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Summer 2001             Issue 82

Summer in Sandford

Sandford River Run Saturday June 30th (see page 5)

Parish Fete and Flower Festival Weekend of July 7th/8th (see pages 10/11)

CHURCH NEWS

Ministry team: Robert Morgan (Lower Farm, 748848) priest-in-charge; licensed lay ministers: Brian Andrews (777011);  Liz Shatford (772598) - pastoral assistant and parish chiropodist. Church Wardens: Mrs Marjorie Harris (24 Henley Road) and Ray Lee (93 Henley Road). Organist: Daniel Chambers. Choirmaster: Richard Christopher.

Baptisms: at the 11.15 family service on April 29th the following children were baptised into membership of Christ's church: Holly Jade Pike (Pheasant Walk), Freya Elice McCarthy (Henley Road) and Robert-John McNamee who answered for himself, helped out by his sister Alexandra and god-sister Anna.

Welcoming a child

So we have other sorts of welcoming rituals and it was great to include a welcome into the world celebration for Lara from Riverview, and also (prior to next month's baptism) Daniel and Misako's baby Hiroshi, and John and Jo's toddler Emily (Heyford Hill Lane), Jason and Hannah's Grace (Riverview) and another whose name the reporter didn't catch. Special thanks to Sarah and Rowland for suggesting this and bringing additional musicians.

There was a brilliant musical trio of organ, oboe and electric guitar, and The Lord's my Shepherd (psalm 23) was sung in memory of departed grandparents who were gratefully remembered. As usual in the 11.15 family service each month other parents and small children joined in banging percussion instruments and singing.

Another way we give thanks for a birth and pray for blessings is for a parent or family of a new-born babe to slip into the 10.0 service at 10.45 and bring him/her up to the altar (when others receive communion) simply to receive a blessing. It's a simple act of saying thank you for the safe delivery and the wonderful gift, and a kind of dedication for the hard work and joys and trials that lie ahead.

And doing it in the larger community gathered for worship reminds us how we do all depend on one another, and how we multiply our joys and ease our sorrows by sharing them. As T.S. Eliot said (much quoted in the Link): 'What life have you if you have not life together? There is no life that is not lived in community, and no community not lived in praise of God.'


One man went to mow - went to mow the churchyard. Three men, two men, one man and his wife - but many hands make light work. Another volunteer or two needed.

	Sandford Toddler Group
Fathers, grandparents, carers and, of course, mothers (new, expectant or old hands!) bring your little ones along... We are a friendly group who meet at the Village Hall, Sandford on Thames every Monday between 10-12 during term time (we close in August) Activities, songs, toys, games, giggles! We provide tea, coffee, juice and toast. Each term we organise an outing. Contributions £1 (try your first visit for free) For further details contact: Louise Ox 396006 Christine Ox 770695

SANDFORD RIVER RUN Saturday June 30th 5.0 p.m. (registration 4.30 - 4.45) Sponsorship forms available from the vicar or Nigel at the Fox

WELCOME
to	Mr and Mrs Williams, Mr and Mrs Dodd, Barry and Julia Coggins, Mr and Mrs Morgan, and Mr and Mrs Clarke to Kiln Close,
to	Donna and Dave to the Crescent,
to	Kerry Earp to Main Avenue,
to	Jason and Hannah and Grace Wright to Riverview,
to	John, Jo, Cathy, Sarah and Emily to Heyford Hill Lane,
and WELCOME TO THE WORLD
to	Harry Rudman-Smith, born on the 28 March to James and Leah Rudman-Smith
to	Mollie Rosanna Darwent, born on 4rd April to Jon and Phlippa of Broadhurst Gardens.

I consider it an honour to be elected as the chairperson of the Sandford on Thames Parish Council. I shall follow the approach used by our out- going Chair, Mike Inston, and seek to assist the council to act in your best interests and get things done. Last year saw a number of obvious achievements and the new bridge decking by the lock and the improvements to and around our village hall will be evident to us all.

      During the forthcoming year we are planning a number of initiatives. We will be launching an oral history project, further improving the surrounds of the village hall and increasing the facilities for younger people. Indeed we would be particularly interested to hear from younger people about their wishes for their village.

      We hope to see our local councils swing into action to repair the road surfaces, replace speed restriction signs and replace the signpost into Church Road. Work that is long overdue but has been delayed until the resources are available.

      May I take this opportunity to make a plea to us all to set an example particularly when it comes to the roads in our village. The speed limit is 30 miles an hour even along the Henley road and we could all help slow traffic down by sticking to it. The verges and pavements are too often damaged and obstructed by cars parking on them; we could all set an example by parking on the road and leaving the pavements for pedestrians. And we could all think before we park near a junction where we make road use dangerous for all other road users. Traffic in Sandford will grow over the years, it is our village and we could do a good deal to make it safer and a better place to live.

      May I thank Mike for serving the parish so well; he is to continue as a Parish Councillor as well as embarking on a number of new personal projects.

      The Parish Council is allocated funds from our Community Charge and has the duty to spend wisely and to promote and protect our village. We meet on the first Monday from 7 p.m. in the village hall, with the District and County councillors, and welcome members of the parish who wish to attend. We communicate our business via the Link and are keen to hear from you about the matters you feel should occupy our efforts.

Nigel Northcott, Chair, Sandford on Thames Parish Council, 13 Riverview (773569).

The Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council was held on 30th April 2001. One of the principal purposes of the AGM is the election of the officers of the Parish Council for the new year, and this year the immediate-past Chairperson, Mr M. Inston, for entirely personal reasons, declined to accept nomination. The nomination of Dr. N. Northcott was accepted, and the Council agreed unanimously that he be elected Chairperson for the year 2001-2002. Mr M. D'arcy was re-elected Vice- chairperson, and Mrs E. Shatford was re-appointed as Clerk/Treasurer.

      The District Councillor's Report was presented by Cllr J. Stimson at the Council meeting, as he would be unable to stay on for the following Annual Parish meeting. The District Council management structure would change in May, in line with Government regulations, with the effect that final policy decisions will be taken by the Leader and 'Cabinet', instead of at meetings of the full councils. Meetings would be public and accountable, and thus more democratic. New District Council wards will come into being for the 2003 election. Our own present ward will lose the Baldons, and will be re-named the Sandford Ward.

      At a recent meeting of mobile home owners, including Oxford Park Homes residents, explanations were given of the effect of new Licence conditions to be issued shortly to site owners. These new Licence will give SODC more power to look after the interests of residents as well as site owners. Cllr Stimson has been very active in these negotiations.

Vandals There has been an increase in vandalism in the village over the past month. It is important that incidents are reported to the police as this strengthens our case for an occasional community policeperson. Also alertness by neighbours welcome (well done, Jim!).

CYCLE RIDE A great chance to get to know more of our local architectural heritage is the historic churches cycle ride on Saturday 8th September. Details from Ray Lee (93 Henley Road).

Club News: during the summer months Club workers will supervise games and activities outdoors and make use of the recreational area. The tuck shop will still be available to club members and guests. Indoor activities such as cooking and crafts will be back on the programme later in the year. Depending on available volunteers we may be able to run some sessions through the summer. Details will be given to members and also advertised on the noticeboard.

      The Film Circuit will be returning to the Oxfordshire clubs. OAYP had difficulty in finding a volunteer to visit the clubs, so are inviting a worker from each club to have a short training session on the equipment and then bookings can be made. Films will be on the club programme hopefully after the summer and in time for those cold wintry evenings. More of the 'A Team' after September as they will be busy running Road Shows through the summer.

Club Update: in March the club held an 'A Team' Red Nose Special evening, in which extra activities such as Karaoke, Face Painting, Air Hockey were available. In charging an extra 50 pence per person plus a club contribution, a total of £22.40 was sent to Comic Relief. A Drama evening was held in April by OAYP - an evening full of small games which were used as stepping stones to each group making and then performing a short play. It was loads of fun with a lot of talent being displayed.

Forthcoming events: OAYP are holding a Hotshots Paintballing event at the beginning of April. Because of the Foot and Mouth crisis it was cancelled - it was felt it would be irresponsible to allow 200 young people from all over Southern England to tramp through a wild wooded area. It hopefully will be rearranged for June/July. Providing transport and supervision can be arranged, and the club will be able to enter a team for the challenge. OAYP cancelled Alton Towers and replaced it with a day at Thorpe Park instead. Places can be booked providing an adult accompanies a small group. Details will be given to Club members shortly.

For further details on the Youth Club contact Michelle on 748257.

SANDFORD FLOWER FESTIVAL is consistently one of the best in Oxfordshire. This year it will take place on the Fete weekend, and the church will be open on Saturday 7th July from 10.0 - 6.0 and on Sunday 8th July from 11.0 - 6.0. Church services on Sunday 8th: 10.0 a.m. Parish Communion 6.30 p.m. Choral Evensong

CHRIS HACKETT KICKS OFF A PENALTY SHOOT OUT MARIAN FLANAGAN IRISH DANCERS BRICK ABRAC GRAND RAFFLE LOTS OF STALLS COCONUTS CHILDRENS SPORTS TUG OF WAR BOUNCY CASTLE FUN AND GAMES TEA  TENT BOOKS PLANTS TESTS OF SKILL AND STRENGTH

The Sandford W.I. held its 2001 Annual General Meeting on March 19th, at which the Annual Reports and Financial Statement were presented by the President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and accepted by the members.

      Nominations for officers and committee for the coming year were invited by the W.I. adviser, Wendy Chalu. Unfortunately only three members were prepared to join a committee, and only one of those was willing to accept office. As the WI constitution requires that there must be not less than three individual officers, the Sandford WI has been suspended for up to a maximum of three years, during which time it may be re-formed if sufficient ladies express a new interest.

      On a lighter note, chocolate birthday cake was on the refreshments menu, and everyone sang 'Happy Birthday' to Joan on her 75th birthday that day.

      Our final social meeting was held on 9th April, when Sue Johnstone came along with her team of Scoot n' Boogie dancers. Most of the ladies had a go at Line Dancing, so the WI went out with a flourish and on a high note!

      Quite a number of former members intend to keep in touch, and probably form a ladies' social group to get together for coffee evenings, and shortly to gather at our favourite venue - the Four Pillars Bistro. If this idea appeals to you, and you would like to join us, please get in touch in the first place with Joan on 715788.

Report by Joan Inston

001 TAXIS City centre waiting room 50 yards Carfax Central heating Light refreshments 24 hr service Zero meter No surcharge outside city Phone 240000 108 ST.ALDATES, OXFORD OX1 1BU (BEHIND BULLDOG PUB, OPPOSITE TOWN HALL)

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.

Another full house with 16 teams had a splendid evening in the Village Hall on April 28th in a Quiz organised by last year's winner Maurice Earp. Never before have the teams been so evenly matched, with fewer points separating them than ever.

Clear winners were Andy Middleton's team Aspid (or asprin?) with 100 points (not %), so they were first winners of the Cup donated by Councillor Mike Norton and presented in his absence by emeritus Councillor Ray Norton. He had also presented six engraved and dated medals for the winners, but in view of the close run thing it seemed right to present them to each of the top six teams, except that the Holy Smoke team was disqualified for using an extra member - like in that photo of Man. U.

Runners up were Keep Out (94), Wannabies (93 - big improvement on last year), Brain Deads (91), Holy Smoke (90), Rams (88), Maple Syrup (86), Almost Won (95), Dumbos (82), Old School (74), 1901 (79), Triple Brace (78), Misfits (76), Drinks Dispensers (71 - a record for them), Jocks Builders (61), Lost Boys (53).

Special thanks to Nigel for donating a whole raft of prizes for the raffle, and also some food and drink. Also to whoever made the sloe gin which caused the vicar social and financial embarrassment, to Lin and Sarah (and was it Donna?) for again adjudicating and adding up the answers uncontroversially, to Claire, Helen, Gina, Laura and Yvonne for waitressing with all their usual grace, and to the Village Hall committee for hosting the event and to Maurice for concocting such fair questions that were especially helpful to the older competitors (for a change) and for master-minding the administration, meal etc. £460 was raised and on Maurice's decision distributed as follows: £120 to Orchard House, £120 to the Youth Club, £120 to the lunches for the disabled for the disabled organised by Mrs Harris, £100 to the Church Building Fund. We hope that next year the Black and Tans will be back and the Norfolk and Chance team

Reverend Val Rogers died 24.4.01
A few months after Mary's death we have to report, with sadness mixed with joy for him, that Val should so quickly follow. One of his friends' response on getting the news was 'Oh, that will make him happy!', and it is true that he had finished his course, a distinguished headmaster in Ireland, a vicar in Sandford until a heart attack made him resign in 1986.
The Latin tags that occasionally adorned his sermons endeared him to a congregation all too familiar with such scholastic niceties, in the tradition of Whitmarsh, Latham and Malik. It was good that Val and Mary were able to move down south to be with Olivia for their last few months and we extend to her and all the family our sympathy enriched by celebration of two remarkable lives:
Merciful Father and Lord of all life, we praise you that men and women are made in your image and reflect your truth and light. We thank you for the lives of Mary and Val, for the love and mercy they received from you and showed among us... and we ask that in due time we may share with them that clearer vision...'.

'Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
be there at our sleeping, and give us we pray
your peace in our hearts, Lord,
at the end of the day.'

The retirement and departure of Rev. Mary Parsons was noted with sadness, as were the deaths of Mary Rogers and Naomi Webber. Richard Christopher was congratulated on the choir's high standards throughout the year, culminating in Stainer's Crucifixion, and Daniel Chambers on brilliance and creativity (including original compositions) on the organ. Weddings had appreciated choir support.

Phil Bunce, Martin Pitson, Dennis Harris had maintained the churchyard and were duly thanked, as were the ministry team who made the Vicar's burden light (cf. Matt. 11.30). Also Prue and Jill and Louise and Digby for running the Sunday Club. Pam Andrews for making coffee after each 10.0, Joan and Angela for serving it, Liz for washing up (each week requires grit), Marjorie for the invisible work of sacristan and for the visible joy of her flowers - the whole team co-ordinated and reaching climax in the Flower Festival, Pam for doing special 11.15 services, and everyone who had contributed to the major expenditure on the church tower last year. And the congregation for its continuing prayers.


Lewis Carroll in Sandford
Another eminent Victorian with connections to Sandford is Rev. Charles Dodgson who preached his first sermon here on Whit Sunday 1862 and preached again on several subsequent Sundays. His preaching was less inspired than his story-telling, but we commemorate him at evensong every Whit Sunday with Victorian hymns and the Alice sermon on the theology in his non-mathematical works.
The Alice preacher this year was Daniel Gallimore, also a member of Christ Church and of St Andrew's congregation, who was able to explore the Japanese translations of the Alice books and their connexions with the festival of the Holy Spirit and the joys of childhood.

in the Village Hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 - in aid of Village Hall funds

Mobile Library Alternate Thursdays 4.0 p.m. outside the Fox [more info]

Littlemore Church Fete Saturday 30th June 2.0 - 4.0 Community Centre Giles Road

Your local homoeopath is Misbah Rishi BSc, DHMS, DMLS practicing at THE BELAWARR CLINIC OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY Homoeopathy is an holistic therapy, not just treating symptoms, but taking into consideration a person's physical, emotional and mental state. It is effective for all ages and equally useful for both acute and chronic conditions. Misbah is also qualified to offer basic: Nutritional advice, Counselling and Touch for Health (Kinesiology) ENQUIRIES AND APPOINTMENTS TELEPHONE: 01865 200365 or 01865 395301