Autumn 2005             Issue 99

Sandford new town? Do you think Sandford is the best place to build 3,500 new houses? Don't miss the chance to have your say. (page 8/9)	Start sharpening your wits for the Quiz Night on Saturday 15th October See page 5
Bingo Brighten up the dark evenings with Bingo at the Village Hall every Thursday. See page 4	Harvest Festival and Lunch Sunday 2nd October See page 3

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.

To Be and to Live: To Be Alive and to Believe

The September Link marks the end of summer, and at the time of writing it is glorious. Children back at school, peace on earth, goodwill at the Oval. The editorial team hope their readers have had a good summer - certainly some have (see inside), but we realise just how many difficulties some of our neighbours are enduring.
As we all try in different ways to make sense of our lives and make the best of our opportunities and hope to help others too, some are discovering quite late in their lives the point of worship and reflection.
One religious meaning of 'believe' is 'live by, another is 'be alive' - in a deeper way than before. It is for most people a choice and decision for something unseen and only dimly sensed, though some have a more over-powering sense of the mystery and feel bound to respond, moving out from ourselves and joining with others in a shared joy and shared understanding, and when necessary a mutual support. It opens up a future faced with confidence and hope because it sews together the loose ends of our past life and weaves something new which can carry on.
For many it begins with thanks, so Harvest Festival is a good starting point. We often take our food (and amazing choices) for granted - and yet we know it is not like that for some of the producers.
So we pray (and work and choose) for Fair Trade, and admit our own unwilling involvement in some injustices.

HARVEST FESTIVAL
SUNDAY OCTOBER 2nd Harvest gifts will be donated to Steppin' Stones (see page 5 for types of food they most need).	10.0 a.m. parish communion 11.15 a.m. family service followed by 12.0 - 2.0 harvest lunch If you plan to come, please leave a message on 748848; if you would like to bring something to share at the lunch, it will be appreciated

ALL SOULS MEMORIAL The annual Sunday evening 6.30 sung service, at which many of the Departed are remembered by name and with candles, will be held this year on 30th October. Those wanting people specially remembered and/or planning to light a candle are asked to tell the vicar or churchwardens.

VILLAGE HALL SATURDAY 15th OCTOBER at 7.30 p.m. QUIZ-RAFFLE-SUPPER & BAR TICKETS FROM: MAURICE (717660), THE VICAR OR NIGEL AT THE FOX £4.00 PER PLAYER: MAX. 6 PER TEAM

RIVER RUN 2005

The sixteenth annual fun run took place as usual on the last Saturday in June at 5.0 p.m. in ideal running conditions (the heatwave ended just in time). After a year outside the family the Sandford shield returned to the Baker family, Tom winning in 34.09 (following Mark's 29.52 - his fourth win in '03). Silver was won by his trainer and father, Keith.

The fastest woman over 5 miles, at 34.14, was Nicola Kirkbride, nee Cafel (emulating her Olympic possibility sister Kelly) at 39.33, with Ann Lee at 29.44 and Jo Brett 42.37. All 20 5-milers were inside 50 mins, which is itself a record.

Last year's winner Geoff Raynham took bronze and won the over-50s race in 34.43, followed by Colin Cusack at 34.58 and John Creed at 35.50 (thus again winning the over-60s race). Also impressive in the over-50s was Matthew Wilkinson at 36.45, close to the younger generation John Bartlett at 36.33. Vincent Boyle returned to the fray from admin and time-keeping and clocked 36.56.

Woman's silver came next, Sarah Grylls at 37.28 - she gets better (and faster) every year, and tenth equal Tom Fox and Derek Chalmers (a veteran from 1990) in 38.07. Mike Dixon, another veteran of this race, clocked 42.09 and Paul O'Hare 42.10, Matt Rowland-Jones 43.59, Heather Mitchell 44.40, Michelle Robson 45.32 and Philippa Goodyer 49.30 - all extremely impressive times for casual runners of a certain age, suggesting that adults in Sandford are fitter than ever. Some of them.


In the 3-mile race Paul Davis at 11 again won gold with 22.07, clipping 13 seconds off last year and 4 mins off his 2003 time. Tom Goodyer won silver with 22.55 and Joe Davis bronze with 22.57 (a minute faster than his last year's silver and 7 mins faster than 2003. Jack Stuart 23.43, Vivi Goodyer, aged 14, 26.06 - fastest girl.

Sian Riley aged 10, girls' silver with 28.12. Fastest mother over 3 miles was Jackie Bartlett in 28.33, followed by youngest (equal with Sian - 10) Harriet Boyle in 29.10. Adam Felix also broke the 30 mins barrier, as did Kevin Simms. Just over it was Ann Bevan (30.15) and Jim Davis (31.10). Nandy Rodriguez, Anna Morgan and John Davies all performed creditably, the last winning the over-70s race.


So congratulations to all runners, thanks to judges, timekeepers, paramedics, stewards etc. As well as medallists already mentioned. The Church Plate for highest sponsorship was again won by Sian Riley, the Sandford plate for services to the village by Michelle Robson, the Mother's Cup by Nicola Kirkbride, the half empty tankard by John Davies, Youth Cup by Harriet Boyle.

This year the 5-milers averaged a better time than the 3-milers, but that is to be expected with previous years' snails failing to enter . . . next year some new and slow runners and walkers are encouraged to join in.

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.

BUILDING IN OXFORDSHIRE

Background: The South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA), as part of its South East Plan, has decided that 21,000 new homes must be built in Oxfordshire between 2016 and 2026 to meet the need for sufficient affordable housing and to keep the county vibrant and successful. It is likely that 10,000 of these new homes will have to go on previously undeveloped land in the county.

The county council has been asked by SEERA to focus most of the new housing in an area called the central Oxfordshire sub-region and they have prepared two broad housing distribution options for consultation.

The first option concentrates the new housing requiring Greenfield land equally on Bicester and Didcot, and would mean building up to 4,000 new houses on the edges of each town.

The second option means developing near Wantage and Grove (2,000 houses), Didcot (4,000 houses) and Bicester (2,000 houses)...

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

Congratulations to Bob and Hazel Hutton, who on 14th June were given a party in County Hall and presented with a cut-glass bowl and a bouquet for 30 years of foster-parenting. Their extended family, including 3 great-great-grandchildren were present, and Hazel made a dazzling spontaneous speech. We are proud of them both.

Rest in peace

Mrs Hilda Rosina Crabb 30th September 1910 - 20th September 2004
Mrs Crabb came from Essex to the cottage in the village in 1936 when she married Richard who worked for Mr Keene at the Rock Farm, and she herself worked for Mrs Keene and brought up their children Delia and Henry while her husband was away in the Far East with the Royal Signals during the war.
Following Richard's death in 1978 she remained quietly in the stone cottage by the Fox well into her 90s, fortunate to have Delia living nearby, but hindered by deafness from joining in many things. However, Bingo was an important part of her social life and in her early years she had on occasion helped Mrs Regan clean the church.
Special sympathies to Delia and all her family, coupled with admiration for the way that she like many others quietly carried on with the job of supporting an elderly loved one.

Friends and neighbours will be saddened to hear of the death of Chris Bunce (recently of Main Avenue) in Spain in July.

Fete and Flower Festival July 9/10th

And the sun shone! That was the first thing we thanked God for. So people came - and enjoyed. That was the second thing. Villagers from all parts of this scattered into separate bits parish came and some met new neighbours. The master of ceremonies Richard Christopher exemplified again the Welsh gift for eloquence and rugby after some Lions and their manager had been mauled that morning, that mourning. (Dust, but then the Ashes...).

Some former villagers returned and some from nearby. Nearly the whole village kindly bought raffle tickets and the big prize was a Great Garden Throne constructed by Dennis Harris and won by Geoff Pitson from the Sandford Bingo - which shows that Bingo pays too. Thirty-five runners up won prizes - thanks to all who donated them, and also cakes, books, objects d'art, toys, etc. for the stalls.

Also to those who sponsored the Fete, notably Alan Butler, Michael Norton, our new Sandford Services Garage and our three eating and drinking bases in the village. Many thanks too to the workers - volunteers who did great things getting it all ready and manned and womanned the stalls which achieved record sales and gave great pleasure to buyers. The list of winning raffle numbers was posted on notice boards in the village. The tug of war was closely contested, but again the Sandford cup was won by the Catherine Wheel heavy-weights.

The Sandford Flower Festival is renowned far and wide for its excellence. This year's theme was local - the Thames Valley. Congratulations to Marjorie and her amazing technicolour dream team. The weekend climaxed with choral evensong (choir in great voice) and Green sermon on the Environment.

SANDFORD ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Extracts from the meeting held on Monday July 04 2005

District Councillor's report: Mr Stimson had attended meeting of Scrutiny committee and was reasonably happy with their comments re Park Homes. He felt that risk assessment and enforcement were very important and should be strengthened. The next report was due in 6 months and would be ongoing and not final as had been suggested. He had talked to H Hutton, she had been in contact with Mr Dean regarding problems with rats, flooding and overhanging trees.
There was new legislation in progress regarding high hedges. The 13 parishes group had been successful in getting Didcot extension to the west.

County Councillor's report: Mr Howell was inviting R Dix to attend next meeting of parish council, and he would be invited to come up with firm proposals for traffic improvements in line with discussions with parishioners.

Matters for consideration
Traffic measures: N. Northcott opened the meeting for discussion - apart from those present, several letters had been received. The comments from OCC emailed to J Howell had been circulated. The residents in the area of upper Henley Rd near Brick Kiln Lane did not think a mini roundabout would be at all helpful. Their complaints (in no particular order) were that:-
Traffic uses this route as a 'rat run' especially at busy times and vehicles invariably ignore speed limits.
Apart from noise pollution there is danger when residents enter or leave their driveways.

Sandford Ladies Group Eight ladies met in the Crusader Bar at the Four Pillars Hotel on Saturday 10th September, and enjoyed a lunch of their choice. A Coffee Morning is being held at the beginning of October in aid of a Charity for animals who have been rescued and need a permanent home. Joan Inston

Cars left parked on the road have been damaged, so people are parking on the verge and the grass is being destroyed
There has been a marked increase in heavy lorries using the route to cut the corner to Cowley and this happens at night as well. The properties shake.
(Residents of the Park Homes estate make a similar complaint).
Henley Rd, Church Rd junction: the double yellow lines have improved visibility towards the A4074 (unless a large vehicle is parked near the pub) but have led to cars sweeping round the corner without even changing gear. This makes entering or leaving the drives of the first few properties very dangerous; similarly crossing the road to get to the telephone or postbox. The pavement is narrow and it is scary (especially when with a pushchair) as vehicles pass fast and close.
There is nowhere for vehicles to park on Church Rd side of Henley Rd in this area so the opposite side of the road in the crescent becomes obstructed very quickly.
In busy times it is difficult and dangerous to cross the road.
It is at most times difficult and dangerous to get in or out of the Park Homes estate on foot or on bicycle. It is also dangerous to cross the access road from A4074 onto Grenoble Rd either by foot or bicycle.
Solutions: The solutions preferred were:-
No mini roundabout
'Pinch' points were favoured, e.g. re-alignment of Church Rd, Henley Rd junction as previously proposed by OCC to slow traffic, improve the junction and add some parking provision.
Road narrowing and possible raised platform above Brick Kiln Lane junction.
Road narrowing and possible raised platform opposite Orchard House.
Provision of bollards and ornamental planting on verge at top end of Henley Rd.
The possibility of 'gates' (as at Nuneham Courtney) was suggested, also a crossing for pedestrians at Park Homes.
It was appreciated that £26,000 was probably not enough money but perhaps the parish council could offer to match funding.

Matters raised: M. Robson reported that Westbury's had requested a transfer of the Janaway playground from SODC but had heard nothing. Repairs were in hand.
N. Northcott said that the VHMC were proposing a storage extension to the hall. They would be asked to keep the parish council informed.
Clerk was asked to write to Scottish Newcastle regarding the state of the Kings Arms car park, garden and hedge.

Extracts from meeting of Monday Aug 01 2005

County Councillor's report: Mr Howell produced a copy of the Draft Town and Country Planning (Green Belt) Direction he had received from DEFRA and suggested that parish councillors study it and make comments at next pc meeting in September. It may be downloaded at www.odpm.gov.uk.
With regard to buses, he had held a positive meeting with County Council officers and it had been agreed to leave the 105/106 service as it is, i.e. the subsidy to continue though the pot of money was considerably shrunk due to other withdrawals of service in rural areas. Thames Transit were prepared to maintain a one hourly service between the Science Park and the railway station which was good for Sandford but didn't help villages further down the line. The A4074 is to become a 'spine' route between Oxford and Reading via Wallingford so there will be a premium (every 15min) route set up though buses can only be caught on that road.

Matters for consideration:
Traffic measures: N. Northcott summarized the position to date and the preferred measures to help remedy traffic problems as discussed and minuted at last month's meeting. Mr Dix agreed that there was £26,000 of developers money in the kitty until 2007 and possibly a little more. For that it should be possible to provide the Church Rd/Henley Rd junction re-alignment, a feature indicating entry to the village at either end (that is, 'gates' and road marking as at Nuneham Courtney) at top end of Henley Rd and somewhere in region of Orchard House.
Also some bollards on verge at top end of Henley Rd. Humps would be a problem because of the buses. The reinforcement of 30mph signs might be considered because people did not perceive the spacing of lamp posts as meaningful. He was asked about 30mph flashing electronic signs, these cost about £4-5,000 approx. The problem with heavy lorries using the village and Grenoble Rd as a short cut at all hours was raised and Mr Dix said he had ambitions to extend enforcement to the whole county as well as Oxford. He should know by the next pc meeting in September when the design work could be programmed in and agreed to expedite the work as soon as possible -

hopefully within this financial year. M. Inston asked whether it would be possible to improve the street lighting at the Church Rd junction when the works were undertaken and R Dix agreed that it should be possible. Playground maintenance contract: It was agreed that the present arrangement for playground inspections with RoSPA should continue and Safe and Sound playgrounds be asked to make an annual inspection and carry out necessary repairs and maintenance just prior to this.

Rock Farm Field: M. Hills had asked for this item to be included as he was worried about responsibility for maintenance etc of the field. N. Northcott re-iterated that the lease had been acquired for 999 years at a peppercorn rent from Magdalen College so that it could be kept 'green.' There was however an agricultural sitting tenant renting the field from Magdalen (who had kept the right to all rents accruing from lets, present and future) so the responsibility for maintenance etc of the field was with Magdalen.

Spirit Group licence application: This was for an extension of licensing hours and had caused considerable worry to residents of Church Rd. N. Northcott said that concerned residents should make their objections in writing to SODC licensing department and the Clerk would contact Mr Stimson to ask the best way forward for a pc response. The parish council had as yet had no formal notification of the Spirit Group's application.

Matters raised: M. Hills said that the GWR supports for one of the benches in the Church Rd rec. had been stolen in spite of having been concreted in.
H. Hutton was pleased that she had decided finally to go to the Ombudsman and possibly take SODC to court over the lack of any improvement to conditions on the Park Homes site.
There had been complaints about an extremely loud firework display from the hotel on Friday 22 July. Clerk would write again and repeat request for displays to be oriented to vision rather than sound. Also a letter to be written to Salter's Steamers and copy to Environment Agency re the noisy boats.



Extracts from meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday Sept 05 2005

District Councillor's report: Last month had been the silly season and there had been lots of kites flown regarding plans for new roads etc. which were very speculative. The press had headlined items taken out of context and used scare mongering headlines.
J Stimson re-iterated SODC's support for the 4 Towns approach to planning in the Structure Plan and their opposition to development in the Oxford Green Belt.

In regard to the new licensing requirements he had complained vigorously to officers and CEO at SODC about the lack of consultation and the lack of training for members on what is a very complex matter. He agreed that he would represent the parish council at the forthcoming licensing meeting if the council wished to exercise its right to address the meeting.
With regard to planning matters, Mr Stimson can express an opinion on a planning matter in his ward but cannot vote on it.
He had spoken with H. Hutton about the problems at the Park Homes Site and she had spoken to N. Northcott also. SODC could only enforce management matters under their legal aegis and could have no power in landlord / tenant personal disputes.

County Councillor's report: The County Structure Plan consultation was moving to closure. There had been two conflicting documents from the office of the Deputy Prime Minister - one proposing much more housebuilding in the south east and the other proposing safeguarding the Green Belts. The County Council officers had made a good reply which could be seen on the council website.
Mr Howell particularly recommended study and comment on the clause which favoured 'adjustments' to the Green Belt. This went against the whole spirit and point of green belts. On the 16th Sept. another consultation was being sent out - by the OCC so it was hoped it would be received this time.

Matters for consideration: Traffic measures - There had been no further news from Richard Dix as to costings for traffic measures as discussed at last month's meeting. Clerk would contact him and request information and plans at next meeting in October.
Playground maintenance contract: The annual inspection report had been received and it was agreed that M. Robson would liaise with Clerk to highlight matters needing attention. 'Safe and Sound' would then be asked to carry out work. It was agreed to ask Westbury's to complete the remaining three repairs to the Janaway playground and then the parish council would take over responsibility for it. M Robson handed over £100 received from Adam Felix of Buckler Place. He had undertaken fundraising and raised the money to be put towards new play equipment. The parish council wished to thank him and congratulate him on his initiative.

Matters raised: There had been an incident reported to the police when two young women had been fighting in the Heyford Hill Lane area watched by a gathering of young people. Also there had been concern at the Park Homes Site when grass had been set alight in the field adjacent. All Sandford residents were urged to call the police when they witnessed unlawful events.

ALAN BUTLER Your local maintenance man, builder, carpenter. Mature, honest trustworthy - excellent local references. Sandford-on-Thames tel. ****** LET THE BUTLER DO IT [now retired]

Volunteer Reading Children who have fallen behind benefit enormously from the one-to-one attention of a patient adult with an enthusiasm for books and reading. Volunteer Reading Help give free and local training to people who have a little spare time - could you help? Contact Hilary Burr on 0845 4500329

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