SANDFORD ON THAMES VILLAGE MAGAZINE ON LINE
	THE LINK MAGAZINE    LOCAL DIARY     PARISH COUNCIL     VILLAGE HALL     VILLAGE APPRAISAL        N H W       THE RIVER RUN    LOCAL LINKS     SITE MAP     SEARCH SITE     SITE INFO     COMMENTS        HOME				THE LINK   AUTUMN 2003  ISSUE 91    ISSUE 91 INDEX   ISSUES INDEX   SUBJECT INDEX  The Link Magazine COPYRIGHT © 2003 by The Link Committee. Reproduced with permission.

Autumn 2003             Issue 91

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.

Following the Green sermon on the environment the Link received a water appeal from Christian Aid (P.O. Box 100, London SE1 7RT) explaining how millions lack this basic resource and how £24 will buy enough concrete for a local community in Sri Lanka to build a well: 'one child dies every 15 seconds from diseases caused by dirty water and unsafe sanitation. In Accra some of the poorest people are paying 40p a day for water - over half their day's wage.' Tax-payers can increase their donations by 28% by signing a card saying 'I am a UK taxpayer and I want Christian Aid to claim back the tax on all donations I have made since 6th April 2000 and all future donations'. (Signed).

Water Supplies and Sanitation Around the World - a summary of the 2003 'Green Sermon' by Ben Fawcett
All humanity needs water, to drink and to maintain hygiene, and facilities for our sanitary requirements, but the differences between what we take for granted in Sandford and what huge numbers around the developing world have to put up with are staggering. Here each of us uses about 200 litres of expensively treated water every day, but at least a billion people in the developing world survive on only 5 litres per day of water from polluted streams and holes in the ground. Likewise, we all need sanitation, and here we flush our waste down the loo, into sewers and off to expensive sewage treatment works. But about 40% of the world's population have no sanitary facilities - certainly no flushing loo; not even a reasonably clean, private latrine. Imagine the particular indignity for women and girls in such conditions.

Diarrhoea, which could be greatly reduced by clean water supplies, and treated by a simple solution of salt and sugar in clean water, causes 2.2 million children's deaths every year. Intestinal worms infect about 10% of the population of the developing world, causing malnutrition and retarded growth; better sanitation would control this. Malaria still kills at least a million people every year, most of them children. The mosquitoes that spread malaria breed in pools or containers of water - improved drainage would reduce these sites.

Every household in Sandford spends about £200 each year on these services, but about 1 in 5 of the world's population lives on less than 65 pence each per day, for all their needs - food, shelter, clothing, health, education...

This is the reality of our unequal world. Perhaps, in a world in which we are cutting down the Amazon rainforest to grow soya beans to feed our cattle in Europe, and in which we continue to consume oil at alarming rates, and yet children still die of diarrhoea, we need to consider the balance between the standards of living here and in the multitude of poor villages and urban slums in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The Sandford Symposia Anyone wishing to host and/or propose topics for these events is invited to contact the vicar (748848). The pattern is 7.0 for 7.15 meal, 8.0 discussion, 9.0 reflection - participants arrive at 7.0 or 8.0 or 9.0 and depart at 9.0, 9.30 or 10.0. Or otherwise. [Symposia in the ancient world were moral dialogues or discussion groups often associated with a meal and/or drink. It seems some churches adopted this model in seeking consensus on contested issues. As community-building operations they have much to offer today.]

VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS Private functions: £10 per hour Bookings phone: 07759-890696 [Village Hall - Info]

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

We have an excellent MOBILE LIBRARY: alternate Thursdays 3.50 - 4.05 outside the Fox [more info]

We affirm that the Church's mission, in obedience to Holy Scripture, is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every generation. We acknowledge that this is Good News for people regardless of their sex, race or sexual orientation. We believe that, in order to strengthen the Gospel's proclamation of justice to the world, and for the greater glory of God, the Church's own common life must be justly ordered. To that end, we call on our Church to live out the promise of the Gospel; to celebrate the diverse gifts of all members of the body of Christ; and in the ordering of our common life to open the ministries of deacon, priest and bishop to those so called to serve by God, regardless of their sex, race or sexual orientation.

Fete and Flower Festival As usual this was the second weekend of July and again as usual the sun shone (more than usual even) and the flowers in church were fantastic. Congratulations to the flower experts led by Marjorie Harris, especially Bev and Pam and Dorothy and Ann. And thank you again to Dennis for making the very superior garden bench (with a rising sun) for the Raffle first prize - it was won by a ticket sold by Barrie at the Catherine Wheel (all prize winning numbers were (and still are) posted on notice boards in porch and recreation ground). A big thanks to a large proportion of the village who bought a book of tickets or more and so ensured the financial success of the Fete regardless of the weather and to all who helped prepare the recreation ground and run stalls and games and competitions.

'This Council does not support this proposal. We think it has a number of weaknesses; particularly that it involves development in the Green Belt. The Green Belt is a specific area of land that rings the city of Oxford where Government policy dictates that little or no development should take place. This Council has consistently upheld Green Belt policies since it was first created in 1958.
Development at Sandford would not only breach the Green Belt here but would also set a precedent that would make it easier to argue for other developments elsewhere in the Green Belt.
At this stage, we do not know precisely what will appear in the consultation document, so we cannot yet formulate our detailed objections. What we intend to do, however, is provide as much help as possible to members of the public who also wish to lodge an objection. As soon as possible after the 26 September we will post on this website a standard objection that any individual or organisation can download and use. We will also provide details of how to lodge that objection with the County Council. If you want to register now to receive details of how to object please email handsoff@southoxon.gov.uk
The County Council must log each objection it receives separately, even if objectors are saying the same as others. So, the more objections received the more pressure the County Council will face to change its proposals.
We are hoping that the County Council will drop the development proposal for Sandford-on-Thames when it considers the responses to the forthcoming consultation. If it does that will be the end of the matter. If the County Council maintains its support then the

Most of us would agree that there should be sufficient affordable housing in the district both for our own children and for essential workers in hospitals, schools, the police etc, however it is not necessarily essential that the housing be built in a large mass adjacent to a city which already has a chronic traffic problem.

At the moment there are approximately 536 dwellings in Sandford including Park Homes and flats, 223 of which have been built in the last 20 years or so.
The current Structure Plan recognizes that growth must occur and allows for development associated with the county towns of Banbury, Bicester, Didcot and Witney so that the need to travel can be reduced, and so that a reasonable range of services and community facilities can be provided where they do not already exist.

The current Structure Plan states that 'Within the Green Belt around the built up area of Oxford, land will be kept permanently open and development severely restricted. Some of the purposes of the Green Belt are to:-
* preserve the special character and landscape setting of Oxford;
* check the growth of Oxford and prevent ribbon development and urban sprawl;
* prevent the coalescence of settlements;
* assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment;

There is already pressure to redesignate substantial areas within Sandford, as noted in the February minutes. The Donnington Hospital Trust made representations to SODC to have land at Heyford Hill, Littlemore and land in Sandford between Northfield Brook and Heyford Hill Lane redesignated as major developed sites

The annual village fun run towards (3 miles) and to (5 miles) Radley was a quiet event this year, due to warm weather, Henmania, and amnesia. A number of notable absences included the fleet-footed Fenn (thought to have completed the previous 13 races and accumulated much hardware), the over sixty spirits Mike Dixon and Alan Butler, in the over 50s Kevin Gleesen, also much decorated, and in the over 40s Sarah Grylls, a familiar runner on the circuit.
But some things don't change. Mark Baker won the Sandford Shield for the fourth successive year in 29.52 (last year 29.22, 2001: 30.02). Runner up Colin Cusack: 34.20.

Also impressive in the 5 miles John Creed 35.19 (2002: 35.43), winner of the over 60s; Mike Glanville 36.32 (44.52 last year); Matt Jones 36.16; Matthew Wilkinson 36.39 (36.24); Keith Baker 36.42 (huge improvement), Tom Baker 42.00 (40.31).
The 12-14 group was won by Mark Wilmot in 22.11 (gold) and Richard Earp 22.24 (23.56 last year) was silver.
The under 12s gold Paul Davis, aged 9, in 26.11 and silver Christian Riley in 28.09.

The youngest competitor award went to Sian Riley in 30.57 (36.29) for the fourth year (eternal youth) and a new feature this year was the over 70s division inaugurated and won by John Davis of Church Road. He won a cup for his remarkable efforts.
The half empty tankard went to Jim Davis, 30.57, for beating the vicar for the first time, and the fastest woman in Sandford plaque was not awarded this year, there being no fast women in Sandford.

Some of the other times noted in the 3 mile race (last year's in brackets) were as follows: Jessica Boyle 31.30 (32.35); Tom Daglish fourth in 26.32 (28.19); Paul Davis, aged 9, third in 26.11; Joe Davis 29.39 (25.13); Philippa Quested, aged 8, 31.32 (36.29); Paul Evans 27.40; Paul Daglish 27.01 (25.25).

A few failed to complete, partly due to near tragedy when Alex Evans' dog did a diversion into the river and failed to get out. Among those diving in to rescue him the VC was awarded ('very courageous') to Robert McNamee and his young assistants.

One shrewd observer of the human condition in extremis prophesied that this would be the last river run run by the vicar. He may be right - none of us knows the hour. But he was referred to Psalm 90 verse 10, as a guide.
Thanks once again to time-keepers and judges Vince Boyle and Prue Sykes, to the medical core led by Ray Lee, to the marshalls Mike and Joan, Jane and Diane, Mick Hills and Sue Riley.

[More information on the River Run]

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.

Notes from meetings July - September 2003

Chairman: Nigel Northcott (773569); Clerk: Liz Shatford (772598)
Councillors: M. Norton, M. Inston, P. Tuson, H. Hutton, M. Hills, I Reveco

July 2003:

Green Belt: N Northcott had received an email from Cllr R Tudor Hughes describing the parts of the Draft Structure Plan Review 2011 - 2016 which apply to Sandford. The review relates to the period 2011 - 2016 and has been approved for passing to the next stage, which is public consultation.
The County Council voted to "- - support the inclusion of land south of Grenoble Road, Oxford as an Urban Extension of Oxford for mixed use, including the development of at least 1,000 houses within the plan period.
"This will
(a) necessitate a revision of the Green Belt boundary.
(b) action will be needed to overcome the restraints identified by the Working Group"
Secondly:
"As an alternative to expansion of Bicester, Didcot and Grove and the
Oxford Green Belt consideration should be given to the development of a new community beyond the boundary of the Green Belt. The preferred size and location of such a development will need to be determined so as to reflect the extent and location of future housing need as it becomes apparent."

Cllr Tudor Hughes commented:-
"If the SP is approved the words 'mixed use' will enable the Science Park to expand and elsewhere in the SP it says that priority in industrial expansion will be given to science based industry and R&D in services. This would mean that land between the A4074 and the sewage station (to be moved) would become Science Park and beyond the sewage station the 1,000 or so houses would be built. The existing overhead cables would probably be moved or laid underground.
In other words the scenically more attractive landscape of the Science Park would be a buffer between Sandford and the additional housing estate. Such a development would need a dedicated access probably from a new roundabout to the east of Sandford which would take not only the new traffic but the existing traffic to the Science Park and the Kassam Stadium and give relief to the village. I asked the proposer of this amendment to make reference in his speech to the necessity for such a dedicated access to by-pass the village and whilst it is not recorded in the minutes I shall write to the chief Planning Officer to put it on record.

I can think of three possible scenarios for the PC in the next stages of the process.
1. Do very little and see what happens.
2. Play an active part in opposing the expansion of the Science Park and the new housing (I think the two are now connected; if the housing does not succeed the Science Park will be blocked as well) and throw in your lot with the District Council. 3. Also play an active part and have meetings with the City and County Planners, the Science Park and any other interested parties and offer your support in return for defined benefits for Sandford.

The second amendment opens up the possibility of a new town to replace some at least of the proposed housing development at Didcot, Bicester, Grove and Oxford Green Belt. This had been explicitly rejected by Officers and Members on the Working Party but was pushed through by a large majority at Council. It is quite new and it is difficult to know just yet whether the idea will gather momentum.
I was also very involved in trying to amend the decision to open a huge gravel extraction quarry somewhere within the Stadhampton, Berinsfield, Warborough and Benson area but failed to get a majority. I don't think it will have a direct impact on Sandford.

Traffic matters: Peter Egawhary described the proposals for parking along Grenoble Rd. The advertisement had been placed and no objections received. Following the Section 106 agreement to implement the works the money would be sought from Kassam. £5,000 had been agreed towards traffic calming in the village and he said there were at present three options. He would take time with

Village appraisal: M.Hills was congratulated on his report and various options for undertaking an appraisal were discussed. M.Hills was of the opinion that a dedicated sub-committee be set up to consist of councillors and parishioners.
ORCC offered help with this and clerk would contact them and ask them for the best way forward.

August 2003

Village appraisal: An exhibition had been set up prior to the meeting and David Fisher made a presentation describing the advantages, purpose and methods of preparing a village plan. It was agreed to set up an appraisal committee, to consist at first of M. Hills and I. Reveco, to contact various interest groups in the village and an advertisement in the next Link for interested villagers to contact M Hills to form an appraisal group.
Katherine May spoke about transport issues and said a village plan could help a community to approach the authorities with greater strength.

Traffic: Peter Egawhary spoke about the proposals laid out at the back of the hall. Only token money had been voted so far but when the final proposals were agreed the developer's contribution would be sought. Work for the on street parking on Grenoble Rd had started and this should direct match day traffic away from Sandford.
He would finalise the proposals for the Henley/Church Rd junction, the mini roundabout at Brick Kiln Lane junction and the double yellows. It was agreed that a cycle lane wasn't wanted but the money should be spent on extra dropped kerbs for prams, wheelchairs etc.

Green Belt: J Stimson spoke of the threat to the Oxford Green Belt due to the proposals in the Draft Structure Plan Review. Sandford would be overwhelmed as a village and once the Green Belt had been breached south of Grenoble Rd it would be very hard to fend off the Donnington Hospital Trust / City Council

If the parish council agreed to oppose the breach of the Green Belt, it was suggested that there were two courses of action which could be followed, the parish council could raise awareness of the threat in the village and they and individuals could contact county councillors who had supported the breach and attempt to change their minds. When the Draft was published more technical representations could be made in the consultation period.
Some questions were raised, M. Norton asked why the extra development south of Oxford? There was land to the north eg Peartree, Bicester. Also moving sewage works and burying high voltage cables would be very costly and could hardly be paid for by 1000 houses especially if they were truly low cost.
N. Northcott said that all was speculation at present and a public meeting should be held to air concerns and hopefully get more information. Ann Ducker, leader of SODC had written a letter offering support and to attend a meeting.

It was agreed that as many people as possible be encouraged to attend the area forum and then a public meeting be held following this possibly to combine with the village appraisal idea and that the Green Belt form the major item on the October parish council meeting.

For information: There was a problem with youths riding scramble bikes over the Fox Furlong rec. to get to the Donnington Hospital Trust field and the grass which had been well maintained was all scored and spoiled.
M. Hills asked that G. Surman be asked to straighten the goal posts and give a coat of stain to the bus shelter. N. Northcott would make final attempt at Jubilee Garden proposal. Clerk to ask Four Pillars to cut Church Rd bank.
There was a request for a cantilever bus shelter at Heyford Hill Lane stop and also for bin liners at Fox bus stop. Miss Ford to contact SODC. Clerk to contact Donnington Hospital Trust and OCC about overhanging trees once again.

County Councillor's report:
R. Tudor Hughes was unable to attend the meeting but had reported via a letter to the Clerk copied to parish councillors. In regard to the Draft County Structure Plan Review he explained that Cllr Charles Shouler who represents Bicester had asked him to support an amendment removing the necessity for Bicester to build a further 1,000 houses between 2011 and 2016 in return for supporting R. Tudor Hughes amendment that Berinsfield - Warborough - Benson area be not targeted for gravel extraction. He had agreed but been surprised to find that the 1,000 houses had been relocated to Sandford; C. Shouler was advised that they could not just be scrapped but he must relocate them.
R. Tudor Hughes explained that the amendment specifies a mixed development which is likely to mean an extension of the Science Park so that the houses would be built away from Sandford.
He had told C. Shouler that he would continue to support his amendment if the necessity to build a new junction on the A 4074 to benefit Sandford residents, especially the two dozen families living on the Henley Rd on the way to the Stadium, was inserted. He was in two minds but had voted for the amendment. In regard to the future, he had set out various options in his email to N. Northcott (reported in July minutes) but had no strong views either way and was prepared to be guided by the parishioners he represents in Sandford and the Baldons. He was aware that the Baldons had come out strongly against the amendment.
He had also supported an amendment proposing that a new town at an unspecified location or development north of Oxford should be considered as alternatives.

Green Belt: J. Stimson reported that he had met parish councillors at the Baldons. They were circulating to every house in the Baldons a written circular and a sketch plan showing development possibilities proposed by Magdalen College and Thames Water through their agents, FPD Savills.
The proposed breach of the Green Belt would be the main subject to be discussed at the forthcoming Fringe Area Forum on September 15 at 7.00pm at the Marsh Baldon village hall. It was hoped that as many from the parish would attend as possible.
He suggested that if Sandford were to support the principle of maintaining the Green Belt then it would be a good idea to liaise with the other immediately affected villages - Nuneham Courtney, the Baldons, and Garsington - in the hope of changing the minds of the County Councillors who had voted for the amendments to the County Structure Plan Draft review even before the consultation period started on September 26. He would be attending the OCC Structure Plan meeting to be held on October 1st.

Traffic matters: P Egawhary said that £4,500 had been agreed in committee for either traffic lining or an improved junction at Church/Henley Rds. The officers favoured lining in the first instance. It was pointed out that the parish council had already decided at the last meeting that an improved junction was what was required. Clerk to contact Mike Collins and Ralph Green at Speedwell House to convey this requirement. A parishioner commented that the double yellow lining recently carried out had only pushed match parking further up the

Beat Officer PC Brian Price: had no good news to give. Police manning levels are low due in part to Government policy which set low levels for rural locations and also in part to the problem of officers finding affordable accommodation in this area of high housing cost. There was a constant leakage to London where salaries were £8,000 - £10,000 higher.
He suggested that where parishioners were experiencing problems where an infringement of the law occurred, for instance riding unlicensed motor bikes in areas of the village and possibly causing danger to children and pedestrians, then 999 should be dialled. Advice would be given and the person ringing would not be criticized. He agreed it wasn't always very helpful to ring the local numbers

Village appraisal: A meeting had been held attended by 7 people from the 12 who had initially shown interest. This was a good result and M. Hills was congratulated. David Fisher had gone through the process and it was agreed to hold a second, public meeting on Monday September 22 in the village hall to start the process and also to discuss reaction to the Green Belt proposals following the Fringe Area Forum on September 15.

For information: A meeting had been held with the Broadhurst Gardens residents and Green and Tidy and the extent of work to finish clearance and tidying agreed. A costed proposal would be put to the next parish council for acceptance.
A quotation from G. Turnbull had been received to carry out works at Jubilee garden site. It was resolved to accept the quotation for planting works along the boundary fence, to remove the elder tree and to leave the large stones until later.
Clerk to notify Highways that roadside sign at entrance to the village was broken.

September 13th Historic Churches Cycle Ride September 15th Green Belt meeting: 7.0 at Marsh Baldon village hall September 22nd Village appraisal meeting in Sandford village hall September 28th Harvest Festival: 10.0, 11.15 and Lunch November 2nd 6.30 All Souls - Memorial service     December 21st 11.15 Children's Carol Service 6.30 Christmas Carol Service