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SANDFORD ON THAMES
VILLAGE MAGAZINE
ON LINE
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THE LINK
WINTER 2002 ISSUE 88
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The Link Magazine COPYRIGHT © 2003 by The Link Committee. Reproduced with permission.
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- 1 -
CHURCH NEWS
Ministry team:
Robert Morgan (Lower Farm, 748848) priest-in-charge;
licensed lay ministers: Brian Andrews (777011); Liz Shatford (772598).
Church Wardens:
Mrs Marjorie Harris (24 Henley Road) and
Ray Lee (93 Henley Road).
Organist: Daniel Chambers. Choirmaster: Christian Bradley.
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Sunday services:
| 8.00 a.m. | (First Sunday of the month) | Holy Communion BCP |
| 10.00 a.m. | (Weekly) | Parish Communion |
| 11.15 a.m. | (Last Sunday of the month) | Family service |
| 6.30 p.m. | (Weekly) | Evening prayer |
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Compline
The Wednesday 7 p.m. candlelit plainsong service
continue this Advent on 4th, 11th and 18th December,
and then restart in Lent on 12th March.
All welcome.
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2002 Baptisms:
27th Feb: Mollie Rosanna Darwent; Grace Elizabeth Wright
31st March: Bethany Tess Talbot; Mai Sophie Leary; Lottie
Ruth Henrietta Harper; Jack Daniel Stimpson-Cork 30th
June: Eve Alexandra Wright; Kate Joy Edwards 6th October:
Luke Andrew Lee Pollard; Charlie Jennifer Grey Walker
27th October: Abigail Augusta Caroline Smith; Chloe Ellen
Reed; Shanae Bethany Bradley
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Our new Archbishop
Sandford church joins the world-wide Anglican church in celebrating
Dr Rowan Williams, our local professor of theology from Christ
Church, being appointed, despite those who argued you can't have a
Welshman in charge. Actually God is in charge.
- 2 -
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Sunday 22nd December
11.15 p.m.
CHILDREN'S CAROLS
6.30 p.m.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE
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CHRISTMAS EVE
11.30 p.m.
MIDNIGHT MASS
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CHRISTMAS DAY
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| 8.0 a.m. Holy Communion (BCP) |
| 10.0 a.m. FAMILY COMMUNION |
Sunday December 29th
10.0 a.m. Parish Communion (no 11.15 Service)
6.30 p.m. Evening prayer
Sunday January 4th (no 8.0 a.m.)
10.0 a.m. Parish Communion
6.30 p.m. Evening Prayer
At Littlemore church
Sunday 15th December 5.0 p.m. Christingle service
Monday 16th December 7.0 p.m. Community carol service
Tuesday 24th December 6.0 p.m. Blessing of the crib
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- 3 -
Advent Solemnity
The four Sundays of Advent are about preparing for Christmas in a
different way from what is visible in shops and adverts - preparing
ourselves within ourselves for the coming of God, the meaning of
Christmas. That means looking at our own lives as a whole - where we
are going - and being alert to hear the word of the invisible God whose
image is imprinted on us in the message of Christmas. It also means
hearing the word of judgment on how we live as a society - our
priorities, our share of the world's resources, and our wastefulness.
It is
a solemn word and out of tune with the kind of country and world around
us. So it is a minority choice building up an alternative and counter-
culture and being content to wait. But this clearing out the clutter and
making time and space for God is done for a reason which spells joy for
the world. It is now a matter of days until...
...and Joy at Christmas
Most of us will (hopefully) have a
good time because this is a good
and God-given time. Many will
sense with thankfulness the gift
of grace without being able to
say what it is. More than a holiday - a holy day. Coming
together to sing carols and hear the ancient words might trigger a
memory. Christmases past hover in the back of our minds. Friends and
family no longer with us on earth are remembered lovingly and once
again commended to God's care and protection. In the gift of memory
our humanity is most clear, and in our hopes for the future too.
At the
same time we face, today, the possibility of war and the threat of
terrorism. How much we understand what is happening in the world of
oil greed, environmental damage, financial chicanery (theft), violence,
desperation, plague, famine, is small. We take a lot on trust - and are
sometimes misled. But we can offer tokens of help to those in need and
can all individually renew our vision of what can and ought to be, and
make this Christmas an opportunity to reaffirm it. 'O come, O come,
Emmanuel ... dispense the gloomy clouds of night.. and close the path to
misery. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee ...'
- 4 -
The Sandford Rose Show
Flowers are one of the things Sandford is famous for -
the Flower Festival on the second Saturday and Sunday
of July is one of the best, and Notcutts up the road is still
thought of as Mattock's Roses - a name to conjure with.
John Mattock's books on roses are read
world-wide and some still remember the
original nurseries in Littlemore and
Headington. John is an old friend of
this village and has kindly arranged
to give a talk on
Growing Roses, with slides,
at the Village Hall on Tuesday 28th January
Tickets at £3 include a glass of wine
and we hope it will be a village occasion to be proud of.
All proceeds will go to St Andrew's building fund.
Tickets from vicar or churchwardens or at the door.
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HOUSE FOR SALE
Substantial three bedroom detached
house with double garage
offering good extension potential.
Standing on good-sized, elevated,
corner plot with open views.
43 Church Road
Sandford-on-Thames
Price: £360,000
Phone: Oxford 711047
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- 5 -
South Oxfordshire Area Forum
in Sandford Village Hall
7.0 p.m. on 7th January
The next forum, at which local
residents can get together with
parish, district and county
councillors to discuss issues of local
concern, is to be held in Sandford -
your chance to have your say.
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Sandford Ladies Social Club
We all had a lovely afternoon at Marjorie's in August, when she very
kindly invited us to a tea-party. Altogether there were fourteen of us.
The weather was good, and a number of us were able to sit in her lovely
garden, surrounded by all sorts of pretty flowers and shrubs. Marjorie
had also set a garden quiz, which was won by Doreen Sutton. The ladies
each brought a photo of themselves in childhood, which gave us all a lot
of laughter. It was great fun guessing who was who!
The tea was really lovely, with sandwiches, home-made cakes and trifle.
We all enjoyed ourselves very much, and send our heartiest thanks to
Marjorie for her kind invitation.
Early in September some of the ladies went along to our favourite
venue, the Bistro at the Four Pillars. We had a lovely meal, and there
was, as usual, a lot of chatter and laughter going on!
During November we held two Coffee Mornings. The first, on 2nd
November, was hosted by Jan, and the money raised went to her
favourite charity: Compassionate Friends.
Angela's Coffee Morning was held on the 16th, during Children in
Need week, so the £55 raised was donated to that good cause. The usual
raffle, with the surprise prizes hidden in 'Pudsey' boxes, was well
supported, and there were cakes and other goodies for sale at both events.
The club is still growing, and other ladies who would like to join will
be made very welcome. Contact Joan on 715788. Report by Joan Inston
WISHING EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
- 6 -
Quiz Night
Another Sandford Social Event is the annual Quiz Night where low-scorers
seem to do well and have a good time (One bright kid in your team of 6
guarantees a high position). Ploughman's supper etc. included in £3 tickets.
Saturday 1st March (i.e. St David's day - this means that some needy
teams will be getting a bit of assistance).
A welcome lunch
One of the happiest events in the Sandford year took place on November
21st when a group of elderly and several disabled folk from Bullingdon area
and Cheshire Homes were welcomed to the Village Hall and entertained
splendidly with a pre-Christmas luncheon party, followed by bingo. This
goes back some 35 years to the then Sandford W.I. but has been carried
on annually by Marjorie and Dennis Harris, Beverly Christopher and Peggy
Smith in a quietly supportive way. The rest of us can only admire and
appreciate these generous acts of hospitality which mostly pass unnoticed
by the world, but make it (and here) a better place.
The Porch
The Link office appreciated the picture of our Council chair Nigel
Northcott in a brochure showing the work and play of users and volunteers
at the Porch Steppin Stone Centre (St Mary's Road, East Oxford) - a
brochure calling for more volunteers and help on funding.
Sandford has
had good links with the Porch over many years, with the previous
administrator Lisa living at River View, a number of volunteers from the
village, and St Andrew's church custom of giving the Christmas Carol
Service collection to help fund this important work among local homeless
and poorly housed people - also the church porch basket where parishioners
can place food gifts on a Sunday morning (as also at Harvest Festival) -
teabags, soup, biscuits, tins etc. - the basket is sited in the porch to be
accessible to non-churchgoers also.
The new Director, Ian Callaghan,
reports that the Lottery Fund turned down the application for 3-year
funding but that the Oxford City Council and Government's Single
Regeneration budget helps. The support of individuals and churches locally
is much appreciated and gives personal contact and involvement. Visitors
welcome.
- 7 -
Sandford Youth Club
runs every Wednesday in schooltime in the Village Hall, under the
leadership of Dr Julie Wilkinson and open to ages 9-13. More
helpers (regular and occasional) are needed - please talk to Julie (tel
774178) or the vicar (tel. 748848 and he'll call).
Last session 18th December, re-starting 8th January.
The past term has seen an amazingly varied programme, with a
showing of the film Spiderman, visits to Pegasus theatre, Berinsfield
Leisure Centre and to the Apollo theatre for the musical "Fame", an
evening organised by the 'A' team, a quiz evening, numerous art and
craft activities, indoor sports and games.
We are very fortunate to have such a lively Club in the village, and it
is hugely appreciated by its members (and their parents!).
If you have an art, design or craft skill, please would you
consider sharing your expertise at the Youth Club by helping
run a craft table for some simple projects. These are always
very popular activities with this age group. Your input for a
one-off session or for a project that might run over several
weeks would be very welcome.
If you have an interest in sport or games, occasional referees (or
UN peacekeepers!) are always needed both for indoor games and, in
the summer, outdoor sports. Please feel free to phone Julie
Wilkinson on 774178 to discuss if you are able to contribute.
The Youth Club Management Committee is pleased to announce
that the new treasurer is Dr Jane Jackson, who follows in the
illustrious steps of Lin Brooking (mathematician and judge
extraordinary of Quiz Nights). URGENTLY we are looking for a
new leader as Julie's promised time is up. She has generously
offered to continue next term to provide continuity and overlap, but
the search is on and is vitally important. Please contact the vicar or
other committee members if you have an idea or want to know more.
- 8 -
WELCOME
| to | John Smith and Eileen Davies to Church Road from Kiln Close |
| to | Gemma Smith and Philip Newcomb to River View |
| to | Patrick and Orlagh McCarthey, Finola, Nianh, Aurnia and Eimear to
Henley Road |
| to | Katherine and Leigh to Broadhurst Gardens and recently married at St
Andrew's church - a short move! |
| to | Kate Smith to Buckler Close |
| to | Martin Sugden and Claire Brewer to Henley Road |
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and welcome back to the area to Margaret and Philip Baxter (ex-Burra
Close). Philip was one of the stars of Sandford church music, so we are
delighted to be able to call on his expertise again when needed. |
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CONGRATULATIONS
to Wendy nee Akrigg, ex-Henley Road and former Youth Club leader and
Jim on the birth of Josh on 8th November - a brother for Jenna and an
increase in the tribe for John and Marlene.
WELCOME INTO THE WORLD
to Tayler, born to Julie and
Andrew Hutton of Broadhurst
Gardens on 23rd October
to Clan, to John and Maria, a
brother for Blame, Shannon,
Erin and Aoife.
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TODDLERS GROUP
Mondays 10-12 in
the Village Hall
Run by Hannah, 7 River View,
and Trudy (772196)
Mums and bads very welcome.
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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
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BINGO
IN THE VILLAGE HALL
EVERY THURSDAY
7.0 FOR 8.0
IN AID OF
VILLAGE HALL FUNDS
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- 9 -
Green Box recycling
I didn't understand how the Green Box jumble of material, paper, card,
plastics of all kinds and tins could possibly be separated and recycled
efficiently and it was tempting to believe that it was all just tipped
somewhere until I visited the Grundon recycling plant recently with a
group of people from other villages.
It was very impressive to see how
the contents of the green boxes were delivered onto the conveyor system
and passed along belts where a rotating drum allowed small, medium and
larger items to drop down into collecting bays. The first manual sort
came next and large pieces of card or plastic were taken off the belt and
dropped down a shute and then the remaining paper, card, plastics and
tins entered a huge revolving drum where an electro magnet was
switched on to sort out steel from aluminium.
The remains then went
round the system again and possibly a third time until what was left was
dumped in a pile, compressed and sent to a plant to form fuel pellets. The
other items were baled up and sent to various outlets to be turned into
newsprint, packaging, traffic cones etc.
Don't forget, green recycling boxes can be collected at any time from the
Old School. (772598).
Liz Shatford
Congratulations
To the English Rugby team. Even the Celtic fringe had to rejoice at
the victories over the Southern hemisphere's three hopefuls. We
expect them to repeat their triumphs in the 6-Nations, but fear a
return to form in the world cup. Let the Sandford Old Boys live in
hope. Meanwhile news from down under includes greetings to the
village from the Charitons - stars of the late lamented Sandford
cricket team.
We have an excellent
MOBILE LIBRARY:
Alternate Thursdays
3.50 - 4.05
outside the Fox
[more info]
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Best wishes to Oxford United and
its Sandford star Chris Hackett as
they struggle towards promotion.
May all your supporters' parking
offences be forgiven.
- 10 -
Post Collection
It is not published on the box
but there is a post collection
from the box on Church Rd at
10.l5am
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Faulty street lamps
If anyone notices a faulty
street lamp, there is a
freephone telephone no. to
ring on each pole.
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VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS
Private functions:
£10 per hour
Bookings phone:
07759-890696
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to John and Jackie
of Henley Road on
their marriage at
St Andrew's on 7th December.
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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.
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Parking in Sandford on Thames
I was delighted that so many people in the village read and applauded
my piece on the blight of the bonfire. I realised that to an extent that I
was talking to the converted and many of those that have stopped me to
mention bonfires are villagers who already share my views and find
stinking plumes of steam unnecessary and un-neighbourly.
The hope is
that those that belong to the slash and burn brigade would respond and
stop this nuisance. Undaunted, I feel a similar plea is warranted to those
in the village that park in an un-neighbourly manner. This piece may
again only reach those that agree with me, but I feel it is worth stating.
Pavements are for pedestrians; and some in the village are barely
wide enough to allow, say a pushchair to pass along. Why then
motorists park part or completely on the pavement is beyond me. Why
force pedestrians into the road! Before you park any part of you vehicle
on the pavement, think about others. In some parts of the village the
pavement are wider and parking on them does not cause such an
obstruction - it does however, damage the surface and break down the
kerb.
The pavement opposite the Catherine wheel is a good example of
the destruction that cars and vans cause. Opposite the village hall the
grass verge is subject to this abuse and is in a poor state as a result.
And I can see no reason why cars need to park on the grass next to the
bus stop. The pavements and verges are dedicated to pedestrians and
are not the place for cars. Please park on the road - in part to help slow
down traffic. Or should we ask the County Council at our expense to put
posts and bollards on the verges and pavements to protect them?
Finally, a part explanation to the desire of the parish council to have
no parking restrictions protecting junctions. The junctions at the end of
Church road, Brick Kiln lane and the Park homes site are difficult to
negotiate without traffic parking on top of them. The prime reason to
promote no parking in these areas is not to inconvenience the few but
like so much of community life - to protect and safeguard the interests of
the majority.
Finally, finally, many thanks go to villagers who have pressured our
serving bus companies to increase the service to the village. But
remember use it or lose it - we have an half hourly bus service for much
of the week-try it.
Nigel Northcott, Riverview.
- 12 -
South Oxfordshire Rural Strategy and Action Plan
The Rural Strategy was prepared in 1999, identifying the issues
which affect the quality of life of those who live in South
Oxfordshire. An Action Plan was drawn up to take the Strategy
forward, and the Action Plan is now being reviewed, and the
Council would welcome your comments.
The Rural Strategy and revised Action Plan are available on the
Council's website www.southoxon.gov.uk. Alternatively you can see a
copy of the Rural Strategy and revised Action Plan at local libraries
or obtain a copy from the Council. It is also available as a CD-Rom.
All views must be made in writing on the comments form with the
revised Action Plan.
The consultation period on the revised Action
Plan will end on l4th February 2003 and any comments you may wish
to make must be received at the Council Offices by that date. The
final version will be published in mid-2003.
For more information, or to
receive a copy of the Plan or
a comments form, please
contact Rebekah Robinson
(01491-823017).
If you have time to spare
on Christmas Day...
Oxfordshire Mind opens its East
Oxford day centre for people
experiencing mental
health problems, with
a traditional Christmas
lunch, games, quizzes
etc. Volunteers are always needed,
including offers of lifts. If you
would like to help, please ring Nicky
Clarao on 3l0830.
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Celebration
A glittering star.
Berries red
The birds are fed.
Snow, a cold blow,
Ivy, mistletoe.
Bells ring,
The choir sing.
Hedgehogs sleep
The deer leap.
Candlelight
On the winter's night.
Celebration from the heavens to
the earth
A new birth.
From afar
A glittering star,
Christmas.
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Notes from Sandford on Thames Parish Council minutes
Chairman: Nigel Northcott (773569) Clerk: Liz Shatford (772598)
Councillors: M. D'Arcy, M. Norton, M. Inston, J. Smithson, H. Hutton,
P. Tuson
Henley Road pavement: the two dangerous areas of pavement around
45/47 Henley Road to be repaired immediately and the whole stretch of
pavement up to Brick Kiln Lane junction would be put on a list for re-
surfacing as soon as funds allowed.
Jubilee Garden and Sign: the sign to be put up. The cards and
postcards from the designs for the sign had been printed and would be
offered to village organisations at cost price for them to sell.
Draft Local Plan: the District Councillor reported that he had attended a
meeting at which it was suggested that Oxford City Council was hoping
to breach the green belt and build on the land opposite the Science Park.
He urged vigilance.
The Chairman had earlier requested the County Councillor to keep the
parish council informed of any proposals for developing the land on the
south side of Grenoble Road.
Broadhurst Gardens Recreation Ground: the residents had held a
meeting and produced a document outlining their concerns regarding the
possible use of the recreation area by older children, joy riders etc. and
that the 'football pitch' would lead to problems. A sub-committee
consisting of three residents, three parish councillors and one young
person was convened to meet soon on site to agree a proposal.
Traffic matters: the Chair had attended a meeting with the County
Councillor and two representatives of Oxon CC. Four main issues were
discussed:
a) Mr Kassam had started work on a leisure complex which would only
increase traffic in Sandford with apparently no intention of increasing
parking provision at the stadium.
b) The County Council hoped to conclude consultation etc. on provision
of double yellow lines by Jan/Feb next year.
c) Work was progressing on the idea of a mini roundabout at the Henley
Road, Brick Kiln Lane junction to improve traffic flow. This would
be subject to consultation.
- 14 -
d) Speeding - this was considered not serious by the county, who had
suggested the possibility of white lining as a traffic calming measure.
It was requested that Henley Road residents park their cars on the road
rather than on the verges as apart from protecting the verges it would act
as a traffic calming measure.
Budget: would be considered in detail at the December meeting.
Styles: Clerk to write to Four Pillars asking them to repair the styles at
each end of the footpath crossing their land. Style near the church wall
probably the responsibility of the County Council.
Motor bikes: were a problem in Grenoble Road - it was suggested that
Mrs Hutton should raise this at a future meeting of the Parish Council
when the police will attend.
Flooding in Henley Road: the Clerk is writing to the drainage
department of OCC to ask for three-monthly clearance of the drains
rather than the current annual clearance, which is inadequate.
Village Hall Management Committee are implementing new booking
conditions to avoid nuisance and noise from the village hall, but it was
not always possible to exercise total control.
Next meeting to be held on Monday 2nd December at 7.0 p.m.
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If anyone notices
that any play
equipment
in the village
needs repairing,
please notify the
Parish Clerk,
Liz Shatford, at
the Old School.
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COMMUNITY SKIPS
for the use of villagers will be at the
Village Hall car park on these dates:
Saturday 14th December (13.30 - 15.00),
Friday 20th December (13.10 - 15.00),
Thursday 16th January (13.10 - 15.00),
Saturday 8th February (13.30 - 15.00),
Saturday 22nd February (13.30 - 15.00),
Saturday 22nd March 13.30 - 15.00,
Friday 28th March (13.10 - 15.00).
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Visit the Sandford website [web site no longer active]
on which you can also consult back numbers of the Link.
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- 15 -
ALAN BUTLER
Your local maintenance man,
builder, carpenter.
Mature, honest and
trustworthy - excellent
local references.
Sandford-on-Thames tel. ******
LET THE BUTLER DO IT
[now retired]
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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) |
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Link Advertising Rates
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Half page: £20
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Quarter page or less £15
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Small ads (e.g. items for sale) £5
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The Link magazine is published by the Link Committee
and is edited by Prue Sykes, Lower Farm, Sandford-on-Thames (748848).
Articles, letters or news items for inclusion in the next issue should be
sent to Lower Farm (or e-mailed to robert.morgan @ theology.ox.ac.uk).
Whilst the Committee makes every effort to ensure
the accuracy of the material contained no responsibility can be held
for any action arising from this publication.
Printed by Parchment (Oxford) Ltd.,
Printworks, Crescent Road, Oxford
- 16 -
Issue 88 Index
COPYRIGHT © 2002 by The Link Committee.
Reproduced with permission. |
| Last update: 15 December 2003 |
http://www.sandfordonthames.co.uk/thelink/link88.htm |
