Summer 2005             Issue 98

WEEKEND OF JULY 9th / 10th (see pages 4,5,6 and 7)
SANDFORD   RIVER RUN (see page 3)	VILLAGE DIRECTORY PULL- OUT (centre)

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.

- a line from the recent Trinity Sunday when Christians world-wide thought about the Christian name of God (with due respect for those who name God in other ways, and recognizing that many in Britain today do not 'do God', or speak of God.

In Britain today we are engaged on an exciting (maybe), dangerous (maybe), cultural experiment - removing the name of God from our moral language and denying the reality that this name points us to. A minority are counter-cultural and resist the trend, thinking it will lead to an impoverishment of human life and reduce the motivation to care for other people beyond our immediate family and friends, and weaken our responsibility to care for the environment. Responding to God's wonderful and good creation and seeing that our world is not ours to destroy is one dimension of religious practice - praising God from whom and in whom everything is. That's a valuable habit.

On Sunday 10th July at the Flower Festival Choral Evensong at 6.30 p.m. is the Sandford annual green sermon on the environment. All are invited, whether or not believers. Those who treasure the language of the Prayer Book and all it points to will echo that prayer that says: 'Keep us steadfast in this faith'. A lot of things are wobbling, so it's good to be firmly anchored in faith, hope and the love that won't quite let us go.

SANDFORD RIVER RUN 5.0 p.m. start (registration 4.30). Saturday June 25th on the recreation ground. 3 or 5 miles along the riverside Sponsorship forms available from the vicar or Nigel at the Fox.

ALL WELCOME 11.15 a.m. Family service on the last Sunday of each month: 26th June 31st July 28th August 25th September As from 1st September, also 1st Sunday of the month

Sunday 10th July at Choral Evensong at 6.30 p.m. in St Andrew's church: The Green Sermon on the environment Preacher: The Revd. Margot Hodson Chaplain of Jesus College

one of the best in Oxfordshire Weekend of July 9th/10th in St Andrew's church: open Saturday 10.0 - 6.0 and Sunday 11.0 - 6.0, with Choral Evensong and Green sermon 6.30 p.m. on Sunday

BEST SUMMER HAT COMPETITION Be creative, and come along to the Fete in a beautiful, wild, serious, fruity, flowery, smart, funny or just batty summer hat. Judging at 2.30: adults and childrens prizes.

	HAVE A GO AT THE GRAND GLADIATOR JOUSTING AT THE
VILLAGE FETE
to be opened by CHRIS HACKETT at 2.0 on Saturday 9th July on the recreation ground
grandraffle*tugofwar*icecreams*silverband*teas coconuts*books*toddlerfun*facepainting*plants bricabrac*barbeque*gladiatorjousting*taekwondodisplay ponies*facepainting*lotofstalls*tombola fortunetelling*funandgames*bouncycastle*comealongandenjoy

	Environmental Playscheme at Hinksey Heights Nature Park. Run by the Oxfordshire Forest Schools Project
July 26th & 28th, August 3rd, 5th, 9th & 11th £8 per child, 8-13 year olds only. 10am to 3.30pm. Please bring a packed lunch.
Family Days July 27th & 29th, August 2nd, 4th, 10th & 12th £5 per child, any age. On Family Days, all children must be accompanied by an adult: max. 3 children per adult. 10am to 3.30pm. Please bring a packed lunch.
Activities such as: team building games, pond dipping, making birdboxes, bug hunting, environmental games, nature walks and environmental art.
Booking essential: book early to avoid disappointment: Please call Naomi on (07941) 312654 or email hinkseywarden @ yahoo.co.uk N.B. Please be aware of the weather. Your child may need waterproofs, sun cream, sun hat, hayfever pills, midge repellent, and sturdy (old) shoes.

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	ELITE ELECTRICAL SERVICES Electrical contractors Martyn Akrigg 07771 781947

BUSES
  Thames Travel - Bus: 105 & 106 (hourly Mon-Sat) - 01491 837988
  Stagecoach Oxfordshire - Bus: 5C (evenings) - 772250
  Tesco Bus service - Tue & Thu 10am - 0845 677 9524

CHEMISTS
  Rose Hill Pharmacy - Courtland Road, Rose Hill. - 777378
  Superdrug Pharmacy - Templars Square, Cowley Centre. - 779299
  Sainsburys - in store pharmacy - Heyford Hill. - 777663

CHURCH
  St. Andrews - Church Road. - Rev. Robert Morgan - 748848 10 a.m. Sundays.

CLUBS:
  SANDFORD RUNNERS - Details from Sue - 773569
  An informal friendly group of runners from the village leave the
  King's Arms car park at 1900 for a steady paced half-hour run.
  All runners welcome; turn up ready to go - every
  Tuesday and Thursday. Not suitable for complete beginners.

  DANCE RHYTHMS - Adults all levels,
  Sundays from 3.0 and Tuesdays from 6.30.
  From Ballroom to Tap Dancing & Rock 'n' Roll.
  Tuesday 11.30 adult line-dancing classes.
  Tuesday 4.0 - 5.30 childrens' classes. Susan Curtis 748144.

  BINGO - Janet or Hazel at the village hall Thursday evenings.
  Just drop in for a friendly night out, eyes down at 8:00
  Proceeds in aid of hall funds.

  ROSEMARY CONLEY - Edda Coles - 777861 - Fridays in the village hall.
  Would you like to become slimmer, trimmer, and fitter?

  SANDFORD LADIES GROUP - Joan Inston - 715788
  Occasional, friendly and informal, local meetings.

YOUNGSTERS:
  TAE KWON DO - James -772883 - Mon & Thu at the village hall.
  Junior classes for 6 - 16 year olds, both boys and girls.

  YOUTH CLUB - Naomi - 07941 312654 - Thu evenings at the village hall.
  For 8 - 13 year olds during term time. Also summer activities available.

  TODDLERS GROUP - Claire Goodspeed - 718741 Mon mornings at the hall.
  Mums, Dads & carers with small children.

HOSPITALS
  NHS DIRECT - 08 45 46 47
  Littlemore Mental Health Centre - 778911

HOTELS
  Oxford Thames Four Pillars - open to non-residents - 334444

MOBILE LIBRARY
  Visits on alternate Tuesday lunch times from 11:55 until 12:10,
  and stops in the layby next to The Fox pub. - 810240

NEWS AGENTS & SHOPS
  Small shop on the corner of Littlemore Hospital, Mon - Fri 8 to 3.
  Sub Post Office, Courtland Road, Rose Hill.
  Sainsburys - 771146

PARISH COUNCIL
  Chair - Nigel Northcott - 773569, Vice-Chair - Mike Norton
  Clerk - Liz Shatford - 772598, members: Hazel Hutton, Mike Inston,
  Mick Hills, Irene Reveco, Michelle Robson.
  Parish Council notice boards: corner of Church & Henley Road,
  Opposite River View and by Janaway on Heyford Hill Lane

  DISTRICT COUNCIL - Councillor: John Stimson.
  South Oxfordshire District Council, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford 01491 823000

  COUNTY COUNCIL - Councillor: John Howell.
  Oxfordshire County Council, County Hall, New Road, Oxford. 792422

  M.P. - Henley-on-Thames constituency: Boris Johnson. 01491 612852

POLICE - Emergency: 999
  Non emergency and enquiries: 08458 505 505

POST OFFICE enquires - 0845 722 3344
  Sub Post Office, Cowley Road, Littlemore.
  Sub Post Office, Courtland Road, Rose Hill.
  Main Post Office, 17 Upper Barr, Templars Square, Cowley.

POST BOX - week day collections 11am & 5:15pm
  By Janaway on Heyford Hill Lane.
  Post box at Park Homes by the Main Avenue entrance.
  Also a postbox by the phone box on corner of Church & Henley Roads.

PUBS
  THE FOX - 25 Henley Road. Nigel Rolston - 777803
  CATHERINE WHEEL - 38 Henley Road. Barry King - 778340
  THE KINGS ARMS - by Sandford Lock - 777095

RECYCLING
  Redbridge Recycling Centre - 721464
  Green recycling boxes & bulky waste collections - 01491 823416

RIVER
  Salters Streamers - which stops at the lock - 243421

SCHOOLS (Littlemore)
  EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN (Independent preparatory school) 395236
  JOHN HENRY NEWMAN (C of E Primary School) 772495
  PEERS (secondary comprehensive school) 774311

STADIUM & OZONE - Grenoble Road.
  Oxford United - 337500
  Multiplex Cinema - 0870 444 30 30
  Bowlplex - 714100
  Gala Bingo - 774477
  Frankie & Benny's - 778309
  Ozone Health & Fitness Club - 0870 443 1234

VILLAGE
  Alan Butler - Your local maintenance man - ****** [now retired]
  Dick Rudman - security services - 711369
  Sandford Service Centre (garage) - 777344
  Orchard House sheltered accommodation for the elderly - 778524
  Iris Hayter House (care home) - 749560

VILLAGE HALL - various clubs and activities - enquiries 07759 890 696
  The Conditions of Hire have recently been revised and are
  available from the Bookings Secretary on the above number.

WEB SITE
  http://www.sandfordonthames.co.uk/
  http://www.sandfordchurch.org.uk/

Compiled as a result of the Village Appraisal,
and developed as part of the Parish Plan.
Please report any errors or omissions to Mick Hills - ******

Being a good Sandford neighbour

Bonfires and garden refuse
The summer brings us out into our gardens and we all admire the evident hard work that is put in to present neatly trimmed lawns, multi-coloured bedding plants, perennials that flourish in the warm weather and glorious hanging baskets.
However, this is sometimes accompanied by a bonfire - a stinking plume of steam and smoke produced as damp garden refuse being burned. If your garden is big enough to produce a large amount of garden refuse - it is big enough to set aside a place for composting waste. Composting saves you from buying expensive and ecological damaging peat, as well as saving the rest of us from the summer stink.
If you don't want to compost your own garden waste, take the material to the civic amenity dump at Redbridge where the local council will do it for you. But please don't burn it - for ours' and the planet's benefit

And please don't dump your garden waste and rubbish in public places. The amenity land at the end of Broadhurst gardens has piles of garden refuse dumped on it in the public play and amenity area. This action by residents could lead to a costly fine from the local council.

Hedges and pavements
I am the first to realise that walking has become a minority activity; however, can we all do our part to help by keeping pavements clear. Please do not park on the pavement or grass verge - parking on the road is an excellent traffic calming measure making our roads safer for us all.
And please check your garden hedge. Overgrown trees and shrubs makes using pavement dangerous especially for people with buggies and push chairs and for the older citizens.

Recycling
On Monday mornings in Sandford it is easy to see the more socially and environmentally minded residents; those with a green box! About two thirds of the rubbish you put out could be recycled. Composting garden and kitchen waste and putting paper, cardboard, tins, cans and plastic for separate recycling saves you taxes and helps preserve our world. I must say it is quite amazing how much rubbish one house can produce

- what does a single house throw away each week that needs the 6 plastic sacks that sit out side some homes every Monday!

Traffic calming
The local highways department has identified some money for improvements to the roads in Sandford and in particular to the Brick Kiln lane junction. At the parish council meeting on July 4th the council will agree what action should be taken - come and have your say!

BABYSITTERS available contact Helen 774178 or Charlotte 779324

Nigel Northcott
Chairman, Parish Council

Rest in peace

Mrs Hilda Willis   March 1903 - April 2005

When Queen Victoria died part of the well-known Sandford Naish family lived in the Mill Cottages. The family continued to grow until there were 12 children at 9 River View (9 girls, 3 boys: Kate, Dolly, Tom (Gerald and Michael's father), Tilly, Alf, Milly, Pat, Percy (Tony's father), Beth, Hilda, May, Annie), then Gladys, aged 5, joined them when she was orphaned.
Latterly the surviving three of the sisters lived at Mon Choisi, Kennington, until the youngest, Annie Welch (Frank's widow, after whom the Welch Room is named) died. Now Hilda has died, aged 102, following her husband Gus who died in 1983, leaving only Beth Crawford, aged 103.
Our sympathies to Beth, who remains wonderful, serene and clear-thinking, and to all the other 'branches' of the Naish family (variously pronounced). Hilda had worked for the senior Mrs Challenor as a young women, but accepted her husband's wishes and did not work after marrying. She was always a delight to visit, despite her recent deafness making communication difficult and a broken hip restricting movement.
The birthday part photo was again in the Mail in March. In a suitable echo of the old Sandford by the river we sang about 'the meadows where we play, the rushes by the water to gather every day' at the Crematorium on 27th April and her ashes are destined for the family grave back in old Sandford.

Parish Plan update.

Steady progress is being made on several of the proposals contained in the Parish Plan, which was delivered to all households earlier this year. Many of the proposals are dependent on the active support of villagers to achieve the desired results and contribute to the overall success of the Plan.

Neighbourhood Watch.
New areas have now been established and following on from there recent success, it's hoped that more watches will be developed later this year, after further interest from other areas of the village. Anyone wising to join in and become part of a local watch, please call: Mick Hills tel. ******, Steve Daniels tel. ****** or call the Regional Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Carol Rudd on 01235 556 957.

Local Directory.
A copy of the current village information sheet has been included in The Link. Hopefully many will find this useful, and a larger more comprehensive version could be developed in the future, please let me know.

Traffic.
The Parish Council, along with the active intervention of our County Councillor, John Howells, have continued to press the County Council for a response to our traffic proposals. This has recently resulted in some restricted funds becoming available, and a joint meeting with the County Council is being arranged to investigate the options that may be available.

Village Hall.
After the management committee AGM, the June meeting will continue to investigate further, various ways to develop the facilities currently offered at the hall. Suggestions to expand and increase the range of activities offered at the hall are also under consideration.

Buses.
The recent reduction, down to the hourly service outside peak hours, will be reviewed again at the end of the year. Representations will be made to try and maintain and improve the service, but in the mean time, it seems it's a case of 'use it, or lose it'.

Mobile Library.
This is also under review, so again, the best way to see it continue is to try and actively support the current service.

More Information.
The Parish Plan has been developed from last years Village Appraisal. A few copies are still available for those wishing to see the proposals for the future development of the village. Please contact Mick Hills on ******, who can also be found on the ice cream stall at the village fete. Additional information can also be found on the website: www.SandfordOnThames.co.uk

Dear All

We would like to introduce ourselves officially to the village of Sandford on Thames.

My name is Mr. Paul Donohoe and my business partner is Mr. Robert Hall.
Together we have taken on your local garage under the name of Sandford Service Centre. We opened on 1st February 2005, and are starting to build up a friendly relationship with local residents - for you who have already used our services, thank you for the support.

We hope to be here as long as possible to provide a local and friendly service for all your motoring needs with a professional service - if there is something that we are unable to complete ourselves, which will be very rare, we can put you in touch with reliable and trustworthy sources or we can contact third parties on your behalf.

A little info about ourselves:
I come from a main dealership background with a 15 year career with the same company. I had experience in bodyshop, parts, service and workshop when I finally decided to resign and try something for myself. Some people may remember my name if you are interested in sport - I spent seventeen years playing ice hockey for Oxford, I also coached the youth ice hockey teams. I retired at the end of the 2002 season feeling slightly old and haggard.

My business partner (Robert Hall) is probably one of the best mechanics I have ever come across. He served a full mechanical apprenticeship to gain his qualifications whilst playing an important part in a rally team. He has had a 13 year mechanical career and has been waiting many years for this opportunity to be able to provide his skill and knowledge in his own workshop.

Together we hope to be able to provide a friendly, relaxed but professional service along with competative prices. Being a small garage we are able to charge a lower labour rate and can undercut main dealers by half their hourly labour rate.

To all local residents we can offer a discount on all our prices. You may already be aware of block exemption, which means you no longer have to take your car to a main dealer to have it serviced - you can use any garage or workshop you choose and the manufacturer and the dealer still have to honour your warranty. Not to put you off using main dealers if that is your choice, but why pay £100 per hour when you can pay our rate of £47.

Anyway that's us Sandford Service Centre. We hope to see as many local residents as possible to build a relationship that will last for the years to come.

Thank you, Paul Donohoe.

Ride or Stride Saturday 10th September A sponsored event to raise money for   o The church of your choice and   o The Oxfordshire Historic       Churches Trust Sponsorship forms available from Ray Lee, 93 Henley Road. Meet outside the church at 10.0 a.m.

Tutoring Kip McGrath, at Temple Court, 107 Oxford Road, Cowley, offers extra English, Maths, Spelling and Reading after school tuition in small groups. Ages 6-16. Ring Alyson on 402950; or email kmecoxford @ btinternet for more information. www.kipmcgrath.com

Plumbers

A parishioner with chronic plumbing problems has written in to tell us what excellent local help he has received from both Keith R. Lewis of Main Avenue, and from Long Brothers of Easter Avenue (711638), mobile 07734-840929), and wishes to share this intelligence, and also thank them. Nothing worse than a leak, and knowing how to solve it is helpful.

Baptisms on 24th April: Archibald Joseph Smith, son of James and Vicky at Iffley church Phoebe Jane Edgar, daughter of Robert and Lucy of Church Road Ian Niall Ellis Argyle, son of Lynn Akrigg and Ashleigh A Emily Kate Dalton, daughter of Bicky (nee Norton) and Mark

SANDFORD ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Extracts from minutes of the meeting held on Monday April 4th

District Councillor's report:
Mr Stimson had received email from Cllr Pat Dawes saying she was meeting a brick wall in her call to action from the officers regarding improvements to Park Homes. An environmental health officer had agreed that work to the drains was urgently necessary.
The new licensing committee, of which Mr Stimson is a member, will meet on 21st April. A best value report on enforcement had been prepared and there was a backlog of about 500 cases. Resources had been allocated but there was a difficulty in finding enough specialist staff.

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.

County Councillor's report:
Mr Howell reported that he has not yet managed to get any action plan for traffic problems. He held a successful workshop about the S E Plan which M Hills had attended. It was agreed that Sandford should send an amended copy of the Warborough letter to SEERA.
No copies of the 'Your shout' leaflet had yet been received in Sandford. The recommendations of the EIP go to the County Council tomorrow and it was thought that the City Council was intending to apply for the Grenoble Rd proposals to be re-included.

Matters for consideration:
Playgrounds - two quotations for repairs to playground matting had been received and the lower tender would be accepted. Two youth club members had written to SODC for help towards new playground equipment and been told they could go to Rose Hill or Littlemore to play.
The youth club would like to fundraise to help get more equipment - a climbing net costing about £5,500- and the parish council applauded their initiative and agreed to match them pound for pound in their fundraising.
Footpaths - it was agreed the County document was not relevant to Sandford.

Matters raised:
A copy letter had been received complaining to SODC about a large new sign in the Kings Arms car park.
Graffiti had been sprayed on underpass bridge: will be removed.
There was no change to Rock Farm land position.
A Westbury Homes engineer had visited the Janaway playground with M Robson and agreed a programme of work to be done.
Church Rd rec. grass to have an extra cut this week, and two extra cuts one at the end and one at the beginning of the next season.



Extracts from minutes of the meeting held on Monday May 9th

Election of Chairperson: Dr N Northcott was unanimously re-elected as Chairperson, and M Norton was unanimously re-elected as Vice Chairperson.

Matters for consideration:
Playgrounds - The youth club are going to be raising money during the summer to contribute towards new play equipment. A review would be undertaken after August when it was established how much would be available.
There was a problem with the Broadhurst Gardens play area where older children were congregating and vandalizing the play equipment and mats and also intimidating younger children. Concerned residents should contact the police on every occasion when there was trouble.

Extracts from minutes of the meeting held on Monday June 6th

District Councillor's report:
Mr Stimson had emailed a report from the task group which was going to the next Scrutiny Committee. H Hutton said it looked satisfactory and representatives from her association would be attending the meeting.

County Councillor's report:
The Structure Plan review period was coming to an end and he would send us comments forms to fill in (we agreed to the changes being made), similarly for the minerals consultation. The county council would be sending a consultation document regarding the future principles of consultation. There had been only a 1% response to the SEERA so-called consultation and a meeting was being held in July at which county and district council responses would be made.

Mr Howell was now the cabinet member for change management which had perhaps helped in the production of the good news that R Dix had found £26,000 from S106 agreements to help towards traffic management in the village. He would be invited to the July meeting to give some idea of what would be possible and costings.

Matters for consideration:
Risk assessment - the annual insurance for the parish had been paid and ongoing playground maintenance work undertaken. It was decided to ask 'Safe and Sound' who had satisfactorily carried out the work to undertake ongoing inspection and maintenance in lieu of inspection set for July.
Audit return 2004/2005 - this was accepted and the statement of assurance signed.
There had been complaints about an overgrown grassy area at top end of Pheasant Walk. Clerk would ask G Surman to tidy it up in the first instance.
Next year - items from the parish plan should be looked at.

Matters raised: M Hills produced a draft for the village directory which was approved and he would contact Prue to get it in the centre part of the Link.
H Hutton reported ongoing problems regarding the enforced parking of vans outside the Park Homes residents estate and also the illegal parking of abandoned cars in the access road.

Items for agenda of next meeting Traffic measures

Date of next meeting: Monday July 04 7.00pm in the village hall