LITTLE MILTON

NEWSLETTER

www.littlemilton.org.uk

MAY, 2005

PARISH COUNCIL

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 23rd March was attended by four Councillors, the District Councillor, the Clerk and four members of the public.

P05/W0246/LB – Conversion of Listed Building to bedroom/living accommodation annex

The Chairman briefly explained the background to the application for Listed Building consent and    raised concerns about the planning processes that had been followed, as the Council had not been asked to consider a Planning application for the conversion. The inference was that the planning decision approving P04/W0739 i.e. the removal Planning condition one of Planning Permission P87/N0572 and replacing it with ‘that the barn on the site shall be used only for purposes ancillary to the residential occupation of South Lodge’, was sufficient to allow the development of the barn subject to listed building consent.  The Council did not accept this position. The Council members discussed the Listed Building application and decided to recommend that the application be refused by the District Council for the following reasons:

·        The proposed glass frontage with a new window was not in sympathy with the original structure.

·        The proposed development would harm the character and appearance of the conservation area

Any Other Business

The Chairman highlighted the damage to the grass verge on the triangle of land adjacent to the Post Office. It had been suggested that the Council should consider protecting it by the erection of wooden posts similar to those at the top of Gold Street. The Clerk was asked to establish the status of the ground and report back to the next meeting.

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 13th April was attended by six Councillors, the District Councillor, the County Councillor, the Clerk and two members of the public.

The Lamb Inn

The Clerk informed the meeting that although he had made initial contact with the temporary landlord/manager he had been unable to obtain the appropriate contact at Punch Taverns. It was agreed that this matter was of some urgency and that a letter should be sent to Punch Taverns as soon as possible

Triangle of land adjacent to Wells Farmhouse

The Clerk stated that a recent enquiry with OCC had determined that the triangle of land was not part of the maintainable highway. It was agreed that further enquiries should be made to establish ownership before registering the land as a village green.

Post Office

The Chairman reported that all households in the village had received a questionnaire with their newsletter and it was hoped that the questionnaires would be collected within the next few days and that the results would be published in the newsletter. The Chairman also informed the meeting that he had a meeting arranged with Jane Barker of ORCC, a Village Shops Development Officer.

Village Hall

The Chairman read out a report from Richard Alliston that stated that Putnams had completed the first phase of the ground-works and that Pinelog should commence start work on erecting the new hall at the beginning of May. He also informed the meeting that the Trustees had agreed to SODC paying the 3^rd Party contribution of £4,895 to WREN and not the Parish Council, as there was a potential advantage in doing so. The capital budget remained unchanged from last month. A full copy of the report and unrestricted cash flow statement is attached to the minutes.

Finance

The Chairman informed the meeting that the application for borrowing from the Public Loans Board had been sent to the Office for the Deputy Prime Minister after scrutiny by OALC.

The Clerk stated that the he had received the notice of the Annual Audit and he explained that the necessary notices would be posted in due course. The submission date is 1^st July 2005. The Clerk circulated an updated Risk Assessment schedule and requested that the members approve it at the next Parish Council meeting.

Planning

The Chairman read out the letter received from SODC Planning Services in response to the Parish Council response to Listed Building Consent application P05/W0246/LB. After a lengthy discussion the Parish Council still believed that the planning process had been circumvented, as the application under consideration did not have a Planning Application. The Clerk was asked to write a further letter to the Planning Services confirming the Council’s opposition the Listed Building Consent application and seeking further clarification of the Permitted Planning given on the Barn. Mr John Nowell –Smith stated that he would seek a meeting with the Planning Officer and the Head of Legal Services in order to allow a fuller exchange of views.

The Chairman informed the meeting that the following applications had been given planning approval

                           P05/W00128               Extension to Woodbine Cottage

                           P05/W0166/LB           Variations to existing LB approval; Fletchers Farmhouse

                        P05/W0165                 Extension to 17 Chiltern View

Correspondence

The Chairman briefed the members on The National Association of Local Council’s plans to celebrate the 200^th Anniversary of the Victory at Trafalgar. Mrs Alison Shelton accepted responsibility on behalf of the Parish Council in respect of any plans for the village.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 11th May 2005 at 8.00 p.m. in Little Milton School Library unless there is a need to convene any planning or other meetings. All notices of Council

meetings are displayed on the Parish Council Notice board at the corner of Haseley Road and the High Street.

R. Fergusson Parish Clerk

Please note that the complete minutes of the Council are now included on the Council website www.littlemilton.org.uk

Freedom of Information Act – Parish Council Publication Scheme

Residents can see the records of the policies and practices of the Parish Council including minutes, financial information and responses to planning consultations, on request from the Parish Clerk (Raymond Fergusson –279150). Current Council member are:

                        Mr Stuart McGill          Chairman                      Mr Simon Oddie          Vice Chairman

                        Mrs Mabel Wood                                            Mrs Isabel Fox                  Mrs Alison Shelton              Mr Barry Coward

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

The Annual Parish meeting will be held on Wednesday 11th May at 7.30 p.m. in Little Milton School Library. This meeting is not a Parish Council meeting. It is a meeting that is held once a year and although there are standard reports given at the meeting on behalf of the Council and other Village organisations, it also allows residents to ask questions on village matters. Come along and enjoy the experience!

Raymond Fergusson, Parish Clerk

LITTER BLITZ – THANK YOU

I would like to thank Helen & Mark Platts, Jennifer & Mark Willis, Vaughan Sadler, Mabel Wood, Helen Ridley, Sally Ann Dennis and anyone else who helped clear up litter on Saturday 2nd April. It was amazing how much was collected and it is clear that we suffer from thoughtless motorists throwing away rubbish as they drive through the village. We left eight bags of rubbish along with other pieces of rubbish to be collected by SODC. 

Raymond Fergusson : Parish Clerk

SODC: WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT

For a charge of £35 residents can arrange for their unwanted vehicle to be collected from within the District and a charge of £7 per bulky item e.g. fridge furniture etc. To arrange this service residents can call the Public Amenities Team on 01491 823416 or print a copy of the form from the Council’s website www.southoxon.gov.uk .

MAY BANK HOLIDAYS REFUSE COLLECTION

Please note that the revised collection dates for the May Bank holidays

            Normal Collection Day                                              Revised Collection Day

            Tuesday 3rd May                                                         Wednesday 4th May

            Tuesday 31st May                                                        Wednesday 1st June

REFUSE SKIPS FOR MAY

Our nearest Rural Community Waste Sites are at Chalgrove Village Car Park and Wheatley Primary School, Littleworth Road.

The Oxfordshire County Council Waste Recycling Centres at Redbridge and Oakley Wood are open Monday to Saturday 8.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. and Sunday 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

CHURCH CLEANING ROTA FOR MAY

Week ending 7th May, 2005                            -          Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley

Week ending 14th May, 2005                                      -          Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones

Week ending 21st May, 2005                                       –          Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

Week ending 28th May, 2005                                      -          Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward

Week ending 4th June 2005                                          -          Mrs E. Summers/Mrs Isabel Fox         

Sally Ann Dennis 278029

CHURCH FLOWER ROTA FOR MAY    

Week ending 1st May                                                   -          Sally Ann Dennis                                 

Week ending 8th May                                                  -          Anne Hawkins

Week ending 15th May                                                -                     

Week ending 22nd May                                               -          Sylvia Taylor

Week ending 29^th May                                     -          Sylvia Taylor                           

If anyone would like to help with the flowers please contact Teresa Quested on 01844 278922

Teresa Quested

GRASS CUTTING ROTA DURING MAY

Week ending 6th May                                                  -          Raymond Fergusson

Week ending 13th May                                                -          Phil Jones

Week ending 20th May                                                -          Ron Nightingale

Week ending 27th May                                                -          Stuart McGill

Week ending 3rd June                                                  -          David Hawkins

BELL RINGING PRACTICE DURING MAY

Just to let Villagers know that the Bell Ringers will be ringing in St. James’ Church, Little Milton on 

Tuesday 3rd May                                                                     7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Sunday 8^th May                                                                      10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

Tuesday 10th May                                                                    7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Tuesday 17th May                                                                    7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Sunday 22^nd May                                                                   9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.

Tuesday 24th May                                                                    7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Tuesday 31st May                                                                    7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Raymond Fergusson (279150)

A SPECIAL PERSON

Let me tell you of a person called Ann. She ran our village shop for us, making the cakes and pastries, which were her speciality. She was a remarkable person. Not only did she run the shop but was involved with the school, the Youth Club, and all manner of other things in the community, as well as being a wife and a mother.

Then one Sunday night we received the news that there had been a terrible accident on the Fosse Way. A person had jumped the red light at the road works, and Ann was terribly injured in her car. When I went to the hospital, the sister in the intensive care unit, told me that if I could find a piece of bare flesh, I was to touch it. Her whole body had been broken. She was on a life support system. Her journey to recovery was very long. She had eight operations on her face alone. But what was even more remarkable was the way that she had been rebuilding her life. She was in hospital many months, and at home recuperating, for much longer. In the many conversations I had with her one thing she said stood out. She said.' I've gained a great deal from what has happened. I think I am a more positive person. It's made me realize we should not be quick to judge others. I believe things happen for a reason, and this is no exception. The wonderful kindness and gentleness I've discovered all the way along, has taught me of the goodness which is at the heart of all things and people, if only we could search it out. Everyone who was to meet her paid tribute to her courage and total lack of bitterness-no cries of 'Why me?' Ann may be disfigured on the outside, but inside she is beautiful. She had managed by her prodigious spirit to turn a tragic appalling event into a victory.

Whether we are disfigured in our inward or outer selves, people like Ann are an inspiration. We are all disfigured or disabled in some way. We all have some shadow, some source of pain, no matter how stiff upper-lipped we may be, or think we ought to be. It's only too easy to sink into depression or anger about what we've lost-or what others can be or do, that we cannot. When the damage is done by accident or negligence it can corrode us even more, and bitterness can grow all our days. But although

the pain and despair can be great, it can be the raw material of loving- to be able to sympathize with others who suffer, breathing that deep love which comes out of suffering to bring new life, to free others from self pity, even to shine as a light in the world. What survives the grave is not our physical beauty but our inward loveliness, not our external wealth but our riches of spirit. No one who's healthy

would choose to be disfigured, but once received, it can be transformed in a life-affirming way. I'm reminded of those words from the Old Testament, 'By his wounds we are healed' -or St. Paul's admission that he had a thorn in the flesh which protected him from pride. It's so often in battling with the scars and thorns in the darkness that the courage and spiritual beauty of the human being are most revealed. Jesus showed us that, in our struggle with our disfigurement, we are most intimate with God-even if we feel God-forsaken.

Revd. Victor Story

FROM THE RECTORY

PETER LAWRENCE.

Peter died peacefully at his home in Little Milton on the 18th March, at the age of 92. He had been associated with Eton from 1926, firstly as a boy then as a master then as housemaster, and in retirement he continued with his links, and in particular founded the Photographic Archive. Eton Colleagues will speak of the drive and enthusiasm with which he was to enter into things, be it teaching itself, being a Housemaster, rowing, the organizing secretary of the Film Society and of the school Stores, the Stage Committee, the Scouts and several other things. He was playing with crystal sets before the BBC was founded, and moved onto Hi-Fi before it has acquired that name. He served in the RNVR during the war as Lt/Cm, Special Branch (Radar) and saw service in the Russian and Atlantic Convoys, on D-Day, and in the recapture of the Aegean Islands. We should never forget him wearing his medals on Remembrance Day, and his face would somehow reflect what he and his fellow shipmates had endured in those dark days. On moving to the Great House in Great Milton to retire, he was soon to be involved in the life of the local Community. He became increasingly involved in the Oxford Consumer Group, the family History Society, President of the local History Society, Governor of Lord Williams School, and built up the Photographic Archive at Eton, serving on the P.C.C, and many many other things. Whenever, and wherever you met him, you felt that you were in the presence, not only of a great man, but a humble man and a sincere friend.   A person who wrote a valediction for Peter concluded with the words, 'Thank you, Peter, very, VERY much. ' We would all want to echo that. We want Helena and all her family to know how much we are thinking and feeling for them at this time.

EASTER 2005

I know that Easter seems a long time ago now, but it is not too late to say a heartfelt 'Thank You' to all those who gave so much of their time and skills to make our churches so utterly resplendent. In particular, if I may, I would want to say how stunning the flower arrangements were.

ASCENSION DAY falls on Thursday 5th May, and there will be a celebration of Holy Communion in St. Mary's, Great Milton at 7.30 p.m. On Friday 6th May, at 9.00 a.m. Little Milton School will be coming into Church for their Ascension Service. This is always a lovely occasion, and we always look forward to it. If you are free then please do come along, we would love to se you.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 15th -21st May.

This year there will again be a house-to-house collection within the village for Christian Aid and please do give generously. The Lent lunches earlier this year again provided our Christian Aid week with a great start! What you give goes to help the needs of those who live in poverty, oppression and insecurity. The theme of Christian Aid is ' We believe in life before death'. We, through our prayers, through our witness and through our giving can play our part to give that theme substance. There will be a special Service for Christian Aid Week at St. James’, Little Milton on Sunday 22nd May at 10.00 a.m.

Revd. Victor Story

01844 279498

ST JAMES’ CHURCHYARD

There has been a recent survey conducted by the Home Office into Burial Grounds in England and Wales because no comprehensive listing existed. As a result I completed the return for our village churchyard and I thought some of the information was worth putting into the Newsletter. The first burials date back to 1844. If you have visited the churchyard you will notice the large open spaces between the headstones as you walk up the path to the church. I was absolutely amazed to discover that there are 852 persons buried in the churchyard up to 2004 and 62% are over 100 years old.  The current average number of burials over the past ten years is 1.2 burials per annum but in 1854 it was 11. Quite remarkable!

Raymond Fergusson (Churchwarden)

ST JAMES’ CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL

This month we’re meeting at 11.00 on May 1st in Church and on May 15th we’re off on an outing to the new Godly Play classroom in Abingdon to sample Godly Play “in situ”, hear the Pentecost Story and have a picnic lunch together. Do join us and if you’d like to come along on either of the dates please either turn up on the 1st at St James Church or phone me on 278029 to see where we’re meeting to travel to Abingdon on the 15th.

S A Dennis 278029

BENEFICE SERVICES FOR MAY

VILLAGE FETE – JUNE 4th

Things are well in hand for the fete but helpers would be really welcome to help set up and tidy up on the day. Please give me a call. There is a separate page detailing the stallholders and activities planned for the day. It is not too late if you think that you think you could do something on the day that would be fun.

Raymond Fergusson 279150

GREAT MILTON METHODIST CHURCH

Minister:  Revd. Andy Bryer   Tel:  01491 613166

SUNDAY SERVICES IN MAY 2005

For further information please ring me.

Evelyn Holme 278938

FRIENDS OF LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL 200 CLUB

The prize wining numbers, for April 2005,  were drawn by the Little Milton School Children at their Good Work Assembly and were as follows:

1^st Prize                                    No 21              Helen & Carr Ridley                             £27.00

2^nd Prize                                   No 83              Alison Blagg                                         £14.00

3^rd Prize                                    No 48              Mr PR & Mrs JV Spence *                  £10.00

* Our records do not have any contact details for these lucky winners so please if you know who they are please contact me.

Sarah Sadler 278563

For the Friends of Little Milton School

RETURN OF THE BAWDY COURTS

A new insight into life in Oxford in the seventeenth century can be found in the eighth volume of Church Courts now available at Oxfordshire County Council’s Record Office. The Church Courts were better known as the Bawdy Courts because that was where all the offences relating to morals – or lack of them – of the people of Oxford were tried.

The new volume by Jack Howard Drake looks at the Court records from 1616 to 1622 when the Vicar was someone like Thomas Garth of Charlton-on-Otmoor who never visited the church but spent his time playing football until he fell over dead drunk. It was a time when the likes of Humphrey Smith could shoot his bow at Anne Whiting’s son in the street at Ascott, slicing a passing dog’s leg off when the boy ducked. The extra-marital activity in evidence might make a reader think that anything went, but the era did have its share of puritans – like Henry Vincent, who considered it disgusting for a man to sit next to a woman in church.

County Archivist, Carl Boardman, said: “The stories revealed are not only great fun – they are the raw material of history. Peering behind the official documents and the lists of dates, battles and Kings, they give a rare opportunity to see your ancestors four hundred years ago as they really were.  For family historians the whole series of Church Court books is invaluable, putting flesh on the bones of what might otherwise be a list of names and dates.”

(Source: OCC News desk)

VILLAGE HALL

Building

The ground works finished slightly ahead of schedule in mid April and the appropriate inspectors confirmed the work was satisfactory.

Various minor amendments have been made to the detail of the hall but we feel we now have the final plan on which to sign the contract. Although the contract is fixed, we will have the ability to make any necessary amendments.   There are no known material changes to the costs and funding as shown in the Newsletter last month, at this stage. We envisage work commencing in the first 10 days of May but this is to be confirmed.

The final phase is to co-ordinate the interior colour finishes of the whole building.

Fund Raising Events

Thanks go to Leslie McCabe and Teresa Quested who hosted a Handbag evening and a Coffee morning respectively which raised a further £500 for general hall funds.

We are also pleased to say that we have been awarded a grant of £500 toward the cost of replenishing cutlery, utensils and crockery.

Quiz Night - there will be another Quiz night on 21^st May at Haseley Village Hall with the proceeds going to hall general funds.  If you have been before, you already know how much fun it is.  If you haven’t been, come along and give it a go, good company, good food and a fun test of the little grey cells.  You don’t have to make up your own team; there are plenty of others you can join.  Contact Stuart McGill on 279092 for more information.

Open Gardens – We are planning a Little Milton Open Gardens day for Sunday 10^th July. Last year, the weather was kind to us, the gardens looked lovely and the Afternoon Teas were delicious.  If you would be willing to make your garden available for people to view, please contact Richard Alliston on 278045.

Licensing

New Licensing laws are being introduced between now and November 2005 which are intended to simplify the licensing regime and recognise the fact that for the vast majority of village halls, licensed events do not create a public nuisance or disorder.  It is therefore proposed that a license be granted for Designated Premises and that the license encompasses alcohol, music, dancing, theatre, cinema, etc.  It is a requirement however that there is a Designated Premises Manager who has legal responsibility for adherence to the license terms. This can be exercised either personally or through their designated deputies.  We need a mature, adult volunteer who would be willing to consider taking this position on.  It would involve attending a one-day course and then assisting or deputising others to assist, with those events where alcohol was sold (but not those where alcohol is provided free). If you think that you might be willing to assist, please contact Richard Alliston on 278045 for further discussion.

Richard Allison

LITTLE MILTON VILLAGE HALL – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Registered Charity no: 1092878

Notice of Annual General Meeting to be held on Wednesday 15^th June 2005 at 7.30pm in St James Church, Little Milton.

The meeting will receive the annual report of the Trustees, the annual financial report for the Year ending 31^st March 2005, elect Trustees for the forthcoming year and take questions on the progress of the charity during the last year, toward it’s objectives.

Five of the Trustees are elected annually and nominations for the position of Trustee are most welcome either in advance to Stuart McGill or on the evening.  At the present time there is one vacant position for an elected Trustee, which we are keen to fill and on the evening all five Trustees must be elected.  If we have six or more nominations for the positions of Trustee, there will be an election on

the evening.  If you would like to consider becoming involved and wish to know more, please contact Richard Alliston on 278045 or Stuart McGill on 279092.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Richard Alliston (Trustee)

NEWS FROM RECREATION GROUND

The Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)

With summer approaching, we anticipate an increased use of the tennis and astro courts. Remember if you want to guarantee use of a court at a particular time, then book the court at the Post Office. Cost £5 per hour for the tennis court, £10 per hour for the astro-turf. The Post Office ladies will give you a receipt showing your booking date and time. When you arrive at the court anyone using it that has not booked should vacate it as soon as possible.

5-aside football continues during May, Wednesday nights 8.15 – 9.15 p.m.  Age 16+, all welcome

Mark Willis.

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

We plan to meet on the 8th May as usual in Wells Farmyard at 10.30 a.m. What activity takes place depends on the weather. We are beginning to conduct our annual Butterfly & Dragonfly surveys.

I met recently with Martyn Lane, the Oxfordshire Reserves Manager. He tells me that the new saplings planted in the grand stockades are Black Poplars, female ones that will hopefully pollinate with the big male tree in the pasture field. Six trees have been planted. As for the trees in the broken down stockades out in the field, these will be repaired during the summer months so that they can withstand the attention of the horses & the cattle. Mentioning the stock I will be given details of the types of problems that the animals may encounter during the various times of the year. There are also plans to

thin out some of the newly planted trees, at the far end of the farm, during the Autumn, to allow more room for the stronger trees to continue growing.

Phil Jones 278120

BBOWT

Keep up to date with all the news, Trust walks, latest press releases, Trust Wildlife Fact sheets by visiting our website at www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/berksbucksoxon

COUNTY COUNCIL AND BLENHEIM JOIN FORCES ON PATH IMPROVEMENTS

Oxfordshire County Council’s Countryside Service and Blenheim Estates, have been installing gates to replace stiles in an attempt to improve access along the Oxfordshire Way within Blenheim Park. 

This has been made possible through a joint venture between the Countryside Service and Blenheim Estates where the Countryside Service have been carrying out an ongoing audit of the Public Rights of Way network across the Blenheim Estate.

The project is going ahead with help from the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens Service.

The Oxfordshire Way is a 65-mile recreational walk, which runs southeast from Bourton-on-the-Water to Henley-on-Thames. Further information concerning public access within Oxfordshire can be found at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/countryside. (Source OCC News desk)

LITTLE MILTON W.I

At our April meeting John Clews spoke about the work of the RSPB, the largest wildlife charity in Europe, with over 1 million members. It is a vigorous campaigning and research organisation whose members enjoy visiting its many wildlife reserves.

Long-term research was being carried out by the RSPB to establish why so many common garden and farmland birds (even sparrows and starlings) are in serious decline. To keep enjoying our garden birds, it is important to feed  regularly, especially now when parent birds need good energy sources while feeding their young. Birds in our gardens crucially need water. Other useful advice included keeping

cats in the house one hour before sunset and after sunrise to protect birds and put a bell on cats’ collars to reduce the 55 million plus birds killed by cats each year.

Changes in habitats, especially the destruction of wetlands, and farming techniques have led to massive declines in song thrushes, skylarks, yellowhammers and corn buntings. The RSPB and government are trying to reverse this decline.  The RSPB gives advice to farmers on how to improve wildlife provision on farms, including paying for farmers to throw seed on the ground to feed certain birds.  Farmers are now paid more than £500 million in subsidies to farm in environmental ways.

One very interesting development is the RSPB’s purchase and running of Hope Farm, Cambridgeshire in a way that suits wildlife. Examples include trebling skylark numbers by leaving large square patches of land for skylarks to nest and thickening the margins of fields with tussocky grasses to give birds both protection from predators and better nest sites. Importantly, using these wildlife-friendly strategies, the farm has made a profit every year.

A selection of RSPB success stories include working on reintroducing the avocet, ospreys and red kites, increasing the numbers of stone curlews, prosecutions of egg collectors/falconers stealing birds of prey with the use of DNA evidence and the development of Birdlife International (1992) to combat the culture of bird-killing in certain places,  e.g.‘lime-sticking’ of birds in Cyprus. The EU has now decided that for wildlife sensitive sites, wildlife takes precedence over commercial development.

ildlife Explorers, the RSPB youth section, has over 150,000 members making it the largest wildlife organisation for children in the world. Membership is a popular gift for children as they have a lot of fun learning about birds and the environment through special magazines, holidays and guided activities on RSPB reserves.  The RSPB can be contacted at The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL or by phone on 01767 – 680551.                       

Other Activities/Events: At the Oxfordshire Federation AGM in March, members enjoyed various talks and meeting members from other Oxfordshire institutes.  We were very lucky in the raffles for courses at Denman College, the W.I.’s own educational college near Abingdon. Valerie Shepperson won a  2-night course, with Little Milton W.I. also winning a free course for a member.

Next Meeting:  Our annual meeting to discuss resolutions going forward to the W.I.’s AGM will be held at 7:45 p.m. on the 12^th May.

President:  Anne Hawkins, Little Milton 279526  Secretary:  Shirley Thomas, Little Milton 278976

Press Correspondent:  Lyndell Dixon, Great Haseley 279275

NEW ARRIVAL

Alisdair and Paula Cameron of Brooklands, Little Milton are delighted to announce the birth of their son Magnus Tobias Broadmayne on the 31st March 2005. He is a little star and is sleeping really well at the moment, so those sleepless nights are not happening yet!!! Ed Congratulations to you both.

SEWING GROUP

Thank you, Pat, for hosting the group in April. This month we will meet on Thursday May 19^th from 11.30 a.m. onwards (NB new time) at Spring Cottage in the Haseley Road. Please telephone 278029 if you are planning on having lunch. Anyone is welcome and if you’ve never come along before why not make this the time and the date to join us? We always enjoy ourselves!!

lly Ann Dennis 278029

HE NEIGHBOUR’S CLUB

Our outing to the British Legion Poppy Factory at Richmond was a great success, although we did have a short unscheduled mystery tour because our driver went past the entrance to the factory the first time round as it was not easy to spot.  However after a short circular ride round we were back in the right place again.  The conducted tour of the factory and the talk about the work carried out there was extremely interesting and the people working in the factory were lovely and seemed keen to talk to us and tell us about themselves.  We then enjoyed an excellent lunch in the local British Legion club before proceeding on to Ham House, a nearby National Trust property.  Again this was very interesting and enjoyed by all.  On Thursday, the 14th April, instead of our usual afternoon meeting we all enjoyed a lovely hot lunch provided by the Otmoor Women's Institute. 

Forthcoming Events - May

Thur 12th - Meeting at Fullers Field.  Raffle. - 2.15 p.m.

Wed 18th - Outing to Bridgenorth and the Severn Valley Railway ride back to Kidderminster.

Thur 26th - Edna Rice piano entertainment - 2.15 p.m.

GREAT HASELEY AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL SHOW 2005 at THE MANOR HOUSE LITTLE MILTON

Advance notice for all members and competitors

This year the show will be held as usual on the August Bank Holiday Saturday, which this year will be Saturday August 27th^t and will be held at The Manor House, Little Milton- the first time in Little Milton for some years. This is a lovely venue and we will have the marquee with the usual displays of the entrants' fruit and vegetables, home produce, crafts and photography, the ever-growing children’s section, and side shows as well as a bouncy castle, gardens open in the village and, of course, teas.

There are classes for a huge variety of produce and also classes for 'best garden' with a category for the 'best small garden' which includes the patio or courtyard garden. Why not enter your garden this year?

This year we are also  introducing further classes for children- Painted eggs and ‘grow a potato in a bucket’ and for adults new classes for peppers/capsicums, squashes or ornamental gourds.

he schedules will be available in late spring and are sent to every member automatically. If you are not a member and would like to enter a class, or your children would like to compete in a class- miniature gardens are hotly contested !- or you would just like to join the society and be on our mailing list then call Sally Orriss on 01844 279231  or write to her at The Old Stores, Great Milton OX44  7NT or email hortsoc@haseley.globalnet.co.uk.  Membership is only £3 for an adult.  Junior membership (for those under 18) is free.

ADVANCE NOTICE

Gipsy House, Whitefield Lane Great Missenden, Bucks

Wednesday June 1^st 2005 at 3pm - limited to 20 places

This is a private visit to the late Roald Dahl's garden. In this pretty garden there is a pleached lime walk, sunken garden, walled vegetable garden, a walk to the writing hut and a maze for children. This visit is taking place at half term, so those of you with children who are Roald Dahl fans can enjoy it too! 

Cost: £5 for members, £6 non members

For more information or to book a place on one of these visits, call Mary Isaac on 01844 279606 or maryisaac606@hotmail.com

WHEATLEY LIBRARY

Forthcoming Events

Adult Learners Week – During this week we will be holding computer help and taster sessions on Tuesday 24^th May and Thursday 26^th May from 9.30 – 12.30.  These are completely FREE of charge, but to allow me to know the level of interest could anyone who would like to attend pick up a ticket from this library.  You may attend all morning or just for an hour (please indicate when taking ticket).  We hope to have two tutors available as well as additional laptop computers.

Storytime – The next one will be held on Tuesday 31^st May 11.00 to 12 noon and is open to all 4-8 year olds.  Please collect a FREE ticket from the library.

Holiday Book Sale – This will start on Tuesday 7^th June.  Many bargains to be had, particularly paperbacks for when you are lazing on the beach! 

Junior Book Sale - Will start on Tuesday 26^th June.  Again, lots of bargains to be found. 

We have increased our stock of audio books (we hope to have them on CD in the near future) and we are exchanging more regularly.  So if the ironing is getting you down or the journey seems too long, come in and hire one to while away the time.  We have also substantially increased the number of language cassettes we have to hire.

A reminder of the opening times:

Tuesday  2.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m.                        Wednesday     9.30 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. : 2.00p.m.- 5.00 p.m.

Thursday 2.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.                        Friday              9.30 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. : 2.00p.m.- 6.00 p.m

Saturday 9.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Carole Underwood (Library Manager)

CAR SERVICE TO THE DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL

The car service to the doctor or hospital is for anyone in the villages of Great Milton, Great Haseley or Little Milton. Passengers are required to pay:

Visit to Hospital            £3.50 (including car park)          Visit to Doctor            £1.50

This service is made possible by a grant from the Parish Councils to cover the driver’s petrol cost.

We are very short of drivers and if there is anyone willing to give a small amount of time, possibly twice a month, to drive either to the doctor or hospital we would be very grateful.

Thelma Blake 279567

GETTING THE RIGHT TREATMENT

NHS Direct

If you want advice or general information call NHS Direct o