Autumn 2009             Issue 115

HARVEST FESTIVAL and LUNCH Sunday October 4th Harvest gifts go to Steppin' Stones:   see page 2
FOOTPATH CLOSURE: are you happy with this...? See page 5	ALL SOULS MEMORIAL SERVICE Sunday 1st November See page 3

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 Mick Hills (18 Rock Farm Lane). Director of Music: Christian Bradley. Organist: Geoff Cowan www.sandfordchurch.org.uk

HARVEST FESTIVAL AND LUNCH Sunday 4th 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 4th The Steppin' Stones in East Oxford (St Mary's Road) especially appreciate coffee, drinking chocolate, sugar, cooking oil, custard powder, gravy granules, tinned fruit and plum tomatoes, cup-a-soup, orange squash, non-bio washing powder, tomato and brown sauces, salad cream, tinned spaghetti, baked beans, jelly, angel delight, evaporated milk, rice pudding, tinned sponge pudding, pepper, salt.

Can You Help?

We are thinking of setting up an alternative neighbourhood watch scheme in Sandford - not a security issue - but a 'look after your neighbours' scenario.

We are looking to be at the end of a phone to help, advise or just be a shoulder..... For anyone, young or old. We would like to be accessible to those people who simply don't have anyone else to ask. Somebody may just need a light bulb changing or need to know what to do with 'junk mail' which is worrying them - somebody may need help to find a plumber or decorator - somebody else may need a lift now and again or a bit of shopping doing, or simply someone to talk to.

We would like to form a committee of couples or single people who would be happy to volunteer to help perhaps on a rota basis for a week every couple of months. We haven't really decided how we will organize things at this stage but we hope to get together with a few people and knock some ideas around.

If this is the sort of thing you would be happy to get involved in, or even consider, we would like to hear from you, or if you are the sort of person who might benefit form such a scheme please let us have your thoughts as to how we might best proceed.

Please contact Clive or Carole Tasker (6 Burra Close) on ****** or *********** or e mail clive @ lambcatering.co.uk.

Memorial Service The All Souls service will be at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday 1st November in St Andrew's church. Everyone is invited to light a candle in memory of someone close, and those wanting names of departed to be read aloud are asked to notify vicar, lay ministers or church wardens.

SANDFORD YOUTH CLUB meets in the Village hall from 4.0 - 6.0 in the school term (i.e. not at half term). At Christmas Michelle is due to retire after two brilliant stints in charge (and latterly helped by Cathy Dennis). The means the committee is looking for new leaders and parental help. Any suggestions to the Link office please (748848). Many congratulations to the Youth Club runners in the Sandford River Run who raised £67 for the funds by their sponsorship.

SANDFORD MOTHER AND TODDLER GROUP meets every Monday morning from 10.00 - 12.00. 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. For information please contact Cath Osadczuk, 01865 ******.

Prayer Lunch The Rivers of Life invite all villagers to a prayer lunch, to take place in the Village Hall on Sunday 20th September at 1.0 p.m. The format will be a simple lunch and a chance to meet new neighbours, and a time of singing and prayer. No charge, all welcome, but please ring 01865 ****** or email info @ streetprayer.org as soon as possible if you would like to go.

Temporary footpath closure - Thames path at Sandford Lock access bridge The Environment Agency and Oxfordshire County Council are proposing to close the bridge leading to Sandford Lane on the west side of the river next year for repair work. The closure will be for about 13 weeks and will (at the moment) be from next March/April. They are not proposing to provide any temporary pedestrian/cyclist access and so the official diversion will be via the towpath towards Oxford and then crossing the fields and getting on to the cycle track and then back to the lane. Considerable numbers of people who use the Thames crossing at this point from early in the morning until late at night to get to work/ school/ the Kings Arms/ Church will be inconvenienced. It had been proposed to carry out the work from Sept 1 and scarcely any notice was given (even to the lock keeper) but then the work was postponed. If you are unhappy about this Chris Lees, Traffic Technician, at OCC Southern Area Office, Milton Road, Drayton, Abingdon, OX14 4EZ. southernarea@oxfordshire.gov.uk (0845 310 1111) is co-ordinating the work at the moment.

SUTTON COURTENAY INCINERATOR latest news (7th September) is that Councillors have this afternoon agreed to push ahead with plans for a waste incinerator in Ardley. A meeting at County Hall decided the scheme would be better than a proposal for a site in Sutton Courtenay. The scheme will now have to go before a county council planning committee. It is also thought the Government will call in the plan.

Congratulations

to Chris Redgate of Bratten Close on the award of a research fellowship at the Royal Academy of Music. In addition to his world-class performing, research and teaching Chris will be redesigning the oboe. We hope he will still find time to help run the Littlemore community choir and continue to play when needed at St Andrew's.

to Robert Hall of Sandford Garage, CAT technician of the year. Citation: Robert was by far the most impressive application we received for CAT technician of the year. He really demonstrated his technical understanding and commitment to training. He has several qualifications to his name, including City and Guilds and RTITB. Also his commitment to customers, helping them keep repair bills down and even driving them home when their car is in for repair. 1st winner of this award

to all Sandburgerettes and Sandburgers making their grades at A in August and going on to Higher Things (including education) including Vivie Goodger of River View to read Chinese at Emmanuel College, Cambridge (joining Charlotte Fox who is reading Natural Sciences at Selwyn). Also Tom Clark of Broadhurst Gardens who also made his grades with flying colours.

to Tyrone Steele, grandson of Phil and Vera Buck of Janaway, on his election as Youth Mayor of Oxford.

to Colin Cusack of Rock Farm Lane on climbing 17 peaks in 24 hours in the world-renowned Bob Graham race

to Will and Sarah, who married in St Andrew's on the 22nd August. Will's son, Aran Blackwell, was best man, and the bridesmaids included Ashley Blackwell and Emma Fox of Henley Road. The lesson was read brilliantly by a younger niece, Hannah Fox, and the bride's father, Stephen, played the guitar and sang with Sally Our God Reigns. The bagpipes walked them from Henley Road to St Andrew's and the Catherine Wheel contributed by Barrie helping the vicar to the extent of ringing a bell.

The next wedding at St Andrew's will be Travis and Gillian of Pheasant Walk on the 26th September.

to Tom and Anna, who were married on Anglesey on the 4th July.

SANDFORD READING GROUP Meets Tuesdays at 8.0 once a month. Someone has left, leaving a vacancy - anyone interested in joining please ring Pam on xxxxxx

CHORAL MUSIC Sandford Singers are looking for another tenor. Further information from xxxxxx

Bras Wanted
Any size, any colour, any condition but clean please. Bring them in a
plastic bag to Jill Love at 46 Church Road, Sandford-On-Thames.
    Soroptimist International Oxford and District Club
    are collecting the bras selling them for £1 per Kg.
    The money goes to our Project Sierra which aims to raise
    £1 million to help disadvantaged women and children in Sierra
    Leone, one of the poorest countries in the world.
The bras will be repaired, recycled and sold in developing
countries where they are then affordable to women and girls.



Professor Bumm and Dr. Wee

Sandford was delighted to welcome these stars of the academic world to Sandford village hall in June and the (mainly young) highly appreciative audience enjoyed their (slightly ribald) performance hugely. To some present it was a nostalgic reminder of the days when the hall had only just been built to replace the old reading room. Gwen Absolom had masterminded several pantomime performances involving just about every child in the village - and mums and dads for costumes, scenery, appreciative audience etc.

Today our thanks are to the village hall committee and the parish council for hosting the marvellous story machine with especial thanks to Kevin and Diane for all their organisational skills and to the County Council for subsidising the event. We had hoped that it would be possible to host other cultural events in the village hall on a regular basis but at the moment the funding climate is bleak so we may have to wait.

What Sandford People Do
(no. 14 - an old series re-started)
Deborah Rogers of Main Avenue has been Academic Administrator at Keble for twelve years - one of several employees of our two universities in Sandford. Congratulations are due for working for a degree at Brookes part-time and getting a First Class Hons in Communication, Media and Culture in June.
Degree Day last week - much celebrations, also among her sponsors at Keble. Deborah has a career in the Navy behind her (WRNS) and some experience in the House of Commons, and exciting times ahead. We wish her and Les all the best and are pleased that Sandford is home to so many interesting people.

Yoga with Jo   in the Village Hall Every Monday from 19:15 to 20:30 Sessions for Autumn 2009: September: 28th; October: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th; November: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th; December: 7th, 14th, 21st All levels welcome £ 5.00 per session (drop-in) / Book of 10 tickets £ 35 * Wear loose clothing / shorts & T-shirt (shoes / socks not needed) and bring something warm to put on at the end for the relaxation. Bring a yoga mat if you have one, or you can borrow them during each session. www.jogajo.wordpress.com / jo@jozbike.freeserve.co.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

BINGO in the Village Hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 in aid of Village Hall funds.	P Evans Local Builder, Carpenter Extensions, Doors, Windows, Flooring, Decking, etc. No Job too Small call for free quotation 01865 xxxxxx mobile 07502 xxxxxx
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]
	Sandford websites: www.sandfordonthames.co.uk www.sandfordchurch.org.uk
Mobile Library every two weeks on THURSDAY 2:20 until 2:40 at Oxford Park Homes Next: September 24th. [more info]
	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
Littlemore Mental Health Shop is open Monday-Friday from 8.0 - 3.0 and is our nearest source of newspapers, milk, bread etc.

Sandford River Run - end of June

The 20th Sandford River Run took place as usual on the last Saturday of June at 5.0 p.m., several previous winners and not so fasters celebrated the anniversary on their trainers and zimmer frames. The Sandford shield was won in clammy weather by the 2008 winners Mark (footballer) Wilmot in 33.17 (62 seconds slower than last year) and the shield was presented by the first ever winner Andrew Hope, whom he beat into second place (33.29 - first time an over-60 has won silver).

Another former shield winner Geoff Raynor was third (37.27) and the administrator Vince Boyle 4th (38.52) fourth. John Creed as a pensioner, again the oldest competitor, was 5th (39.15) and another veteran Matthew Wilkinson 6th (39.40). James Smith 39.54, Gill Chalk 44.37, Sarah Grylls 44.49, Mitchell Marlsen 48.42, Mirelle Faulkner 49.00 - they shall not yet grow old as we who dropped out grow old.
But next year a new category is planned for those who can no longer (or not yet) cover the course. They will go as far as the lock, have a drink, and jog back. Applications please!

In the 3 miles 6-9 years race Caelan Isaac (Janaway) took gold in 24.48, Toby Patterson silver in 24.25, Jacob Patterson bronze 26.03, Aaron Chalmers (aged 8) 27.30, Freya Harkin 33.02, Rowan Northcott - youngest competitor to complete award. Some impressive times there.

Congratulations to the youth of this parish and their coach Michelle. Caelan, Toby and Jacob share the parish clerk's bowl for promising youngsters.

In the 10-18 youth group (an unfairly wide band this year) Paul Davis again won gold in 23.02, Sian Riley Phillips silver 23.52 - also the fastest woman in Sandford cup (shared with Gill Chalk in the 5-mile race) and Kevin Simms 24.10 (virtual bronze), but special credit to Nathan Chambers (aged 10) (24.17) and Oliver Northcott (aged 10) at 25.31, both competing with the teenagers and gaining special awards for special promise. Martin Greenaway 25.44, Honor Boyle (11) 25.51, Claudia Boyle 27.06 - all very good times, scaring off the leisured classes.

The adult 3-milers varied from 22.29 (Alan Greve, slower than last year), Holly Chalmers (26.06), Ann Bevan (26.18), Garry Greenaway (28.04), Paul Patterson (29.09), Louise Gardener (31.51), Rebecca Harkin (33.06), to the more cautious times of Anthony Hull and Sue Northcott. Some of these times correlate with younger children's. A high number of

GP entrants was noted with satisfaction by the BMA. USS had no comment, because no input. The vicar's collection plate for most sponsorship was again won by Sian Riley Phillips with Freya Harkin runner-up - thanks to them - and the Community Plate for services to youth by Club leader Michelle Robson, awarded with huge appreciation.

We resume the fun on 26th June 2010, D.V.



Eating Pomegranates

What do you do when you are diagnosed with the cancer that killed your mother when she was young? What do you tell your children about the illness when they are only five and three? How do you cope with the loneliness of cancer and the brutality of its treatment? Not to mention the fear of dying. These are some of the questions addressed by Sarah Gabriel, formerly of River View, in her powerful memoir, EATING POMEGRANATES, giving an account of her own and her family's passage through contemporary cancer treatment.

Gabriel's book does not just deal with her own individual journey, but travels backwards in time to give a history of breast cancer treatment itself, including the founding of the world's first cancer hospital by Victorian surgeon William Henry Marsden and Fanny Burney's mastectomy without anaesthesia in 1811 at the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte's personal surgeon Baron Larrey.

Thankfully, Gabriel is still alive and well and attends the children's service at St Andrew's Church with her two children each month.
You can read an extract from this extraordinary book, in which Gabriel attempts to explain cancer to her children, at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/6016056/How-do-I-tell-my-children-Ive-got-cancer.html
The book 'Eating Pomegranates: A Memoir of Mothers, Daughters and Genes' by Sarah Gabriel (Jonathan Cape, £16.99) is available from Telegraph Books for £14.99 plus £1.25 p&p. Call 0844 871 1515.

Autumn-Inspired Art Tuesday 27 October : 1.0 - 4.0 pm at the Harcourt Arboretum Make a pinwheel using recycled materials and an autumn spinner using natural materials. Adults £3, children free.   01865 343501

Rest in peace

Nicholas John McKisack   b. 13th July 1931, d. 6th August 2009, aged 78.
Nick and Louine and their three daughters moved to Church Road, Sandford, from Belgium in 1977. He had qualified at a Chartered Accountant at 19, the youngest ever in South Africa, and worked in what was then Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, where they married in 1964. In his youth a keen horseman he continued to love animals and his garden. His quiet and practical support of many who suffered in the Civil War and from more recent disasters in Zimbabwe will be remembered. It continued from his hospital bed towards the end.
He became a much appreciated, indispensible member of the community, helping several organizations keep their accounts straight, not least as Treasurer of Sandford Church, and auditor to the local Parish Council and the Village Hall, and Holy family Church, Blackbird Leys. He also helped individuals on financial issues in a pastoral way, always kind, modest and generous with his time, and never fazed. His funeral in St Andrews was a celebration of a good life well lived. We shall miss his humour (including an infectious laugh) and his meticulous work on our accounts over many years, and extend our sympathies to the centre of his life: Louine, Sarah, Catherine (and Nick Jr) and Rosemary, and latterly the grandchildren, Jonathan, William and Sophia.



Ray Norton   b. 8th May 1915, d. 28th July 2009, aged 94.
Ray and Vera bought the garage on Henley road in 1949. It was called Parkers then and had been a 'Shadow Factory' during the war, making Spitfire wings. Magdalen College had owned the land but sold it to Hartwells, so Ray bought the lease. Born in Kings Lynn, mad on cars, he had gone from Wisbech grammar school (where he was a champion boxer, cricketer and footballer) to the Automobile Engineering Training College at Chelsea.
He worked at Hartwell's in the 1930s in electrics, overhauling army vehicles and serving in the LDV and Home Guard (Oxford was not bombed). He married Vera in 1942 and their happy partnership produced Michael (who succeeded him on the Parish Council), Margaret , Patricia, all still local and a great joy to him. The opening of the by-pass in 1964 looked like bad news for Norton's Garage but Ray diversified, installing a new Crypton tune up bay, and taking on a Stirling Moss paint a car franchise, building a new car body shop and doing repairs and MOTs, while Vera bought and sold caravans.
They sold the garage in 1974 but retirement was not for Ray and he soon got a job at the Oxford Poly, equipping the Architecture Department and in charge of the metal and wood workshops. At 66 he learned to fly. They enjoyed travel, and celebrated their golden wedding, but Vera's health deteriorated and she died in 1998, making Ray's last eleven into twilight years, caring for his garden, always missing Vera. But he soldiered on, a bit deaf but looking after

himself, and a regular Sunday worshipper at St Andrew's, a loveable and wholly admirable man, no fuss, quietly getting on with it. We shall miss him, and offer our deepest sympathies to his large and growing family. They have a father, grandfather, great-grandfather to be proud of. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.



Mr Tony (Henry Anthony) Smart   b. 16th Feb. 1925, d. 5th July 2009, aged 84
Tony and Madge came to the Crescent from Marston in 1974. Tony had served in the Essex Regiment during the war, volunteering for a special unit in boats and sent to Burma. After demob in 1946 he returned to Minty's, where he worked over 50 years. Madge died in 1992 and Tony carried on, caring for his garden and enjoying the odd trip to a pub. He was independent and friendly to all and those who knew him will have good memories. We join our sympathies to his step-daughter Norma in Charlbury, to whom he was always Dad, and husband Michael and the four grandchildren and four great grand-children, and to Tony's good neighbours.



Julie Moore   b. 19th March 1958, d. 27th August 2009, aged 51.
Many who go to the Co-op in Cowley Centre, especially those who used the coffee shop where she was manageress before it closed, will be sad to learn of the early death of Julie, who worked there for 23 years, and will want to share with Keith (formerly of 37 Henley Road) and the rest of her family their sympathies. Julie was originally from Cornwall but then lived in Berinsfield.
After marrying in 1977 they lived at 25 Church Road, where Eugene and Tracy were born, before moving to Rose Hill. Julie's last weeks were greatly enriched by the birth of their first grandchild, Phoebe. At her funeral in St Andrew's church Julie's enjoyment of funfairs and deep love of animals were celebrated, and the donations went to the Animal Sanctuary, Stadhampton, where many of her many pets came from.



Nancy Shuter of Ten Acre Park died in August and was buried in Sandford, but the family have requested no obituary.

Waterperry Apple Weekend   9th October to 11th October See and taste numerous different apple varieties, get your mystery apple crops identified by our experts, tour the orchards and bob for apples. Great Pumpkin Hunt   24th October to 1st November Give the kids an exciting challenge over Half Term by taking part in the Great Pumpkin Hunt. The race is on to find 10 pumpkins hidden in the beautiful gardens - and at other locations around the estate - to win a special, seasonal edible prize! No need to book - just turn up. Waterperry, near Wheatley: info from 01844 339254.

Sandford Village Fete

In thanking everyone who contributed to a successful fete in July, including all who bought raffle ticket, gave prizes (including Dennis Harris' beautiful hand-made garden furniture, Lynne's wedding cake (the best in Oxford), free meals at the Four Pillars and King's Arms, free MOT at Sandford garage, enough bottles to float a battleship and an objet d'art from the Tate and saleables), made cakes, gave of their time (including setting it all up).

We thank especially local businesses which bucked the recession and sponsored it, including Kevin Allen (Church Road), the best carpet fitter known to us (and trainer of the next generation). Also Jason and Nicola Caffel whose scaffolding business has won a great reputation for good work at the most competitive low cost (because family business with low overheads). Also Carol and Clive of Lamb Catering (Burra Close) - one can hardly go to a good party around here without finding them at work doing excellent food, and Michael and Sue Norton, chief saddle-makers.

A welcome addition this year was the stylish celebration of the Oxford Academy's first birthday, with among many other things a French café, bushcraft, musical, dance and drama performances and many exhibitions and demonstrations. It was excellent to have this link with our local secondary school. Next year - 2nd Saturday in July as usual



Photography Competition 2009

Thanks to all for the impressive array of entries for the photography competition - the adult standard was so high the judge decided to award 2nd and 3rd places to those who narrowly missed out on the top slot. And thanks to George for his conscientious and thoughtful judging.

Adults:
Sandford	1st Sue Franklin	2nd Jim Davis	3rd Ed Burrell
General	1st Kate Lovell	2nd Sue Facey	3rd Jim Davis
People	1st Rachel Roxburgh	2nd Pete Burrell	3rd Sue Facey
Animals	1st Leslie Rhodes	2nd Jim Davis	3rd Chris Lewis
11 - 18
Sandford	1st Claudia Boyle
Animals	1st Claudia Boyle
10 and under
People	1st Phoebe Edgar
General	1st Oliver Northcott
Animals	1st Chloe Kilpin

Three ways of being a Christian - a cross-bench view.

Some Muslims follow the way of spiritual enlightenment explored by the Sufis, the Tariqah. Others perform the rituals, obey the law, revere the Qur'an and the Prophet, i.e. practise their religion as a whole. Others again are more selective. Similarly some Christians, including many church-goers, follow a spiritual journey to an experience of God.
Others are the second type - they go to church more or less regularly to worship and this informs and inspires their daily life and work. They are often content to leave open matters of belief that have no obvious bearing on that.

A third group are Christian in the broad sense of accepting much of the value system and perhaps being open to some transcendent reality without joining in except on special occasions when childhood memories can be reactivated. Many of them support the churches financially, some very generously, especially in Germany where 'church tax' is a (voluntary) part of their income tax and even in France where income tax contributes to the maintenance of church buildings because these are recognized as national treasures.

The three types are not watertight. People move from one to another at different stages of life - both ways. One reason for making the effort to progress is that all the pressures are the other way - a downward slippage and losing contact with the tradition that shaped us and that calls some to a deeper knowledge and experience of what it is to be human. This life in community is supported by most religious institutions which is why they try to overcome their past history of divisiveness.

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

CALLING ALL PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS  Are you a good listener?   Do you enjoy being with young children?     Could you spare 2-3 hours a week?        Would you be interested in becoming a volunteer with Home-Start? We offer support, friendship and practical help to local families in their homes, and our next preparation course will start on 2nd October. For more information please call 01865 779991.

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 ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council
held on Monday July 6th 2009

Matters discussed:   Mrs H Hutton had regretfully tendered her resignation. She thought that there was a possibility of improvements in the Park Homes management, she had served for many years and thought it was time to pass on the duty. She would still be involved with IPAS and no doubt many other community activities. The council resolved to thank Hazel for all her hard work and long years of service.

L. Lindsay Gale was congratulated on her success in becoming our new county councillor.

N Northcott had spoken to someone in Iris Hayter House and explained the new rubbish collection system to them.

Casual vacancy: Susanne Wilson was welcomed and co-opted to serve on the council until the next elections. There was now another casual vacancy due to Mrs Hutton's resignation, clerk would post the advertisement.

20mph speed limit for Church Rd. There was a widespread agreement that this would be a great improvement if possible to achieve. The County was looking favourably on the introduction of lower speed limits in villages and was monitoring the experiments in the City. Clerk would write to Ian Hudspeth with copy to Peter Ronald to request a new speed limit in Church Road.

NAG and noise. K Welch would pick up concerns re. traffic and noise issues with the NAG - he was now a member of the group. PC Paul Gardiner had said he would attend some parish council meetings. Kevin would invite him to our September meeting.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy groups 'a practical and helpful way to tackle your problems' Autumn groups: Anxiety, Abingdon, Tuesdays 2.0 p.m. starting 6th October Depression, Abingdon, Tuesdays 6.30 p.m. starting 6th October Depression, Oxford, Mondays 12 noon, starting 5th October Self-esteem, Banbury, Mondays 10.30, starting 5th October Skills for Life, Oxford, Wednesdays 9.30, starting 14th October Information from Holly Weston on 01865 263734 or email: holly.weston @ oxfordshire-mind.org.uk

K Welch would ask S Paine what was happening about the Pheasant Walk demolished wall and overgrown grass. Clerk would investigate land ownership and responsibility. There was uncertainty due to the fact of the original developers (Westbury Homes) going bankrupt and handing over to Persimmon who in turn had gone bankrupt and there had never been a proper hand over via SODC

The parish council wished to record thanks to the organisers of the recent 'Professor Bumm' entertainment in the village hall. It had taken a lot of work but been a great success attracting an appreciative audience who then continued the fun in the recreation ground afterwards.
It was hoped to be able to offer other cultural events in the future.



Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council
held on Monday Sept 7th 2009

Matters discussed: K Welch had investigated future entertainment for the hall and had provisionally booked the Oxford Touring Theatre for next March.
The new planters were looking good and there was one more to be installed. 2008/09 Audit report: - The Annual Return was presented and was approved and accepted by council.

Internal audit:- Due to the sudden and sad death of Mr McKisack the parish council would have to make other arrangements for the annual internal audit of books prior to the official audit. Mr McKisack had generously offered his services free for many years and his unobtrusive professionalism had been much appreciated.

Pheasant Walk wall:- the loose bricks would be removed and the grass area added to the grass cutting schedule next year. The County Council were arranging to have bushes cut back wherever they overhung adopted areas.

Youth Club: Michelle said that she would have to stop running the youth club from the end of this term and it was proving difficult to find a successor. The council wished to express gratitude for the excellent youth club which Sandford had enjoyed during the last few years and would do everything possible to keep the club running. Daffodil bulbs would be planted once more.

It was regretted that OCC were intending to close the bridge to Kennington for 13 weeks next year for repairs.