.) - and even pretend sometimes to be still in that one. But actually - it's the word 'shifts' that does it for me. Subtle transitions! What I like about being in the 60+ age group is how much of the earlier stages do live on in heart and mind, even when the body gives early warning signals of things to come. And the extra leisure to think about our life, and our times, and our togethernesses.

November and December in Sandford church are full of remembrances - All Souls Memorial evensong, then Remembrance Sunday, and then Christmas to bring back fond memories. But December also brings a message of hope as we move into the Advent season and prepare to carry our past and present into the future of a New Year, with all that will bring. For some of us all these deeply human experiences are brought into focus through meditation and/or weekly shared worship - singing and praying together. For those who are not familiar with those life-assuring moments, the carol service or the crib service (for parents and grandparents as well as kids) or the Midnight Mass at 11.30 on Christmas Eve can be a way in. The invitation this year is as last year.



Following in the footsteps
The priest-in-charge at Sandford 170 years ago, F.W. Faber, wrote several hundred hymns. His successors have been less prolific, but the Sandford Baptism hymn, 'When our children we baptize, give us grace to make us wise' can be consulted on the Sandford Link website and those who know the tune too, 'There's a Spirit in the air' can even sing it.

Sandford Youth Club
Michelle writes: We ended the Spring term with a Litter Blitz. We borrowed litter pickers and jackets from SODC and off the members went to different areas of the village, to pick litter. This was then followed by a Pizza party back at the Village Hall.
This term the members have been busy planting bulbs around the village (thanks to Oliver's and Rowan's dad for these). They have made a good selection of crafts (thanks to my mum Louise for helping with this) and thanks to Cathy for keeping the members energised with a great variety of games to play! We shall be celebrating the end of club with the Sandford Christmas Party on the 13th.
For more details contact Michelle on 07801 *******



Welcome
to Angel Parkinson, and Macaulay and Lydiah Iyayi to Yeftley Drive



Welcome to the world
to George Edward Colin, born 3rd November, a sixth grandchild for Angie and Stef and fourth child for Erica and Nick (in South Hinksey) and brother for Henry, Megan and Olivia.


Congratulations to Peter Rhodes-Brown and Klaudia on their marriage in September. As they leave Pheasant walk for Witney we wish them well for new family life and trust they will maintain links with Sandford - and a big thanks for Peter's contribution to the Fete with Oxford United FC.


Thanks to whoever left a furry friend in the church porch with an invitation to find it a good home. That was done. Much joy.


Balancing Hemispheres
29th November was St Andrew's Eve, and some people celebrated it in Cardiff by giving Australia a lesson in stylish rugby. Meanwhile, nearer home, down the river at Twickenham...


Farewell to Kelly and Brian as they leave the Fox but remain local - we thank them for their short but cheery contribution, and trust they will remain honorary Sandburgers, and Fuller retrospective on the Fox must await further intelligence.

Children's Christmas Party All village children welcome 3 - 12 years party games - competitions - prizes SANDFORD VILLAGE HALL SATURDAY 13TH DECEMBER 5 pm - 8 pm FREE ADMISSION Refreshments available, Parents welcome to help out: also offers of food to bring and share. More information from James 772883 or Michelle 748257

South East Oxford NEW FARMERS' MARKET 10.0 - 3.0 every Sunday at the Kassam Stadium Information: ring 02083 029010

Our Parish Council
Parishes are the smallest areas of civil administration in England and provide the statutory tier of local government closest to the people. Sandford on Thames is a statutory local authority set up under the Local Government Act 1972. Elections are held every four years and the last one for Sandford was held in May 2007 when only five people put their names forward. We need seven people to form a parish council so two more were co-opted later in the year.
The parish council is an essential part of the structure of local democracy. It's role is to act on behalf of the village to:
	give views, on behalf of the community, on planning applications and other proposals that affect the parish;
	undertake projects and schemes that benefit local residents;
	work in partnership with other bodies to achieve benefits for the parish;
	alert relevant authorities to problems that arise or work that needs to be undertaken;
	and help the other tiers of local government keep in touch with their local communities.
The council has a wide range of powers which essentially relate to local matters, such as looking after community buildings, open spaces/play areas, bus shelters, and verges and public grassed areas. The council also has the power to raise money through taxation called a precept. The precept is the parish council's share of the council tax. The parish council is served by the Clerk who is paid a small allowance to manage the council and seven elected members (members receive no payment - although expenses could be claimed).
We meet the first Monday of each month at 7pm, unless it is a bank holiday, and residents are welcome to attend; although they do not have the right to speak or vote on matters. In practice any resident who attends will be invited to speak to ensure matters that concern them are aired. Minutes of all parish council meetings are posted on the three village notice boards and in the Link which comes to each household.
The members of the parish council are: Chairman: Nigel Northcott (773569) Vice chair: Michelle Robson Councillors: Hazel Hutton, Michael Hills, Irene Reveco, Stephen Paine, Kevin Welch.

Skills Directory
The Parish Council has, in the past, published a directory of skills and services that are available to residents of Sandford on Thames by residents of Sandford on Thames to let new-comers and existing villagers know what is locally available. The list included baby-sitters, gardeners and craftsmen/tradesmen and professionals who live locally and offer services to local people. Some of those offering services gave discounts for local people as the work was close to home, others publicised themselves so people new they could, for example, get a plumber who lived near to them and who might respond quickly to needs.
If you would like to advertise your services in the next edition of the directory, you should email your details to nigeln @ globalnet.co.uk. Please send name, contact details including phone number and email address. If you have no email - pop a slip though our door - 13 Riverview.
Many thanks - Nigel Northcott, Chairman, Parish Council


Good Neighbours
OCVA (Oxfordshire Community and voluntary Action) are encouraging the setting up of Good Neighbours Schemes - local voluntary groups which offer a resource and service in their community for those in need of help and support: help with transport, errands, letter-writing, form-filling, personal contact, reading etc. A lot of people do it anyway and don't need any 'scheme' to encourage them. Others are willing to help when they see a need, but do not know where help is needed.
Someone moved into the village recently and at once asked if there was someone they could be of help to since they were newly retired and had a bit of spare time, and their children and grandchildren are not local. A link was made and was hugely helpful and also rewarding in personal terms.
A fair bit of those informal putting people into contact goes on anyway, but if you think it could usefully be formalised please contact the Link office or ring 748848 or ask for a house call. Or if anyone wants to volunteer - or knows of someone who has slipped through the net.
This basic human help is not limited to those whose explicit value-system commits them to doing something, and it is not patronizing. Just an invitation to reflect on the quality and character of local community and perhaps find oneself ready to do something extra in our busy busy lives.

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 2:20 until 2:40 at Oxford Park Homes next date 18 th December [more info]
HARCOURT ARBORETUM Opening Times April to November Open every day 10.00 - 5.00 p.m. Last admission 4.15pm December to March Open Monday to Friday 10.00 until 4.30 p.m. (Closed at weekends) December 22 to January 3 Closed	LITTLEMORE COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE Monday 15th December 7.0 p.m. All welcome

5th annual Littlemore Community Christmas Lunch from 1.0 - 4.0 p.m. on Christmas Day John Henry Newman Primary School, Grange Road. Food and entertainment - bring family and friends, or just yourself! Voluntary contribution of £2.50 per adult, £1.50 per child. Transport to the school can be arranged - don't hesitate to ask. BOOKINGS: Caroline Gale on 01235 200011, ideally by 17th December (please indicate any special dietary requirements - vegetarian option available).

CPRE's 'Oxford Green Belt Way'.

The Oxford Green Belt Way is a fifty-mile walk created by CPRE Oxfordshire around the Green Belt of Oxford, to mark the 75th anniversary of the CPRE and the 50th anniversary of the Oxford Green Belt which joins up rights of way around Oxford, and as the Preface to the book says 'is aimed at helping people to access and enjoy the beauty, tranquility and diversity of Oxfordshire's remarkable countryside', in particular those living within Oxford, since the Way is accessible from all major bus routes.
We are confident that the residents of Sandford-on-Thames parish would thoroughly enjoy the walk since much of it runs through their parish. We are also trying to draw attention to what will be lost if Oxford City Council gets its way and develops large swathes of the Green Belt!
If you would like a copy, please send a cheque or postal order for £6 (£5 plus £1 p&p) to: CPRE Oxfordshire, Punches Barn, Waterperry Road, Holton, Oxfordshire OX33 1PP.
Further details from 01865 874780 or email administrator @ cpreoxon.org.uk or from the OGBW website: http://www.greenbeltway.org.uk/

SANDFORD LAND GRAB LATEST

In the December issue of 'Outlook' you will read that SODC has been in touch with the Boundary Commission which confirms it is not reviewing responsibility for Green Belt land to move from SODC to Oxford City, and does not expect to start any reviews in 2009. For the moment this is good news for Sandford. However we have been here before...

Extract from the Link December 1981

PARISH DISCUSSES DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Twenty-six parishioners, two Local Councillors, three members of the Parish Council and Planning experts from Oxford City and S.O.D.C. braved the elements on Wednesday, 18th November and attended a meeting in the Village Hall to discuss proposals for various developments in and around Sandford.
Mr. N Lyzba (S.O.D.C.) and Mr. P. Rowbottom (Oxford City) outlined their Council's draft proposals as they would affect Sandford in the context of the County Structure Plan and other Local Plans. Objections were raised to the designation of the Brickworks site for residential use and that planning permission for light industrial use had been refused.
Mr. Lyzba promised to re-examine this. It was pointed out that benefits to Sandford might accrue from the Oxford City Blackbird Leys development suggestion as the new road would improve access, more recreation land would be available, also, possibly jobs from the 'Industrial Park' and there was the chance of another bus service.
The Parish Council once again put in a plea for some elderly persons accommodation in the village and in conjunction with Littlemore P.C. asked for public access to the river - perhaps linked with the development of the proposed Heyford Hill housing sites. Doubts were also expressed about increasing the size of the Blackbird Leys Estate. It was also felt that, while technically in help, Sandford Parish, the new housing suggested would be twice the size of the present village, be separated from it by the Link Road and the proposed industrial site, and that these factors would make it very difficult to integrate the development into Sandford Parish.

Extract from the Link January 1982

SANDFORD IN OXFORD CITY ?
"Oxford City Council considers that the City's boundary needs re-drawing" states the consultation paper published by Oxford City last December. The O.C.C. proposes Sandford and Littlemore for inclusion in the City of Oxford for the main reason that areas close to Oxford which are already developed, and those which are envisaged as being developed in the next ten years, should be identified with Oxford. Other reasons are stated such as taxi surcharges if you travel from Oxford Station to Sandford would be waived; queries relating to rating, housing, planning, etc. could be more readily resolved because of easier access to Council Offices; problems with refuse collection where the present Oxford District boundary is along one street of houses could, and would, be more efficiently arranged.
The Parish Council have discussed the above proposals and agreed that Sandford should remain in South Oxfordshire District. It was felt that no real benefit would be gained by making Sandford part of Oxford City. However, the loss of the Parish Council with its statutory powers to levy rates and spend the money for Sandford, would be against the interest of the village.

And then in February 1982

PARISH SAYS NO TO BOUNDARY CHANGES
The Parish meeting on Monday, 8th February, unanimously agreed that the inclusion of Sandford within the boundary of Oxford City would only disbenefit the people of Sandford. A definite NO to Oxford City's proposals was recorded with this decision being passed on to Oxford before February 15th prior to representation to the boundary commission. It would appear that the 7 members of the Parish Council Mrs. Connie Norman (District Councillor), the 15 parishioners who attended and several written replies are in accord with the County Council and the other District Councils in strongly objecting to this take-over by Oxford City.

And then 'STOP PRESS'
Oxford City has dropped its plans to extend the City limits to include Sandford.

Holiday rubbish
	The Redbridge recycling centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day (and will be closing at 3.0 pm on 24 and 31 December), but will be open 8am to 5pm on all other days over the Christmas period.
	There will be no garden waste service over the Christmas period with collections starting w/c 5 January 2009.
	Put your 'chopped up' tree in your brown wheeled bin. Trees left beside the bin will not be collected for composting. Or you can return your tree to a number of local garden centres. For details of participating centres please call 01491 823416. Or you can also take your tree for composting to one of the County Council Waste Recycling Centres.
Free parking
	South Oxfordshire District Council is providing free parking in all its pay and display car parks in the run up to Christmas. Starting on Saturday 6 December, all council car parks will be free in the afternoons from 12 midday, every Saturday up to Christmas day. There is no need to buy a ticket, although the maximum stay still applies.

Waterperry Open Day - Sunday 25th January:
Find out more about the unique Oxfordshire attraction when they throw open the gates to the whole Waterperry estate. There'll be FREE tours of the beautiful ornamental gardens, nurseries and orchards, with Waterperry experts on hand to offer advice and information about all the aspects of their work. There will also be mulled apple juice tastings and a winter warmer menu in the Pear Tree Teashop.
It's the chance to discover what makes Waterperry so special - and the perfect opportunity to walk off the winter excesses! Open from 10.30am to 4pm.

Servicing to all makes     MOT testing       - petrol and diesel cars       - light commercials     Full diagnostic facilities     Minor and major mechanical repairs         Air conditioning     Engine rebuilds     Cam belt changes

T.J. Hall and Son Ltd     Motor Engineers       Vehicle Collection and Delivery Service     Traditional Values - Modern Methods     Ask about our late night     opening for MOT testing     We also offer a roadside repair service     plus 24 hour breakdown recoveries     The Garage, 46 Henley Road,         Tel 01865 777344     Sandford-on-Thames, OX4 4YP

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

A new course for Lent The Lent group will be based on a new five-session course 'Faith, Hope and Love', using a CD and booklets to kick off discussion on some of the most pressing questions facing us all today. The course was described by David Hope, former Archbishop of York, as one of the 'best things that the Church of England has produced over the years'. Five Thursdays at 7.30 starting 26th February. All welcome, but would be helpful if you could let the vicar know if you intend to come, as booklets need to be ordered.

QUIZ NIGHT The next annual Quiz Night is planned for Saturday 21st February 2009 at 7.30 p.m. Advance booking at Link - or for your diary.

Rest in peace

Ian Ashman 24th October 1948 - 5th October 2008
Ian and Heather had only been on Main Avenue since April (in Norma's house) while Nick attends Oxpens College of FE, but those who got to know them were shocked when Ian died so suddenly in Oxford on their way home from a wedding on October 5th, just before his 60th birthday. He was a carpenter by trade and turned his hand to most things in the building trade until working as a foreman and as a driver for Oasis and then moving to France, to work on his house. Our deepest sympathies go to Heather and Nick and all his large family.


Maurice Smith 2nd May 1943 - 25th September 2008, aged 45.
Maurice died just ten months and three days after his elder brother Jimmer, giving a terrible shock to all the family. They had worked together in market gardening. At the funeral in St Andrew's Maurice's nephew read a beautiful poem about him that he had written, and Andrew' (Lil's other son) spoke movingly about him before he was buried next to his mother Mrs Amelia Smith. His adopted daughter Veronica also read a poem. A collection was given to the JR intensive care unit. Our deepest sympathies to Jane and Lil and Molly and Ivy and their children, and especially to Mr Jim Smith, the father of these close and loving brothers.

Sandford websites:   www.sandfordonthames.co.uk Sandford websites:   www.sandfordchurch.org.uk

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

Grave robbers and cultural vandals

We have had a couple of nasty incidents lately, of items stolen from a grave and the Garden of Remembrance. Who would do such a thing? If you can think of someone who might - , do, please - try and teach them a bit of decency.

Talking of which, there's other robbers around, and some things are even more grave. How far have we lost the language of our civilization? What is it to be civil? And civic? What is the vocabulary that helps us distinguish right and wrong? Or lets us understand what goes on deep down inside ourselves, and directs our desires in constructive ways? And send warning signals too.

Learning to live well is a long-term project, and in a world that believes in instant solutions can easily get neglected. Character takes time to develop, and what we choose to shape it by - the books we read, the programmes we watch, the entertainments we enjoy, the efforts we make, the company we keep, the communities we belong to - it all has to be worked at.
Whatever we think of the institutions that have served society in this way, writing them off has left a moral and spiritual vacuum. The challenge to turn things round takes the form of an invitation - e.g. Psalm 95: 'O come let us sing.... Rejoice ... thanksgiving ... glad ... a great God.' And come Christmas, millions will find a clue in the birth of a child. 'O come let us adore him.' The Carol Service will be 6.30 p.m. on Sunday 21st December. First comers welcome, and if 14 students can get into a telephone kiosk a majority of Sandburgers should be able to squeeze into St Andrew's
.


Churches Celebrate Darwin
A day conference for the Deanery, to celebrate Charles Darwin's 200th birthday and to explore his contribution to our world view and its implications for the churches. Speakers include Revd Dr Martyn Percy (Principal, Ripon College, Cuddesdon); Dr Andrew Gosler (Lecturer in Conservation Biology at Oxford University); Worship written and led by Revd. Tess Ward (author of the Celtic Wheel of the Year.
At Cowley St James Church and hall on Saturday 7th February from 10.0 - 3.0. £7 includes soup and roll lunch, tea and coffee. To book, call 01865 762931 by 31st December.

SANDFORD ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday Oct 06 2008

Matters discussed: K Cooney the community policeman and a colleague had held a surgery in the village hall on Saturday 4th October in the evening which 3 people had attended. He had suggested that the low attendance indicated a satisfaction with 'crime' matters in Sandford but the parish council thought it would have been better if the police had attended more regular parish council meetings which were advertised monthly and which could guarantee a larger attendance. The police had a standing invitation to meetings.

2007/08 Audit report: - The Annual Return was approved and accepted by council. The issue arising regarding internal audit testing was also presented and it was resolved to undertake internal review at annual budget time.

Quality Parish Councils: - It was resolved to ask parish councillors to come to next meeting with 3 points which they felt would improve the parish council and its organization.

Traffic: - Nothing had happened yet. N Northcott would contact P Ronald.

Playground report: - There were 3 items of medium to high risk; log wall and overhanging bushes at Fox Furlong, spikes on Church Rd railings near gate and surfacing under monkey bars. G Surman to be asked to attend to Fox Furlong and cut off some railing spikes. As there had been no recorded incidents on the play equipment, winter was approaching and there was no budget for it, to defer spending on surfacing until next year's budget.

Bus shelter (Heyford Hill), this had been requested but the pavement was too narrow to accommodate a shelter which would protect travellers from splashing and allow pedestrians to pass.

Pheasant Walk wall: Local councillors would ask around as to who was responsible for the piece of land in question. The youth club has planted some daffodil bulbs near existing planters and were congratulated and thanked. There is apparently no dog sign at the Yeftly entrance to Broadhurst Garden's recreation ground. Clerk would ask Geoff if there was one available.

Local History: there are some copies of the first edition of Part I of our local history viz the Church from c.1090 and all that. Suggested price/donation £2. Copies from Link office or vicar.

K Welch reported from the VHMC that a bookings clerk had been appointed on a two month trial and he would be tasked with finding new users for the hall. It was pointed out that the hall was fairly busy already with regular users. Quotations for additional roof insulation were being sought. The large picture was being refurbished and would be replaced.
S Paine reminded the council of decision to tidy up the decoration on the lock bridge with the permission of the Kings Arms management and a working party was convened.

District Councillor's report New development control rules mean some minor extensions may not need permission. People intending to develop or extend were recommended to ask SODC first whether permission was needed. In response to a letter from Ann Ducker, Leader of SODC, the Boundary Commission had stated that they would not be holding a review of the boundary between SODC and Oxford City during 2009.



Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday Nov 03 2008

District Councillor's report: The waste collection arrangements for next year were not yet finalized. P Tomlinson would ask Melanie Mullen to attend PC meeting on January 5th so concerns could be aired. Clerk would confirm by email. N Northcott asked P Tomlinson to find out what was SODC's position on environmental waste in connection with the clean neighbourhoods and environment act.

Matters discussed: Green Belt - Clerk and two councillors had attended a meeting in Horspath together with councillors from other neighbouring parishes and had discussed mode of reply to GOSE consultation on amendments to S.E. plan. Clerk had commented on behalf of Sandford and several other parishioners had also responded.
Risk assessment and review of effectiveness of internal audit - these would

be assessed and reported at next meeting. Budget 2009/10 - draft budget was produced and agreed in principle, details to be finalised at next meeting when costs for repairs/maintenance of recreation areas was known.

Points for improving council. - the chairman's annual report would be included in the Link. People should be told who to ask if they wanted to discuss parish business. Possibly a list of councillors with addresses/telephone numbers would be posted either in Link or on board.

Additional dog bins - Four Pillars to be asked whether it would be in order for a dog bin to be placed at one end of the footpath crossing their land.
Clerk would ask BCB to cut back brambles and as much grass as possible to pavement at approach to underpass on Brick Kiln Lane, also brambles on bank beside Henley Road adjacent to recreation ground. H Hutton reported that the new crossing she had arranged with the County Council Highways was most satisfactory.
K Welch would liaise with PC Ken Cooney to see if a public meeting/surgery could be held at a more suitable time. The previous one on a Saturday night had not been successful. The police had a standing invitation to parish council meetings.
M Hills asked whether a reminder of councillors obligation to declare interest if an item was to be discussed in which they had or might have an interest. It was agreed to insert it on agenda.



Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday Dec 01 2008

District Councillor's report: New planning rules for extensions - some rules had been relaxed. There was information on www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/hhg/houseguide.html.
SODC has launched a new search feature on its website called My South Oxfordshire, making it easier to find information on council services about property, e.g. rubbish collection, planning applications, in one place.

Matters discussed Re road matters, N Northcott and M Hills had attended an area workshop meeting at SODC and consequently emailed various Oxon county officials and since then some action had taken place at the mini roundabout, some damaged pavements, Church Rd junction and wharf area. This was most encouraging.

Rivers of Life Community Church meets in the Village Hall, Sundays 11 a.m. All welcome www

Clerk would contact King's Arms pub regarding the damaged plank on the footbridge.
The new dog bin was in place on north end of Four Pillars footpath.
New bus shelter was nearly finished.
Police community support officer, Ken Cooney, would be asked to supply an email report to K. Welch before all parish council meetings if he couldn't attend the meeting.
An update of the village directory was being prepared.
Next year would be the 5yr anniversary of the Village Plan so it should be revised and updated soon. The next N.A.G. meeting would be held at the Merry Bells in Wheatley on 16th January.

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.