Winter 2010             Issue 120

Happy Christmas and New Year Christmas Services See page 2 Sandford Hydro Generation Project See page 7 Community Shop See page 3 Zumba in the Village Hall See page 8

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

CHRISTMAS SERVICES SUNDAY 19th DECEMBER: 6.30 p.m. CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE CHRISTMAS EVE: 4.0 p.m. CRIB SERVICE A crib 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. PARISH COMMUNION BOXING DAY:   10.0 a.m. PARISH COMMUNION with carols

Talking Shop for Sandford Exciting Progress: We've spoken to 131 households so far 94% want a shop in the village Nearly half have offered to help THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! New Year... ...New Shop? Let's at least start with a party! Saturday January 8th 2011, 10.30 a.m. at the Village Hall Hot drinks, delicious home baking, a prize draw. Bring the whole family       Come and see ideas for the shop so far Have your say       Find out how you could get involved Hear about other community shops Community shops are very different from ordinary ones - they are owned and run by the community for the community and profits go back into other local projects. Please ring us anytime if you'd like to get involved (Abi 774661): at the moment we particularly need help with fundraising and people with retail experience; and we're always looking for people who'd like to volunteer in the shop.

Littlemore Christmas Lunch Annual Christmas Day Lunch in John Henry Newman Primary School, Grange Road. This is the sixth Christmas Day Lunch, organised by many from the Littlemore Community. Traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, Bingo, Raffle, carol singing and a present for everyone! Suggested donation £2.50 per adult, £1.50 per child. To book (by 18th Dec) or to help, ring Caroline Gale on 01235 200011. Vegetarian option available, transport can be arranged, just let us know!

Faith and Religion

Faith is a loving, trusting and hopeful relation to God. Religion is vaguer, but many who belong to a religion have that faith. Many, however, do not. Some of these attend the church or synagogue or mosque regularly, some occasionally, and some hardly ever. Why do they do it? Many reasons, not all thought out.
Some find an hour a week outside their ordinary life, part of something bigger - helpful. Some prefer to be alone for this - others find other people doing the same thing helpful, and getting to know them a pleasure and privilege. Some like singing; some find the strange words uplifting, even if they understand barely half of them. Some find here one of life's continuities that holds them together and makes them who they are. Some find it reinforces their will to live a decent life and prepares them for a good death.
Most find it somehow adds something to their life and echoes through hidden corners of the heart and mind. The big festivals bring back memories, but the invitation to join in seems to be for ever open. Except that it isn't. The clock is ticking and not deciding to do things is itself a decision and a missed opportunity. The churches and other houses of prayer around here wish all our readers a time of refreshment, renewal of friendships, a happy Christmas and a New Year bringing substance to our dreams.

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

Duty and Joy

Kant was strong on duty, but many today can't be doing with the word and we hear it less. At the traditional 8 a.m. service the minister agrees that 'it is very meet, right, and our bounden duty that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto thee, O Lord', but the new service at 10 introduces a new note: 'It is our duty and our joy...'.
That's a good test - look for the joy in the duty and if you can't see it come and talk about it. It's not a new note. The Psalmist said nearly 3,000 years ago, 'I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live. I will praise my God while I have my being. So shall my words please him. My joy shall be in the Lord' (Ps. 104. 33-34.).

Welcome to Usha Ayyagari and Srinivas Yenugula to Church Road to Danny Rooney and Sarah Kerr to Pheasant Walk to Avelina to Heyford Hill Lane to Simon to Heyford Hill Lane to Clive, Ann, Esme and George to Heyford Hill Lane to Matthew Marter to Church Road to Ganesh and Subathra Rajmohan, Divia and Anjali to Church Road to Tony and Jenny Farley to Kiln Close to Kay and Gerald Cox and Hannah to Kiln Close to Laine Clark-Balzan and Forrest Brennen to Church Roadand Sandford choir to Patrick and Kim and Alysia to Janaway to Warren Allen and Tamara to Church Road to Lucy and Rob to Church Road to Russell and Lucy to Pheasant Walk

Welcome to the world: to Kaya Willow Loch, both 6th May 2010, a first for Lucy and James to Oliver and Myles, born 1st November 2010 to Helen and Louis, brothers for Eloise, more grandchildren for Brad and Marie to Sophia Eleanor Bronwyn Love Critchley, born 4th December to Jessica and Simon, a granddaughter for Jill. to Harry Benjamin, born on 30th September to Jo Hutton and Steve Price, ex-Henley-Road, a brother for Casey, another grandchild for Sam and Yvonne and great grandchild for Hazel. and to another grandchild for Deirdre and Clive of Henley Road

SANDFORD TODDLERS GROUP Every Monday from 10-12: Christmas party Monday 20th 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

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]
IS YOUR HOUSE SAFE? Call Dick Rudman Security 07766 760299 for a free quote/ supply and install new locks, fence and gates. YOUR LOCAL LOCKSMITH 20 Rock Farm Lane
	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 [more info]

the steppin' stones centre, a day centre in East Oxford for homeless and insecurely housed people, are looking for volunteers to help with the day to day running of the centre. 01865 728545 Gifts of food etc. for Steppin' Stones may be left in Sandford church porch, or taken to St Mary's Road, Cowley

Sandford Micro Hydro Generation Project

The power of Sandford weir - 'The Lasher' - has been put to use for over 1,000 years by human beings for milling corn and then for making paper. Today we have even greater demands for power than our forebears, and global climate change is forcing us to think again about where we source that energy.

Parliament has decreed that by 2020 15% of our energy should be generated from a mix of renewable sources and the Environment Agency has said that small scale hydropower schemes could have a useful part to play in meeting this target.

A group of people in Sandford has started to investigate the possibility of installing a hydropower scheme, based on Archimedes screws, adjacent to the large weir. A committee is being formed with the aim of forming a community owned hydropower company with the objectives of:-

	Providing a low impact and useful contribution to the energy needs of the neighbourhood.
	Generating a financial return for investors ( to be recruited locally in the first instance) Surplus would be invested in a separate trust and the funds re-invested in the community.
	Developing social responsibility in the local population through community ownership and use of the plant as an educational opportunity.

A pre-feasibility study has indicated that there are no apparent environmental or ecological problems. The Archimedes Screw is a proven technology with a long life and low maintenance. Three large (3.6M.diameter) screws are proposed with a power potential averaged over the year at 170kw which equates to a reduction of 640 tons of CO2 and is roughly equivalent to the power taken by about 340 houses.

The cost of the screws will be about £500,000 but the total construction costs cannot be accurately predicted until the project has reached a stage when it can go out to tender.

The site of the proposed plant is on the west side of the existing weir sluices and so is on land owned by the Oxford Preservation Trust in the parish of Kennington. An Environment Agency licence has been lodged and a team from the EA has met members of the group at the site but before the project can progress any further the issues of access to the site and leases will have to be agreed and discussions opened with Kennington Parish Council.

The project will be placed on the agenda of the next Kennington Parish Council meeting. The OPT has been given all the information which we hold to date. They are examining the proposal in the light of the effect of environmental impact and wildlife issues in relation to a strategy for alternative energy schemes along the River Thames at Oxford rather than seeing this scheme in isolation.

If the consultations are successful and agreements in principle obtained, then an official company will have to be formed and registered, planning permission will have to be sought, environmental surveys undertaken, funding organised and a full feasibility study into the contract viability commissioned.
For the benefit of the community it is intended to take advantage of the present Feed In Tariff scheme which offers a 20yr contract and pays a percentage for any power fed into the National Grid. Rough estimates indicate that the overall costs can be repaid before 20yrs, the technology has a long life and will continue to provide renewable energy for as long as the river flows and energy needs will always be there.

ZUMBA Fitness Classes start Friday 7th January 2011, 12pm-1pm @ The Village Hall, Sandford on Thames. £4 per class - or bring a friend and you get in half price. LOVE to LIVE, LIVE to PARTY!! Tel Tamara (07725) 403199 for further details

YELLOW DISH that contained a delicious rhubarb crumble for the Harvest Lunch is anxious to return to its owner. Please phone 748848.

Baptisms in Sandford include:
17th January	Casey James William Price-Hutton
4th July	Spencer James Andrews-Byrne
17th October	Warwick-Zion Degas Craven Taylor Darcy Jean Cox
21st November	Millie Page Aline Smith Tyrese Morgan Barrett
Forthcoming:	Roman Lubos, Myles and Oliver, Harry, and Gabriella

Congratulations

to Professor Clare Robertson of Church Road on winning the Salimbeni Prize for the History and Criticism of Art 2010 for her book, The Invention of Annibale Carracci.

to Helen Daglish, formerly of Keene Close, and Jon Townsend, married in St Andrew's church on 3rd October. We share the joy of all the family.

to James Venables, formerly of Broadhurst Gardens, and Robyn, who came back to St Andrew's to be married, this being possible under the new regulations. It was a great reunion with that family who left such good memories in Sandford.

to Angela Howard, recently of Pheasant Walk (and of St Andrew's) and Roger Taylor - we wish them every happiness in Faringdon and trust them to keep in touch with Sandford.


Watch this space
as new babies due on River View and Heyford Hill Lane and Pheasant Walk over Christmas and the New Year - one of them in time to be the Sandford Christ child at the Christmas Day celebrations at St Andrew's.


VILLAGE COMMUNITY
A consultation is projected for the Spring on the village as more than a place to live. All wishing or willing to be involved are asked to contact one of the planning committee or the vicar

SODC writes:     2011 CENSUS

The 2011 Census is coming!
	27 March 2011 is census day
	The census has been taken every ten years since 1801
A census counts everyone and describes society
	The population is always changing: a census collects and then shares facts about society's make-up
Your community and family benefit
	You need to take part so that the services and facilities your community and family uses can be identified and funded - services such as schools, hospitals, emergency services, transport, leisure facilities; also housing, education/training, employment services...
A census is a fantastic source of historical and family-tree information
	After 100 years, records are made available to the public
Define your identity in 2011
	All communities can use census statistics to help gain recognition of their numbers at a national and local level
	Beside the tick-boxes, you can record your own ethnic group, religion, and main language
Your answers are confidential and secure
	Personal census information is never shared with any department in national or regional government, or with anyone in local councils; it is not shared with the border/immigration service, police or any other law enforcement agency.
	Answers on the questionnaires are turned into numbers by statisticians
	The information is kept securely and confidentially by ONS and protected by law (Data Protection Act 1998, Census Act 1920, Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007)
You can complete the census questionnaire on-line
	This is the first census that can be completed on-line (or you can post it back)
	Completing the on-line questionnaire is easy, convenient and secure

Help and support are available
	Help is available on-line from www.census.gov.uk and include large print questionnaires, information booklets, translation booklets in over 50 languages, audio and British Sign Language video guides, Browse-Aloud
	You can telephone the census helpline 0300 0201101 for help in English or 50+ other languages, or to ask for a home visit
	Assisted questionnaire completion sessions will be available in some areas (we will provide guidelines for third parties wishing to run these)
It's compulsory: returning your questionnaire is required by law
	The few people who don't return a questionnaire may be prosecuted - they could face a criminal record and may be fined up to £1,000

South Oxfordshire District Council

Refuse collections over Christmas

Normal collection	Revised collection	Which bin?
Monday 27 December	Wednesday 29 December	Green
Monday 3 January	Thursday 6 January	Grey
Monday 10 January	Wednesday 12 January	Green
Monday 17 January	Tuesday 18 January	Grey

Extra recycling: If you have extra recycling that won't fit in your green bin over Christmas, place it in clear sacks, plastic bags or cardboard boxes and leave it by the side of your recycling bin to collect. They will not pick up extra rubbish next to your grey bin.

Text reminder: If you're inclined to forget the right day you can sign up for a text reminder. Just send a message saying: waste and then your normal collection day to 07797 870370 and you will get a reminder the day before your collection.

Free car parking over Christmas
The council is providing free parking in all its pay and display car from midday on Saturdays 4th, 11th and 18th December,

Lock gate replacement

In January the Environment Agency is going to replace the lower lock gate (the one that was repaired earlier this year) The work will involve bringing the new gates down Church Road and offloading them onto a barge by a crane installed on the wharf. A working compound will be set up on the lock side by the cottage.

The works are scheduled to start in January and complete in March. During this time access to the Kennington side will be via the top lock gate as before and then by a designated path through the field behind the lock keeper's cottage and so back to the normal route.

We are told that this is the only way that the gates can be delivered due to their size and the consequent size of lorry needed to deliver them. It would not fit under the railway bridge in Sandford Lane. Also the crane on the newly fitted out Environment Agency's barge is not large enough to handle the lock gates.

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.

Rest in peace

Geoff Summersby born 28th February 1931, died 10th November 2010 aged 79
Geoff and Jean came to Kiln Close 11 years ago returning to their roots after 30 years farming in Cornwall. Geoff was born and went to school at Aldsworth on the Ridgeway and after National Service trained as a mechanic and repaired machinery for the County Highways and continued to work with the tractor on the farm alongside that. He was widely-read with a passion for history, ancient as well as modern industrial, especially motor-bikes, trains and planes.
He worked till 65 despite suffering many years from ms. He was a deep-thinking man never known to complain about it - a great example of stoic endurance. His illness gave him space to reflect but did not stop him and Jean getting out and about, right up to his last illness. He will be remembered by friends and neighbours as a perfect gentleman, unfailingly courteous, and grateful for his good fortune in spending 40-odd years with the love of his life.
We offer our sincere sympathies to Jean, coupled with admiration for such a wonderful caring partner. And those of us who only saw at a distance will want to add on Geoff and Jean's behalf a salute to Elaine's great friendship and help when needed - especially these past few weeks - a model of good neighbourliness leading to deep and lasting friendships.



Bill Tucker, died 4th October 2010, aged 75
Bill was born in South Devon on 14th October 1934, and lived most of his early life in Salcombe. As a youngster he was a keen participant in all sports. He came to Oxford in search of work where he met June his wife in the 1950's moving to Broadhurst Gardens 20 years ago. Bill was married to June for over 53 years and they have two son's who also live in Sandford, Billie and Malcolm and two daughter-in-laws Gill, Louise. He worked for the Rover car Plant for over 40 years till he retired.
Bill was a very sociable person who liked nothing better than a chat with friends, family and neighbours. He was a keen gardener at not only his garden but that of his sons also. He enjoyed watching Match of the Day especially if his team Arsenal had won. Although Bill was not in the best of health recently he loved being out and about and active whether it be running errands for family and friends or just walking his dog Benji, Bill didn't like sitting around.

John Alfred Leach born 23rd May 1926, died 29th September 2010, aged 84
John's parents moved to Sandford (Henley Road) when he was a lad and he spent most of his life here, going to school in the village and working 42 years in the paper mill. He married Molly in August 1948 and they had four children, John, Ray, Mark and Marlene. Molly died in 1987 and John stayed on at Henley Road for a few years before moving to Wheatley after retiring.
He was a great model trains enthusiast, enjoyed his garden and his dog. Above all he was a likeable decent man, always willing to help, and leaves good memories. He returned as he wished to Sandford Church for his funeral, where his parents are buried. We extend our sympathies to his partner Carol, and to his son Mark and daughter Amanda and their children Glen and Molly, who remain in contact with Sandford, and his daughter Marlene, who also remained very close to him.



New flood warning codes

The Environment Agency has changed the codes it uses to warn people about the risk of floods. These are the new flood warning codes.

A Flood Alert (yellow border, black house) will be used to warn people of the possibility of flooding and encourage them to be alert, stay vigilant and make early preparations for flooding. This will replace the previously issued Flood Watches.	Flooding is possible. Be prepared.
A Flood Warning (red border, black house) will be used to warn people of expected flooding and encourage them to take action.	Flooding is expected. Immediate action required.
A Severe Flood Warning (red border, red house) - will be used when there is a significant risk to life or significant disruption to communities.	Severe flooding. Danger to life.
To check if you are at risk from flooding or to register for the Environment Agency's free Floodline Warnings Direct service, please call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or see www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

SANDFORD ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Extracts from meeting
of the Parish Council held on Monday October 4th 2010

The white 'keep clear' markings at bend in Church Rd had been put down by the OCC and so far people seemed to be respecting them.

Matters for consideration:
Hotel visit - any reflections? The parish council had been invited to meet the Four Pillars hotel Chief Executive, Charles Holmes, Regional Manager Wendy Procter and Oxford Thames Four pillars General Manager Rameth Kurdi to comment on the proposals for a hotel extension presented by their architect John Hallam before it went to Planning. The visit was welcomed and the council was pleased to be consulted and looked forward to future co-operation with the hotel group.

Vision and Plan for Sandford 2011 - follow up from Sept. meeting. There was lengthy discussion and it was agreed that the main impact on the village which could be influenced by the parish council came under the heading environmental. Other items such as traffic problems, state of pavements, roads etc, housing, policing were beyond the remit of the parish council and were dependent on other authorities.
It was agreed to come to the next meeting with suggestions for highways and recreation grounds maintenance and improvements where possible. For instance a plan for the flower boxes, the problem of dog fouling and litter in the Broadhurst Gardens, recreation ground, a re-issue of the Sandford information leaflet, a 'village trail' in conjunction with the Four Pillars and the OPT, ownership of the footbridge at the King's Arms. All these items to be considered in the context of the budget making for next year.

Hedge, Broadhurst Gardens. A letter from a resident had drawn the council's attention to the state of the laurel hedge dividing the Broadhurst Gardens recreation ground from the housing. Apparently roots had been penetrating surface water drains and the hedge was very high and unkempt. Clerk would contact SODC tree officer for an inspection before taking action in case the problem was exacerbated.

Planning: P10/W1378/LB 7 River View. Replace rear window. Agreed.

Matters raised: S Paine had had email from S Daniels (village hall committee chair) asking if anyone knew about a cardboard 'post box' which had appeared in the village hall. No one did. Grit bins for Heyford Hill Lane area and Church Road (clerk would chase up highways)



Extracts from meeting
of the Parish Council held on Monday November 1st 2010

Matters arising:
Salt bins had to be purchased and installed by parish council and the county council would fill them. They would cost 160.00 + VAT each and must be installed on the public highway.
The clerk had consulted the Forestry Officer at SODC about the overgrown Laurel hedge in Broadhurst Gardens. He had said that roots would not interfere with the road drains unless there was a fault in the drain and there would be no harm in cutting the hedge. The clerk would arrange for the hedge to be trimmed by the grounds maintenance contractors. Since the last meeting another complaint had been received from the same area regarding a silver birch tree. The Forestry Officer had said that there was little danger of a silver birch falling unless it was old or diseased. S Paine would take a look to see whether he thought there was any danger.

County Councillor's report:
The County spending review which was under way and would unavoidably result in substantial cuts to many areas of service so some

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

very difficult decisions had to be taken. 200,000,000 had to be saved over the next 5 years.
Gravel extraction:
After much involved negotiation the county had decided not to open up new areas for gravel extraction but to concentrate on existing sites. One of these was Radley and they had included a substantial parcel of land in Nuneham Courtney as well. A new assessment of need based on current figures and projections was under way. A major drawback of the "Sandford, Lower Radley, Nuneham Courtney proposal was that a new processing plant and access arrangements would be required." A road would be built from the end of the Sandford dual carriageway section down across the fields to the site which would of course impact on traffic movements and volume.

Area stewardship - highways:
Structural changes have been made and there is now an Area Steward for the south of the county and two representatives who may be contacted by parishioners on highways matters.
Area Steward: Keith Stenning, Drayton Depot, Milton Rd, Drayton, Oxon OX14 4EZ
Representatives: Norman Howells and John King. Tel 0845 310 1111, Highways & Transport, Oxfordshire County Council, Environment & Economy, PO Box 842, Oxford OX1 9LL
Email, highwaysenquiries@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Matters for consideration:
Preliminary budget making: in addition to the necessary expenditure on regular items it was agreed to allow sums for the various maintenance work items identified in the RoSPA report on playgrounds. 3 salt bins would be purchased and located at Heyford Hill Lane, River View and the Church Road, Henley Road junction. Also other sums relating to landscaping, flower bins etc.

Playground report:
M Robson would bring to the next meeting estimated costings for safety surfaces repairs/replacements including the swing at Broadhurst Gardens (repair or replacement). It was necessary for the spikes to be cut of the fence near the double gate on Church Road.

Community shop - update:
Abi Johnson, Chair, Talking Shop spoke to a paper she had prepared setting out progress since the Sept. parish council meeting and information on next steps to be taken. There was now a constitution and door to door canvassing being undertaken. So far, response had been excellent and very supportive with offers of help in the initial 'shop fitting' stage and then volunteering. It was planned to hold a public meeting/open day before Christmas to give people an opportunity to share ideas and to join specific working parties.
The 'Talking Shop' committee had been offered accommodation for a year in a storeroom to the side of the old Fox inn but would need to identify a longer term site. They had identified a more permanent position in the neighbourhood of the village hall and asked what would be the parish council position as trustees of the hall. S Paine offered to organize a joint meeting with the hall committee as management trustees to discuss this.

Gravel extraction:
The parish council agreed to offer Sandford's support to Nuneham Courtney in their campaign to get this area removed from the proposal on the ground that it was not an existing extraction site.

Matters raised:
M Robson reminded the council of the OPT invitation to do some open air work on the new land on Nov 14. She had put down herself and two sons to volunteer and K Welch intends to go.
The county council was consulting on future arrangements for bus passes. A notice would be pinned on the board. Clerk would contact G Surman again re bulbs. He would be asked to plant containers at Heyford Hill Lane and by the village hall and a residents group would look after the Church Road planter as soon as bulbs arrived.
The lower lock gate was to be repaired and the lock closed from Dec. 06 until next March. E.A. was investigating method of getting the gates to the site but there was no information yet.
The building site at the Vale House development was causing a lot of mud and debris on the road and the roadside verges were being used for parking. Clerk would request of the architect for the site that something be done and the workmen asked to park on the road.

Extracts from meeting
of the Parish Council held on Monday December 6th 2010

Matters raised: The Oxford Preservation Trust tree planting day was a great success and the site was now looking very good. The County Council would not support grit bins except at a dangerous junction to a main road. Owing to the present economic climate none are available this year and so the parish council had bought one from Glasdons for the Church/Henley Road junction which the County would support.

Matters for consideration:
Tree / hedge work at Broadhurst Gardens: it was agreed to ask BCB to carry out substantial cutting back operations to the large Laurel hedges and overhanging tree branches. The material would be chipped on site and spread under trees on eastern boundary.
Playground report (costings for various items) deferred to next meeting. Budget for 01 04 2011 / 31 03 2012: it was agreed to precept for 25,000.00. The detailed budget to follow when playground costings had been considered.
Replacement lock gate arrangements: Andrew Robinson the contract works manager from the Environment Agency described the method and sequence of site works to be undertaken for the essential replacement of the downstream lock gates. It would involve taking a crane across the river from the Wharf. This work would take about a week and then another week at the end of the contract. He willattend the February meeting to give a progress report and he agreed to act as liaison with J Markham.

NHS Oxfordshire has launched a consultation to look at the use of IT systems and telehealth equipment and how we can use them to 'join-up' health and social care services in Oxfordshire. We can take part in the consultation by: a) answering a quick survey online (http://bit.ly/informatics-survey) b) attend a workshop on 14th January 2011, from 9.30-11.30 at County Hall Oxford - contact talking.health@oxfordshirepct.nhs.uk or 01865 334641 to book a place. c) comment on the strategy document online http://bit.ly/InformaticsStrategy