Autumn 2010             Issue 119

TALKING SHOP A community shop for Sandford? What would you like...   see pages 3 and centre

HARVEST FESTIVAL AND LUNCH Sunday October 3rd Harvest gifts to go to Steppin' Stones:   see page 2

SANDFORD HYDROPOWER SCHEME Should we use our river to generate electricity? see page 5

ALL SOULS MEMORIAL SERVICE 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 FESTIVALand LUNCH Sunday 3rd 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 3rd 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.

All Souls Memorial Service The All Souls service will be at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday 31st October in St Andrew's church, at which everyone is invited to light a candle in memory of someone they wish to remember especially. Names to be read out are given to vicar or wardens beforehand if possible.

Talking Shop   A community shop for Sandford

We are an action group working to set up a community shop in Sandfordon- Thames. We aim to develop a sustainable community enterprise that will feed its profits back into local projects. We wish to offer people fresh, local and affordable produce - as well as the basics.
We envisage the shop as a community hub where local residents can meet neighbours, catch up on local news and even train or get work experience. We will strive to reuse and recycle materials and generate our own energy.

We launched the idea at the Sandford Fete. Of 66 questionnaires completed so far, everyone registered support. We plan to go door to door throughout the village in the next couple of months to get a more detailed understanding of the community's views but we're excited by the overwhelmingly positive response so far.

Farewell
A party followed a 10.0 service in August to say goodbye to Miss Jane Ford as her developing illness forced her to give up her cottage on Henley Road and move to her sister Anne near Ludlow. She was a model parishioner, always visible in the village clearing drains and removing litter, and cultivating her garden. Earlier she served as secretary to the PCC and for many years was an active contralto in the choir. A talented artist, some of her paintings are still treasured. We shall miss her but wish her well on the next step along life's way.


Andy Glyn writes:
The guys in Aftershock would like to say that they were very happy to provide some musical entertainment at the Fete on Saturday 10th July. Everyone was very appreciative and made us very welcome. We are a local band and have played many gigs in and around Oxfordshire over the years. We have a website www.After-shock.org.uk if you would like to see where we are playing next. We are often approached to play parties and other functions so if you need some live music... gives us a call!



Welcome
to King's Arms new manager, Esther Farnsworth, with Lincoln and Ethan, who have come here from Marlow and are hugely excited about the place and keen to be involved in village life.

CHELSEA LAKEMAN CUP   Laura Earp writes:

Saturday 28th August brought to the village the annual charity darts match to raise money for (1) Helen and Douglas House, and (2) Rosy. The match kicked off at 8pm at the Catherine Wheel with 32 players playing one to one against each other and the winner of 'best of three' was going through to the next round.
With the darts match in full swing, Susan King was busy selling the raffle tickets for all the great prizes which had been donated, Laura Earp was selling the 'Free MOT' raffle tickets and Michelle King was selling the names for Guess the 'Renamed Eeyore'.
It was a very exciting and tense moment when the final came... with Alan Bremner beating John Loveridge. They shook hands and Rose Lakeman presented Alan with the Chelsea Lakeman Cup trophy.

Monies raised are as follows:
Entrants to Darts Match and Donations £260; Raffle £141; MOT Raffle £81; Rename Eeyore £45; Steve Brookings Mallets Mallet Competition £43; Catherine Wheel's Lottery Bonus Ball Donation £100; Laura Earp's final whip round at the end of the night £60.
£750 was raised in total and will be split between the two charities.

The family would like to thank everyone for their continued support each year to raise money for the charities that look after very ill children like Chelsea.



OXFORDSHIRE CAR SHARE   www.oxfordshirecarshare.com
provides a matching service for all those who live, work and travel in and around Oxfordshire as well as for longer journeys outside the county. Open to both drivers and non-drivers, you can choose a travelling companion or companions, significantly reduce petrol and parking costs, decrease pollution and cut rush-hour congestion in the process. There are no obligations involved in signing up for the service - members can use it as often as they like and in the way they like.
The scheme also allows users to set parameters about the kind of person they wish to share with, such as specifying a particular age group or gender. The first ever Low Carbon Champion Awards have named liftshare's founder, Ali Clabburn, winner... There are currently 389,794 car sharers registered with the liftshare network.

Sandford Hydropower scheme

On August 10th a public meeting was held in the village hall and more than 30 people heard Brendan Barrow (B.Spoke eWaterpower) describe briefly the prefeasibility study he had carried out for Sandford's proposed leap into sustainability. He had examined the potential for hydro generation at Sandford Weir - known as 'the Lasher' and found that it is the best site on the non-tidal Thames
.
There is a water head of 2.69m. and from water flow data obtained from the Environment Agency he calculated that 3no. 3.7m diameter Hydrodynamic Screws could be supported. The best site for the screws would be adjacent to the western edge of the existing weir on the Kennington side. There was good access to this point except for the initial delivery of the screws because due to their diameter they would not fit under the railway bridge in Sandford Lane for road access and they would not fit under the river bridge for water access. "This challenge requires further investigation and thought but is not seen as a stopper."

Cost: the cost of 3 screws would be about 500,000.00 and there would be a similar construction sum and also other costs associated with feasibility and design costs as well as ecological studies.
Revenue potential: based on the power potential of the screw and averaged over the year (say170kw) and allowing for a feed in tariff of about £1200 per kw year would be in the region of 200,000per annum.
Environmental issues: there are no concerns regarding the ecological impact of screws on river flows and local eco systems. Test have shown that fish of all sizes are not damaged. Protected species and nesting bird surveys would have to be carried out.

Next steps for a feasibility study:
1. Land ownership (Oxford Preservation Trust) lease and access issues
2. Formation of a community group
3. Collation of levels data (this is an essential if tedious task which involves collating the 4 times daily water level data collected by the lock keeper and tabulating it for a ten year period)
4. Environmental surveys to be arranged
5. Discussion with the Environment Agency and SODC planning.

Case History
Dave Holt from Goring spoke and gave a PowerPoint presentation showing the progress of Goring's Hydrogenation project. As pioneers and with more

physical obstacles than us the project had been in train for several years but was approaching completion. It was admirable for the persistence and dedication of the volunteers and notable for the way in which the community had been pulled together and embraced the idea of becoming a sustainable community.

Proposed re-development of 41-45 Sandford Road
(Iris Hayter House & Loch Giel)

These are properties managed by 'Response' which is a mental health charity (formerly known as 'Oxford Group Homes'). They are responsible for housing 219 people through out Oxfordshire, with 22 residents on the Sandford Road site at present. They are a 'not for profit' charity but are struggling to maintain the site with this few residents, and hope to develop so that up to 36 residents can be housed, either in self contained small flats or in a more sheltered arrangement with individual bedrooms and facilities such as assisted bathrooms and restaurant on site.

The present accommodation is sub standard both in construction terms and accommodation space - with several shared rooms at present - which is unacceptable today. The new accommodation will be owned and managed by OCHA (Oxford Citizen's Housing Association) whose architects have had preliminary consultations with the SODC planners.

When they have got some ideas and had some discussions with the landowners they would like to hold a joint public meeting in the village hall to meet Sandford residents and consult on the plans before putting in a planning application. They hope to start work next year. The meeting will be held in October so please watch the notice boards for the date and time arranged because it will be before the next Link.

BINGO in the Village Hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 in aid of Village Hall funds.	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]
TODDLERS GROUP Every Monday from 10-12. Open all year round, apart from Bank Holidays. 0-4 year olds. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers welcome, Craft activity every week. £1 per family, first session free! Cath 776320
	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
Mobile Library every two weeks on THURSDAY 2:20 until 2:40 at Oxford Park Homes Next: September 24th. [more info]
FAREWELL Emma and Paul who have left the King's Arms after a brilliant Blitzkrieg renovating it and building a bistro. We wish them well at the Barley Mow, Clifton Hamden, a bit further down the river.	Roy Pagett Photography a friendly, professional photography service Templars Square Shopping Centre 132-133 Pound Way, Oxford roypagett @ hotmail.com 01865 395537

Religious Services

The phrase has become ambiguous in a society that treats things as a commodity. We used to have doctors, teachers, vicars etc. where the personal relationship is important, and some of us still do, but others think of the government 'providing' services - health, refuse collection, police etc. The church noticeboard lists 'services' - times where public worship is offered to God by and in a local community.

But from another perspective 'religious services' are seen as amenities on offer in a locality. So the Church building and Garden of Remembrance becomes a facility for individuals who choose to use it, and we sometimes get a telephone call or email from someone outside the village asking 'do you do various sorts of things (some we do, others we don't), from people not wanting to be part of the community. If that's how the world is we try to be accommodating, but at some point also to say that 'religious services' are different - the worship of God expresses a relationship to God and to the world and to each other, which is how things ought to be.

That is why baptism involves preparation whereas anyone can bring their new baby along for a blessing, acknowledging their wonder and gratitude at a new life, without any more than a call to check the time. Everyone is invited, many called, but membership of the Christian community is a challenge as well as a joy.

Some prefer other paths or no paths. How we decide to make sense of our lives is a matter of choice, and some options are more immediately gratifying than others. Learning a language - the symbols that carry meaning, the rules that give guidance, the words that uplift, and express gratitude or sorrow or joy or wonder, or all those things - is a serious business, and takes time.

Like life itself. And its ending. How we handle the transitions of life from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, employment, love, trust, parenthood, ageing, loss, hope - how we come to terms with our own mortality, or cope with the loss of someone who is precious to us - in all those areas 'religious services' in both meanings of the phrase have been found helpful.



Friends of St Andrew's
The care and maintenance of historic churches is by voluntary subscription or donations, much of it from people who use them regularly or occasionally, and some from local people who are just glad these

building exist, both as part of our heritage and a pointer to transcendence. Central government does not contribute directly but adds in the standard rate tax paid through Gift Aid when requested. Regular worshippers cover most of the national cost of paid clergy, housing and pensions, some by a dedicated portion of their disposable income, but we are very grateful that local costs are shared by a wider band in the neighbourhood.
Some give by supporting fund-raising efforts such as the Fete and raffle, Quiz Night, etc., others by standing order e.g. £10 a month, usually Giftaided. Anyone not already on board who would like to become a Friend of St Andrew's in this way is invited to contact the vicar or covenants secretary. And thanks to everyone for their support for another enjoyable fete.

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.

A community shop for Sandford Want to be able to walk to the shop? Buy great fresh local produce? Bump into your neighbours as you pick up the paper? AND buy your milk from a shop that feeds its profits back into the community? - We do!

For most villages the shop or post office is so much more than a place to pick up the essentials. It can be a vital lynchpin for village life - a meeting place, somewhere to tap into what's going on locally and for people without transport, a welcome link with the outside world. We're a group of Sandford-on-Thames residents working together to bring a shop back to the village. We have lots of ideas but we want to make sure the store meets the community's needs. This questionnaire is one of the first steps. We need to know your views - we want to understand what you'd like from a local shop and we want to hear from those people who'd like to get involved. Please take this questionnaire away with you, answer the questions honestly and feel free to leave it anonymous. You can return it to the marked boxes in the village hall or in St Andrew's church. Whichever is most convenient. We'll also be coming door to door in the next few weeks, so please let us know if you have more thoughts then. Abi Johnson Debbie Smythe Gilly Chalk Helena Thomaides-Brears Rebecca Murcott If you wish to speak directly to someone about this project please contact Abi on 774661.

Thank you very much for taking the time to fill out the questionnaire. Tick or circle as you like. 1.   Do you think it's important to have a shop in the village?     Yes / No 2.   Would any of the following encourage you to use a shop in the village? Delicatessen Fresh meat and fish Home-made produce Local produce Fresh fruit and veg Take-away hot drinks Bakery items Pet food Newspapers / magazines Stationery and cards 3.   Would you make use of any of the following services? Delivery Service Prescription collection service Post Office Advertisement Board 4.   Is there anything else you would really want to see? ..................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................... 5.   When would you be most likely to use a shop in the village? Mon-Fri     Sat     Sun Before 8am     ---           ---        --- 8am - 12 noon     ---           ---        --- 12 noon - 3pm     ---           ---        --- 3pm - 6pm     ---           ---        --- 6pm - 7pm     ---           ---        --- 7pm - 9pm     ---           ---        --- 6.   Where do you currently do your a) main weekly shop? ................................................................................... b) convenience / top up shopping? ............................................................... c) any specialist grocery, bakery, meat, fish? ...............................................

7.   How does your household usually shop? On the way to/from work: Main shop     Top up On the way to/from school: Main shop     Top up Special trip at the weekend: Main shop     Top up Special trip in the evening: Main shop     Top up Special trip during the day: Main shop     Top up Online: Main shop     Top up 8.   Would you or anyone in your household be interested in helping the Community Shop project in any way? Yes   /   No 9.   Please indicate in what ways you would be willing to help: Helping with fundraising Helping with publicity   Volunteering to work in the shop Making a donation   Buying a share Providing professional advice (please specify your skill or profession): ................................................................................................................ Any other ................................................................................................ 10. How many people in each age range share your household:   0-5       .......     6-16     .......     17-25    ....... 26-45     .......    46-65    .......     65+       ....... 11. Do you live here:     Full time       Part time       Occasionally 12. How many cars are there in your household? ........................... Your contact details - (if you'd like to get involved or be kept up to date) Name .................................................................................................... Email / tel ..............................................................................................

Rest in peace

Martin Pitson   born 9th April 1936, died 27th July 2010, aged 74

Martin was born and brought up in Henley Road, the third son of Charlie, churchwarden, and Elsie, church caretaker, and like his brother David was taught the organ by Miss Mumford, whom he succeeded as church organist when she died in 1955.

Together with Avis Langsbury and Robin Kerrod he passed the scholarship under Mrs Theobald, who had just succeeded Miss Ellis and raised academic standards at the village school, so they went on to Oxford (Southfield in his case) - no mixed secondary schools then. He worked briefly in the library, then after National Service went on to work as clerk to the magistrates in Abingdon, performing marriages and assisting Norman Challenor, the coroner.

In 1964 he married Anne and they were blessed with two sons, Stephen and David. His enthusiasm and skill at the church organ were legendary and he rebuilt the choir, adding a cheerful note to it all. A serious cancer was diagnosed 17 years ago, but with great fortitude and a positive attitude he underwent various treatments and was granted a wonderful extension of life. His warmth and gentleness will be remembered.

A service of thanksgiving was held at St Andrews on 10th September. His grandchildren Imogen and Ellen joined brother-in-law Nick in the family tribute, and the vicar reflected on happy relationships between clergy and musicians. The choir sang anthems, and all sang, as he wished, 'one more step along the road we go - and it's from the old I travel to the new. Keep me travelling along with you'.
We offer Anne and all the family our love and deepest sympathies in a loss that many of us, in different ways, share in.



Percy Leach   born 27th July 1925, died 27th July 2010

Joyce and Percy Leach lived in Church Road for 30 years until they moved 'over the water' to Kennington in 2000. In his Sandford days, Percy was a very recognisable figure as he cycled about all over the place. He used to work at the old Pressed Steel factory as an accounts clerk, until he managed to take an early retirement in 1986. When Percy

and Joyce married they bought a house in Barnes Road, Cowley, which was a very different place - pre Blackbird Leys - from what it is now. It must have been quite idyllic on the very edge of town and with allotments behind and trees in front. The move to Sandford came in 1970 and was a good one. It lasted for 30 years until the lack of good transport in the village and the need for a smaller garden persuaded them to move.
Percy was a good and caring husband, worker and provider for his family, and in his quiet way a worthy and contributing citizen.



Mary Reynolds   born 11th November 1924, died 11th September 2010

Mary came to the village in 1999 from Saffron Walden, twice widowed, and soon made herself a much-loved member of St Andrew's and a distinctive presence in Sandford, walking miles, with a smile for everyone, joining in with zest and combining her Sunday duties here with St Aldates on Wednesdays. She made friends wherever she went and was not afraid to say what she believed and thought. Her Quaker background and continued activities had given her independence of mind with a deep faith.

Her special pleasures were music, including conducting choirs, and gardening, having trained in horticulture at Reading and then taught in the war. When she moved to Kirlena Home this summer she at once took the garden on board, and she was thrilled to have one daughter Celia and family nearby (Batten Close) and another, Helen, fairly near.

Her final illness was rapid, but her son Stephen and one grandson Josh were able to get back to be with her. We offer them all our sympathy and prayers. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. A service of thanks-giving for Mary's life will be held at St Andrew's following cremation.



Memorial Service

New Marston Church of England school (St Michael's) held a wonderful memorial service for Linda Hackett in their fields on June 15th - every year group made a contribution, telling us what Linda meant to them, and the teaching and admin staff spoke brilliantly. The high point was a recording of Linda herself laughing - at length and wild and long! We all joined in, and felt she was with us. Well done, Sue, the head, and a special occasion for Andy and Chris and Jean too.

Photography competition

A smaller entry than last year, but the same high standards set by the judges, Roy and Amanda Pagett. Kevin Welch was prevented from achieving a clean sweep of first prizes in the adult categories by Richard Christopher, and the 11-18 prizes went to Honor and Claudia Boyle.

Is this your rabbit?
If so, and you are under 11, you have won first prize in that age group and have a small prize owing to you. Please ring 748848 to claim.



Sandford River Run

The 21st annual River Run took place as ever on the last Saturday of June at 5.0 p.m., even though the delay in bridge repairs meant a trip up river to Iffley (Isis pub, but no-one was tempted). The temporary closure of Kings Arms also skewered the idea of an old geezers' division stopping at that point for refuelling. Hot weather, world cup, and Wimbledon led to the lowest entry ever, but all individual performances were impressive.

The Sandford Shield returns to River View after victory by Jon Tylor, a veteran of the Parish marathon, in 31 mins 39 secs; silver was Andrew Hope, first ever winner in 1990, who had to be content with the half empty tankard for oldest competitor. Bronze was won by Vince Boyle in 38.08 - a highly commendable time over 5 miles. In the 3 mile race, fastest woman in Sandford and winner of Women's Cup was Sian Riley in 24.278.

Other respectable times achieved by Paul Patterson and Michael Cook (both 26.54), and Jim Davis 31.14 (last year Jim's time was 31.40, so as he moves up a division he also clips 26 seconds off his time in this his 11th River Run (close to the record). Congratulations, Jim - may your multi-medal winning sons, Paul and Joe, emulate you one day!
In the children's division gold and 'promising youngster's' awards were both won by Toby Patterson of Janaway, in 24.34.

Thanks to stewards, time-keepers, medics - and all who sponsored Sian on her again winning the fund-raising plate for highest sponsorship. Injury, work, holidays and adolescence deprived this year's race of some of its notable veterans - Sarah and Geoff, Mark, Gill and Giles, John Creed - we hope to see them back next year. Get June 25th in diaries please.
A reminder that you can check your previous times in the River Run section of www.sandfordonthames.co.uk which gives the full results from 1990.

Summer Fete and Flower Festival

As usual the Sandford Flower festival was reckoned among the best in the County - congratulations to Marjorie and all her team (Bev, two Sues, Diana, Pam, Andy, Jo, Liz and from outside Mo and Kathleen). The Green sermon on the environment which ended the Festival can be read on Sandford website. The Fete on 10th July had great weather and was raised to new heights by the live rock band Aftershock - big thanks to Andy, Glynn and all his comusicians on raising the musical tempo - it was memorable. (See page 3 for website). Thanks to all stall-holders, donors and to the village as a whole for generosity in buying raffle tickets, and sharing news and views at the same time.

Winning numbers were listed - Dennis Harris' beautiful handmade garden furniture was much admired. Thanks also to Tim and Rob for free MOT at Sandford garage, to Kings Arms and Four Pillars for generous meal vouchers and many other and consolatory bottle prizes, to Lynne Hawkins for a splendid wedding cake from the best cake-maker in Oxford, and many consolatory bottles prizes. The sponsorship of Browns Saddlers (Mike and Sue Norton), 001 taxis (Tony Green), Lamb Catering (Tasker family), B & M Engineers (Gary Bryant), Copier Co (Peter and Linda Lamble), Kevin Allen, carpet fitting and Jason's scaffolding, was again much appreciated.

The tent with local history of Sandford was an eye-opener to many - congratulations to our local historian/parish clerk. No backs were damaged in the tug of war... But looking back at the end of the summer what is most striking is how many people helped to make this a community event. Without hoping to mention everyone there were muscle-men setting it all up and dismantling - Keith Baker, Tom Fox, James Kumar, Steph Pugh, Sean Devereux, Francis Shatford, Charlie Wilson, Mick Hills, Paul Daglish and Sean McCarthy. Also Eileen Naish, Margaret Painton, Marilyn Rugg and Alice Daglish, Brian and Lucille and Jackie and others on teas, Diane, Kevin, Anna and Andy on drinks, Bev Christopher as acting treasurer, Richard Christopher compering,

Deirdre Hole, Andy and Jo Bridge on raffle, Sue Bradshaw in various roles, Maurice Earp BBQ, Roy and Amanda Pagett doing photo competition, Rachel Williams' jewellery, Jo and Rob on bouncy slide, Rebecca Henry, Michael, Ebonnee with children's games, Ray's card game, Leslie and Angela Rhodes and Alan on tombola, Liz, Sue, Kathleen, Ann on plants, Thomas and Helena Bradley on rolling ball game, Sue, Doug and Isobel on coconuts, and the bric a brac and books teams, Pam, Kate, Mavis, Irena and Rosie; Annie Clark, Hamish, Geoff, Trudie, Isobel and Alison; Mick and Tricia on ice creams.
Great teamwork, and a great day.

What Sandford People Do:

Parishoners with an interest in astronomy and history of science will enjoy British University Observatories 1772-1939¸ by Roger Hutchins, of Pheasant Walk. His heavily illustrated and impressively indexed work relates the histories of all six university observatories that undertook research before World War Two - Oxford, Dunsink (Trinity Dublin), Cambridge, Durham, Glasgow and London. He offers the first full histories of the Oxford and Cambridge observatories.

The Radcliffe Observatory was built for Oxford's professor of astronomy, but use of it was clumsily lost in 1839. Under pressure to reform its science teaching, the University built its own new observatory in the Parks in 1875. Two observatories, one private the other university, within half a mile, led to poisonous politics and a professor dying of stress. His brilliant young replacement acquired a new solar telescope and in Oxford inaugerated the first formal school of astrophysics in the country.

The need for patronage, the struggle to replace obsolete telescopes, murky institutional politics in several universities, and the stories of astronomers and their assistants are all here. By comparing the fluctuating histories of the six observatories, the author shows that the importance of the group out-weighed any one observatory, created a tradition, and trained the graduates who would lead Britain's postwar advance in to astrophysics.

Published in 2008 by Ashgate, their website now includes excerpts from numerous reviews (and offers a discount of 10%!). If you Google the book's title the books.google site enables you to select a section to read on line. Google's modern miracle assisting a Sandford local?

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

Go Active in South Oxfordshire
www.getoxfordshireactive.org The following sports activities have been announced by Go-Active... please check times etc. before turning up.

Touch Rugby in Wallingford
It's social, it's fun, it's mixed - ideal for absolute beginners! Wallingford Sports Park. Mondays, 6, 13, 20, 27 September 2010 7 - 8.30pm. www.in2touch.com/uk or contact Paul on 07540 539123

FREE Swimming Lessons for 50+
Abbey Sports Centre in Berinsfield Tuesdays 3.15 - 4pm To book call 01865 341035

Return 2 Netball
Rediscover the fun in Netball - or come along and try it for the first time! Only £3 per session. RAF Benson Wednesdays 7.30 - 8.30pm.

Tai Chi Taster Session in Clifton Hampden
Clifton Hampden Surgery, Watery Lane Wednesdays 1.30 - 2pm £2 Call 01491 823175 to check it's happening and book your place.

Learn to wakeboard and water ski in Berinsfield
Enjoy a fun day out; whether trying waterskiing or wakeboarding for the first time, or honing your existing skills. Oxford Wakeboard and Ski Club Queenford Lake, Dorchester-on-Thames, OX10 7PQ. To book call 07974 369982: quote "GO Active" for your 10% discount. www.oxfordwsc.com.

Salsa in Berinsfield
Get fit to the rhythm of the music. Abbey Sports Centre, Berinsfield. Thursdays 7.30 - 8.30. £3.50 per session.

P. EVANS Local builder, carpenter. Extensions, doors, windows, flooring, decking etc. No job too small. Call for free quotation 01865 774592 Mobile 07502 390005

Extracts from meeting held on Monday July 05 2010

One of the new notice boards was now up, it looked very good, the other, in Heyford Hill Lane was in hand.
Dawn Hunt had hoped to attend this meeting but could not. She had replied regarding the parking in Church Road problem that parking on double yellows could be dealt with in the usual way, i.e. tickets, but parking on pavements was problematic. If a car blocked the pavement totally so that a member of the public could not pass, that was an offence but an officer had to see this happen. The matter would be best tackled at NAG. Gutter weeding was in hand.

Matters for consideration:
Planter box management. Geoff Surman was willing to take on management of the planter boxes for £300 p.a. He would bill parish council for necessary materials. Michelle Robson very kindly agreed to weed the one opposite H.H.Lane with her two boys at the start of the holidays.

Broadhurst Gardens hedge maintenance. It was agreed to pay BCB for the work on the large hedge adjoining the Broadhurst Gardens play area. NAG questionnaires, these had not come, K Welch would chase up. Faulty speed sign. Clerk had emailed P Ronald following last meeting but with no result. A follow up would suggest that the sign be moved from that location to further down the village near the existing sign but on the opposite side of the road.

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

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

Extracts from meeting held on Monday September 6th 2010

Matters for consideration
Proposed re-development of 41-45 Sandford Rd. - Response was proposing to redevelop these sites with a view to providing improved accommodation for 36 long stay patients. At present there were 22 residing in the two sites. The present accommodation is well below desirable standards and it was not a viable option to extend or upgrade the present buildings. 36 was the minimum number to be financially viable. It was intended to call a public consultation meeting in the village hall in October, before putting in a planning application. There was a lot of work to do before then, including agreements with landowners and fundraising.

Four Pillars proposed development: All parish councillors hoped to attend a meeting at the Four Pillars on Monday 13th at 6.00pm to see the plans.
Church Road on-road parking: This was causing a serious problem now that the King's Arms had started charging for their car park. OCC had been asked to put down 'keep clear' signs but in view of the way that existing parking restrictions were ignored there were no great hopes of change.

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09/10 Audit return: The Annual Return was presented and was approved and accepted by council. Mrs Eugenia Skelly was thanked for her work as honorary internal auditor.
Village hall update: S. Paine had enjoyed a good meeting with the village hall committee. All was working well at present and there was £11,000 on deposit so foreseeable expenses maintenance costs could be met. There was a good diary of bookings at the moment . The front and entrance were scruffy and a plan for work there, including the bushes and ditch along the front were needed. If produced in time this could be incorporated in next year's parish council budget.

Community shop: 3 Sandford residents had formed a group to investigate the possibility of starting a 'not for profit' community shop with a view to providing a central location for people to meet for a coffee, buy local produce and a few staples, notice board, 'electronic post office' etc. They were looking for a central site which would take a small temporary structure to start with and were offered the possibility of using an existing large garage. It was very early days yet and S. Paine offered his services to help them compile a business plan and ideas for funding. A lot of interest had been expressed by local people and offers of help, but these would have to be firmed up before details of planning and management could become realistic.

Sandford Weir: A précis of the public meeting held in August regarding the installation of a sustainable hydropower scheme would be appearing in the next edition of The Link which was coming soon.
Vision and Plan for Sandford 2011: The Parish Plan was now out of date and a discussion was held to decide the way forward. The headings were:-
'what is it for?'
'how do we do it? i.e. manually as before or electronically'
'should it take the form of an update to the present one? Or be a fresh version. It was decided to bring ideas to a future meeting
Matters raised
Some Church Road residents had formed a task force to take over management of the flower box at the top of the road.