Autumn 2004             Issue 95

HARVEST FESTIVAL

Sunday September 26th Gifts brought during the week or to church on Sunday will be donated to the Porch (see page 5 for types of food they most need).         10.0 a.m. parish communion 11.15 a.m. family service followed by 12.15 - 2.0 harvest lunch - all welcome If you plan to come, please leave a message on 748848; if you would like to bring something to share at the lunch, please bring a pudding.

CHURCH NEWS
Ministry team: Robert Morgan (Lower Farm, 748848) priest-in-charge; Lydia Cook (01491 833242) associate priest. Licensed lay ministers: Brian Andrews (777011);  Liz Shatford (772598). Church Wardens: Mrs Marjorie Harris (24 Henley Road) and Ray Lee (93 Henley Road). Director of Music: Christian Bradley.

VILLAGE HALL
SATURDAY 20TH NOVEMBER
at 7.30 p.m.
QUIZ-RAFFLE-SUPPER & BAR
TICKETS FROM -
TERRY 774075
SUE 718948
THE FOX PUBLIC HOUSE
£4.00 PER PLAYER: MAX. 6 PER TEAM

Farewell to Bill and Anna, and thanks for a great contribution. This means we have spaces in St Andrew's choir and are looking for singers - or those keen to learn. Further information from the vicar (748848) or Director of Music.

Martin Luther's last words were 'We are beggars, that's a fact' - and he knew something about the human condition. I think of when selling raffle tickets each summer and try to remember why the Buddha and St Francis etc. put such religious importance on it. It gives people a chance to be generous, and most people are. So thank you. It was also a pleasure to catch up on some

neighbours, so time well spent. The fete that followed was good - the rain held off till 4.0 p.m. and there was a cheerful atmosphere. The funds raised help the church in Sandford stay open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, for anyone who wants to call and get involved, or in other ways add to life.

Special thanks to those who gave prizes and/or sponsored the fete, including Barry and Barbara at the Catherine Wheel, Nigel and Claire at the Fox, Alan and Eileen at the Kings Arms, the management team at the Four Pillars, Alan Butler (let him do it), Martyn Akrigg (for all things electrical, contact him at 35 Henley Road), John Wilmot, Dr Peter Agulnik, and several other whose names are written where it matters even if not repeated here. Let's make next year bigger and better, especially with the jousting . . .

The Flower Festival could not be better, and was appreciated by many visitors. Thanks to the skilled workers. Report on Green sermon in next issue.


Raffle prize winners:
the raffle prizes have all been delivered to the winners. The winning numbers were: 3091, 2030, 2303, 2375, 1634, 2820, 1282, 2194, 0258, 0930, 0565, 0296, 1649, 3141, 1462, 0523, 1162, 2031, 0361, 0137, 1060, 1423, 1100, 0327, 1311, 0206, 0510, 3113, 0599.

SANDFORD YOUTH CLUB has resumed after the summer holidays, and meets every Wednesday at 7.0 in the Village Hall. Leader Naomi Crawford. New members welcome	TODDLERS GROUP Mondays 10 - 12 in the Village Hall Run by Michelle (748257) and Jackie (776598) Mums and Dads etc. very welcome
in the Village Hall every Thursday 7.0 for 8.0 in aid of Village Hall funds	VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS Private functions: £10 per hour Bookings phone: 07759-890696 [Village Hall - Info] Community Refuse Vehicles for use by villagers: for dates and times, please see Parish Council noticeboards.
Jodie's Beauty Room & Mobile Service Qualified Beautician (situated inside McCord's Hair Salon, Rose Hill) Waxing, manicure, pedicure, facials, nail extensions, massage, electrolysis, St Tropez and more. Gift vouchers available. Fancy being pampered - give me a call on 01865-777252 or 07818 292193 1st appointment 20% off Beauty Treatment*	Mobile Library outside the Fox 11.55 - 12.10 every other Tuesday [more info]

After much work and consideration of the appraisal results, the Draft Action Plan was distributed to all 580 homes in the village prior to the village fete. It was hoped that the included feedback forms would be returned in sufficient numbers to clearly demonstrate support for the Draft Action Plan.

The Appraisal Team at the Village Fete
Unfortunately the early July weather was not quite at it best and the Appraisal Team were thankful to the 14 Oxford Scout Group for the loan of their tent which kept us fairly dry during a couple of rain showers. We were positioned a little back from the main stalls, but we still managed to attract the attention of an number of interested people.
Our visitors were able to look over several displays showing the main findings from the Appraisal, with the full results. Leaflets were available on the free green box recycling scheme, crime reduction, new bus timetables and neighbourhood watch scheme. Other information available included activities at the village hall, mobile library and the free Tesco bus.
We were visited by our local County Councillor John Howell, our local policeman Brian Price found time from his busy duties and most of the Parish Council. A few locals also came over to look at our displays and some even remembered to drop off their feedback forms to us.

A little feedback...
Slightly disappointingly we have received only 19 feedback forms to date, all of which have been generally supportive of the Draft Action Plan and some useful comments. The Appraisal Team feel its is reasonable to assume that as most people felt that further comment was not necessary, and that the Plan was generally acceptable.
It was also felt that perhaps a further chance to comment, after the summer break, would be useful, and the idea to combine it with one of the higher priorities for improvement would hopefully prove useful to many people.

The final Parish Plan
Consultations are still under way with the Parish Council and other authorities to finalise the final Parish Plan. Once it's completed it will be officially adopted by the Parish Council and used as a basis for decisions in the future development of our village. A summary of the final Parish Plan will then be distributed to the whole village.

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

Want more information?
The appraisal group is being co-ordinated by Steve Daniels tel. ****** and administered by Mick Hills (tel. ******) along with a great, but small, team of volunteers. Any and all offers of help will be welcomed!! Further information can also be found in the appraisal section of the website: www.Sandford onThames.co.uk

Tony (Jack) Naish 27th July 1932 - 7th September 2004
One of the great multitude of old Sandford Naishs, Tony lived on Henley Road till he married Eileen in 1955, moving then to Abingdon and in 1963 to Kennington, where they brought up their family, Janette, Richard and Alison. Lead us, Heavenly Father, lead us, sung at their wedding, was sung again on 16th September, at the funeral at St Andrews.
Having suffered from polio as a result of swimming in the river he worked for Hunts office equipment, and then as a civilian with the police. His passion for clocks brought him into close collaboration with Bob Crickmay (our own Kingcup, much in mind - birthday last week).
At the service Richard paid tribute to his father. Burial at Sandford was a return to where many of the family rest in peace. Our sympathies go to Eileen and the family, including four grandchildren of a devoted parent and grandparent.

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.

Prior to the Olympics, the end of June trot to (or towards) Radley looked like atrocious weather conditions that scared off the multitude, but the rain stopped and some intrepid children and adults of Sandford crossed the thames on dry land, starting at 5 p.m. in the Recreation ground. The 5 mile race was slower than usual with many of the entrants competing in the over-50s division, and the Sandford Shield was won by Geoff Raynham of River View (34.48), thus striking a blow against ageism and for the right to run. Relative youth came second (Andrew Pollard, 35.09) and absolute youth third (Tom Baker, aged 13, 36.03, who won the medal for the fastest young 5-miler). Catherine Shelley (36.54) won the fastest woman in Sandford cup and Matthew Wilkinson (38.07) and Tom Fox (39.16) showed that age doth not wither them. The Link reporter can testify after 15 attempts (and failures) that anyone who can run 5 miles in under 40 minutes is a marvel.

In the 3 mile race, gold was again taken by Paul Davis (aged 10, 22.20 - a remarkable result, and 4 minutes faster than his last year's gold), silver by Joe Davis (aged 14, 13.55), bronze by Toby Wilkinson (aged 12, 25.58) and copper by Simon Wilkinson (aged 12, 27.10). Fifth came Sian Riley (aged 9, 27.52 - who thus wins the youngest entrant award for the fifth successive year, followed by Christian Riley (aged 12, 29.49). Anyone who does the 3 miles in under 30 mins deserves some credit and the near misses some sympathy. Jim Davis (30.44) won the half-empty tankard for beating the vicar again. The fastest moving mother cup was won by Michelle Robson (33.45) with Paul, Tobias, Jacob, the Youth Club, and the Toddler group in tow. Quite something from SODC. Among the great untimed a special commendation for Sarah Pollard as she approaches her wedding day keeping up with Andrew.

Many thanks again to Vince for time-keeping, Ray for the ambulance team, Councillor Michael, Joan, Parish Clerk Liz, and the reception committee or Radley Rangers, Jane, Diane and Doreen. How many of us will still be handing out water to the weary in our late 80s? See Matthew 10.42.

The names listed show how much family solidarity counts for in these efforts. This was the first year for five that the Shield has not gone to a Baker. The Sandford Bowl was not returned, but would have been awarded to Naomi Crawford, whose efforts with the Youth Club have been so much appreciated, and the Sponsorship plate to Sian Riley, who visited every house in her neighbourhood...

Next year we may move to the last Sunday in June, to avoid clashes with school fetes.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY JULY 5TH 2004

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved and signed.
Matters arising: traffic calming/parking at Church Rd/Henley Rd junction;
Mr Dix was investigating sources of finance.
Keith Baker volunteered to make a schedule of number of 'No Dogs Please' signs for recreation grounds plus methods for fixing them.
With regard to Clerk's letter to SODC Environmental Health Dept about ongoing problems at Kiln Close, a reply had been received but did not promise any action. H Hutton would try to get written information from individuals who had had electrical meters moved by an unqualified person so that SODC would be able to take some enforcement action.

County Councillor's report: Mr Howell had visited the Highways Depot with a list of complaints from all the parishes in his area. If we had further complaints he suggested that we report them to him as well as to the depot so that he could keep track. The pavement in Henley Rd was on the list but not head of the queue yet.
He thanked the parish council for their response to SEERA.
He suggested that it might be a good idea to invite the CEO of the County, Richard Shaw to a meeting. He will arrange this.

District Councillor's report: Mr Stimson said he had been disturbed to be told that the leader of the Liberal Democrats on the City Council was alleged to have said that he was not against development in the Green Belt, particularly because the L.D.s had been solidly against when the Draft Structure Plan was being formulated.

Matters for consideration
The Rock Farm and Recreation Ground Lease documents were signed and will be returned to Hodsons solicitors plus a cheque for the outstanding rent owing on the recreation field. In respect of both the Leases the parish council will not be entitled to demand that a new Lease be granted at the expiry of the present one. The new rent will be £868.00 per annum for the first 5 yrs review period and the lease will run from 25 December 2003.

Matters raised: FPD Savills, Magdalen College and Thames Water wanted to make a presentation to the parish councillors about their development plans. The council agreed to meet them for half an hour before next Council meeting.

New Councillor: Michelle Robson was welcomed onto the parish council as a co-opted member.
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved and signed.
Matters arising: Mrs Reveco had brought a sample of a 'no dogs' sign and it was agreed to put in an order for 7.

District Councillor's report: J Stimson reiterated SODC's support for the parish in the fight against development in the Green Belt. There had been a meeting concerning the Park Homes. Members had produced a list of draft recommendations for approval, e.g. taking 2 or 3 sites for an in depth evaluation. It had been proposed that an officer dedicated solely to Park Homes sites be appointed for a one year post.

County Councillor's report
Councillor Howell had invited Mr Bray from the Environment Agency to speak to the Parish Council in September. He had also arranged for the County Council chief executive, Richard Shaw, to join a discussion with the chairs of Parish Councils - date to be arranged.
Traffic calming: The response on traffic calming had not been optimistic.
Fire Service: From 2007, all calls to the Fire Brigade will be answered by a central call centre located somewhere between Oxford and Kent. This move has been strongly criticised - if you wish to voice an opinion, write to Councillor R. Jelf, at County Hall.
Regional Plan: The South East Plan has been drafted by the Regional Assembly in Guildford, with a new house building target of 38,000 houses per annum in the South East. How much of this is assigned to Oxfordshire still has to be decided, but it is likely to be a large number. Councillor Howell believed this to be a disaster. It will make it more difficult to defend the Green Belt and put an unbelievable strain on infrastructure - and decisions are increasingly being taken out of our hands.
County E-i-P: the examination-in-public of the Structure Plan will come before a panel soon: we need to get a strong representation on the panel.

Matters raised:
Letters complaining of speeding traffic had been received and clerk had written again to R Dix.
Travellers were now on Donnington Trust field and quad bikes had been seen offloading on to it from cars. Clerk to write once more.
Clerk would write to Magdalen re the verge in Church Rd.


PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved and signed.
Matters arising:
Following the press release, an article had appeared in the local press and N Northcott had spoken on the Bill Heine programme.
Revision of standing orders - Councillors had found the document confusing so Clerk would issue a copy to include the bare minimum.
Donnington Hospital Trust had now fenced in their land securely.
Clerk would ask Scion when they would spray the Church Rd gutters and railings and would issue a copy of the maintenance schedule for councillors to revise if necessary.

County Councillor's report: J Howell referred to the letter he had received from Richard Dix explaining why the Highways Department was not intending to carry out traffic calming measures through the village. In Cllr Howell's opinion the Section 106 agreement originally agreed when the stadium and science parks were given permission was a poor document from Sandford's

Matters for consideration
* Report: Environment Agency representative - Nigel Bray, Improvements Engineer, gave a presentation outlining the approach taken by the Agency to future flooding in the Oxford part of the Thames valley. This was in response to some reports that a new water conduit was to be built to collect water from north of the city and deposit it below Sandford. Mr Bray said this was just one possible measure being examined for feasibility.
* Village Appraisal - Steve Daniels, chair of the appraisal group, reported on the draft appraisal. Unfortunately volunteer interest had dropped markedly and the document was not quite finalised. He was intending in late September/early October to hold a session on neighbourhood watch (something strongly mentioned by respondents to the questionnaire) and to issue a new invitation for volunteers. He will produce a pre-printing edition of the appraisal for the next meeting so that the council will have some hard evidence of parishioners wishes to use in future programming organisation and discussions with bureaucracy.
* Rock Farm land - paddock management, topping and harrowing, new hedge line, future maintenance/uses, finance were all items to be considered when the final hand over of the lease took place. For the immediate future use would continue as at present with day to day management undertaken by the tenant in lieu of rent.

Matters raised:
The annual playground inspection report had been received and M Robson agreed to report to next meeting with items needing attention.
There was to be a meeting organised by the Environment Agency in Kennington on the future recreational use of the River Thames . The habitat survey report had been received.
M Robson had contacted Bruce Hedges regarding the proposed toddler fencing at the village hall and would ask him to communicate directly with the Clerk.
There was still no proper Village Hall Committee, the recent appeal in the Link had not attracted volunteers.