LITTLE MILTON          

NEWSLETTER

www.littlemilton.org.uk

AUGUST, 2005

PARISH COUNCIL

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

Outstanding matters OCC Highways

Mr David Turner informed the meeting that he had spoken to Mr Peter Ronald at OCC in respect of the footpath in front of the SOHA houses. The concern about an inadequate path leading up to the controlled crossing was understood. Mr Ronald would visit the site and come forward with a recommendation. It was unlikely that finance would be available in the current year.

The Clerk reported that he had spoken to Thames Water in respect of the damaged manhole cover next to the hedge adjacent to the Recreation Ground. An engineer from Thames Water will inspect the manhole cover in the near future and instigate any repairs.

The Clerk reported that he had received no further information from SOHA in respect of the steps leading down from Old Field to the A329.

Triangle of land adjacent to Wells Farmhouse

The Clerk stated that the registration of the Land as a Village Green was progressing and that he hoped to have the necessary form completed in the near future.

Fletchers Farmhouse

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had spoken to SODC Planning in respect of the pointing at Fletchers Farmhouse. SODC Planning is satisfied that the work that has been done meets the planning conditions and expects the new pointing to weather during the next eighteen months.

Revelmead

The Council noted that an attempt had been made to address the overhanging shrubbery but had concerns that the work that had been done did not fully address the problem.

A329 Advisory Group

Mr Barry Coward informed the meeting that A329 Group had been advised that OCC would be carrying out traffic surveys following the build-outs and this would be compared with the pre build- out data. In due course a formal report would be issued.

Mr David Turner advised the meeting that a survey of vehicle weights would be conducted on the A329 route of the Five Parishes in September. The weight limit has aroused interest in two other local Parishes and they will be included in the survey.

The work on the centre of the village design has been delayed due to changes of staff at OCC

The Chairman asked Mr David Turner to keep the Council informed if there were any planned changes to availability of “flashing speed “signs as he felt it was important that the f free signs should be an option for the Village. Mr Barry Coward informed the meeting that the current view of the A329 Group did not support the introduction of such signs.

Mr Barry Coward raised the issue of overhanging shrubbery on the Haseley Road adjacent to Blenheim Lane as it was narrowing the road and causing a potential hazard. The Clerk reported that he had already notified OCC Highways at Drayton and that they would inspect the site and deal with it accordingly.

Finance

The Chairman read out a letter from Mr Ian Dennis, the Council’s Internal Auditor. He recommended that the Council adopt a formal statement of financial regulations as recommended by the National Association of Local Councils. The Council accepted this recommendation. The letter also informed the Council that he had signed the Annual Internal Audit Report within the Annual Return.

Planning

P05/W0515 – Orchard House: Erection of single storey extension

   This planning application has been refused by SODC.

    The Barn: Listed Building Consent Application (P05/W0246/LB)

This planning application has been approved by SODC

P05/W0699 –Watergate; Erection of two storey rear extension

The Council considered the modified planning application and agreed to recommend approval.

P05/W0627 – Chartwell; extension of existing dormer

The Council considered the modified planning application and agreed to recommend approval.

Correspondence

BT - Proposals to re-align payphone provision to meet consumer demand

The Chairman informed the meeting that BT wishes to re-align the public payphone provision more closely to the demand that now exists. BT have identified the current payphone adjacent to the Post Office as having low use and are recommending that it should be converted to a cashless payment option as an alternative to removal. The Council agreed that it was important to maintain the current facility and the Clerk was asked to inform BT.

Village Hall

Mr Richard Alliston updated the meeting on the progress of the building work of the new village hall. It is expected that the hall will be completed by late August. The cost projections are very close to the budgeted figures. Mr Alliston indicated that the Village Hall would need funding from the Parish Council in August as the cash flow forecast projected a shortfall of £31,000. The Clerk stated that a Council meeting would be required within the next few weeks to agree the drawdown of cash from the Public Loans Board.

Parish Forum

Mr David Turner informed the meeting that the web-site www. Oxfordshiepartnership.org.uk had many interesting facts about Oxfordshire.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 8th September 2005 at 8.00 p.m. in the Village Hall 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

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 .

SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL

REFUSE SKIPS FOR AUGUST

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

Please note that the following items have now been classified as hazardous household wastes and will no longer be accepted in the community waste vehicles.

TV’s, Monitors, Fluorescent tubes, Air conditioning units, Fridges/Freezers, Asbestos, Tins of paint (even if empty), Oil or Oil tins (even if empty), Car batteries, Gas cylinders.

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.

BANK HOLIDAY REFUSE COLLECTION

Please not the following change:-

Normal Collection Day             Tuesday 30^th August

Revised Collection Day         Wednesday 31^st August

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Oxfordshire warning on fire in the home following tragic child deaths in Rochdale and London

A series of tragic child deaths as the result of fires around the country has prompted fire-fighters in Oxfordshire to plead with local people to set up their own fire action plan. Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service has made the appeal following the death of three young children in Rochdale after a fire started in a kitchen. Meanwhile in London another two children were killed after fire broke out in their second story flat.

Oxfordshire has not suffered a child death as a result of a house fire for quite some time – but the Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people of simple steps they can take to protect their families if fire breaks out.

Children’s natural reaction to fire in the home is to hide. However the Fire and Rescue Service wants families to have a plan in place to look at the layout of the home and plan according to the age of young children present.

Planning a meeting place, which are the best escape routes and what to do if trapped is among the advice on offer. Having a fully operational smoke alarm should also be part of the plan.

David Heycock, Community Fire Safety Manager for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said, “ One of the most important parts of a fire action plan is to have working smoke alarms.

“A smoke alarm will give you the time that you need to put your fire action plan into effect. Without a working smoke alarm the fire will have the chance to develop before being discovered and this could easily trap you in your home.

“Unfortunately the home in Rochdale had a smoke alarm but the battery had been removed. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will supply and fit smoke alarms that have a 10-year battery in them free of charge. We will also be able to give advice during the fitting of these alarms on making a fire action plan. To book a visit call free on 08000 325 999 and ask for a home fire safety check.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Ray Jelf, said, “The loss of these children will never be forgotten, they will be thought of every year especially on their birthdays and around Christmas. We want to do everything that we can to ensure that a parent in Oxfordshire doesn’t have to go through the suffering that the parents of these children have. Our free smoke alarm fitting is open to all residents in Oxfordshire and I encourage everyone to check their alarms and to contact us if they are not working or if they don’t have any.”

Source: OCC News desk: September 14, 2005

CHURCH CLEANING ROTA FOR AUGUST

Week ending 6th August, 2005                                                 -          Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward

Week ending 13th August 2005                                                -          Mrs E. Summers/Mrs Isabel Fox

Week ending 20th August, 2005                                               -          Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley

Week ending 27th August, 2005                                               -          Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones

Week ending 3^rd September, 2005                                           –         Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

Sally Ann Dennis 278029

CHURCH FLOWER ROTA FOR AUGUST         

Week ending 7th August                                               -                                             

Week ending 14th August                                             -         

Week ending 21st August                                             -                      S Taylor                      

Week ending 28th August                                             -                      S. Taylor

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

Teresa Quested

GRASS CUTTING ROTA DURING AUGUST

Week ending 5th August                                                            -          Stuart McGill

Week ending 12th August                                                         -          David Hawkins

Week ending 19th August                                                          -          Raymond Fergusson

Week ending 26th August                                                          -          Phil Jones

Week ending 2nd September                                                    -          Tim Robinson

Raymond Fergusson

BELL RINGING PRACTICE DURING AUGUST

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

Tuesday 2nd August                                                                 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Tuesday 9^th August                                                                   7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Sunday 14th August                                                               10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

Tuesday 16th August                                                                7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Saturday 20^th August   (visiting ringers)                             1.45 p.m. to 3.15 p.m.

Tuesday 23rd August                                                                7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Tuesday 30th August                                                                7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Raymond Fergusson (279150)

FROM THE RECTORY

RYCOTE CHAPEL SERVICE 28^th AUGUST, AT 10.00 a.m.

Every year, by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Bernard Taylor, we hold our Benefice Communion Service in this beautiful chapel. By just walking through the door you sense that you are part of the living history which belongs to that place. This year the preacher will be the Very Revd. Christopher Lewis, now Dean of our Cathedral. When I was at Cuddesdon, he and his family lived at the Red Lion, Great Milton. From here he moved to Spalding, and then he became librarian at Canterbury Cathedral. Prior to his returning to Oxford to be our Dean, he was Dean of St. Albans. Make a special note, would you, of the 28th August, and we look forward to your being with us.

RECTORY GARDEN PARTY

On the afternoon of Saturday 13th August, from 2.00 p.m., you, your friends, your neighbours, indeed, all who care to come are very warmly invited to a Garden Party at the Rectory. There is no need to book; there is no charge, and no qualification. Just come along and enjoy a cup of tea with cream on your scones. This is not a fund raising event; it is simply an afternoon where we can all come together to meet our friends and to make new ones. We look forward to greeting you all once again at the Rectory.

GLOUCESTER CITY SALVATION AND ARMY BAND – SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER

Please make a note in your diary that the Band with their songsters is coming to St Mary’s on Saturday 17^th September at 7.00 p.m. More details will be included in the September Newsletter.

Victor Story 01844 279498

OXFORDSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST

The Annual Ride or Stride will take place on Saturday 10th September. I have received forms and if you are interested in taking part please give me a call for your sponsorship form. I would also like some volunteers to “man” the church so that visiting riders/striders can be welcomed. If you think you can help please contact me.

Raymond Fergusson

BENEFICE SERVICES FOR AUGUST

GREAT MILTON METHODIST CHURCH

Minister:  Revd. Andy Bryer   Tel:  01491 613166

SUNDAY SERVICES IN AUGUST 2005

On 1st of September we welcome the Revd. Derick Chambers as our Superintendent Minister

For further information please ring me.

Evelyn Holme 278938

FRIENDS OF LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL 200 CLUB

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

1^st Prize                                    No 80              Rhys Morrow                                       £27.00

2^nd Prize                                   No 40              Annie Coates                                        £14.00

3^rd Prize                                    No  33             Beth McLaren                                      £10.00

Sarah Sadler 278563

For the Friends of Little Milton School

NEWS FROM LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL

We have come to the end of another school year, and wished our leavers a fond farewell.  We have a variety of destinations this year - Callum Morris, Chloe Sadler, Amber West and Jodie Wiltshire are moving to Great Milton School, Harry and Noah Stevenson to Magdalen College School, Tania Leslau to The Manor and Francesca Massam is joining Greycoats.  Two of our younger pupils are travelling further a field – Berke Berry returns to Canada, and Rory Brown to Australia.  We wish them all well in their new schools.

We have had a busy run up to the end of term.  July commenced with our annual maypole evening – we didn’t let the rain put us off!  The children danced magnificently, without putting a foot wrong, and the Friends organised a tasty supper of pig roast and beautiful looking stuffed peppers for our vegetarian friends.  The lucky Simmonds family won the star raffle prize -  lunch at the Manoir - for the second year in a row!

Maypole was closely followed by our new style Sports Day.  This took place at the Recreation Ground in blazing sunshine, under the guidance of Paul Isaacs.  He put us all through our paces, with track and field events, and everyone enjoyed the new format.  This was followed by strawberry teas, picked by the parents, and served by the Friends.  The Blue Team were delighted to win the brand new Sports Cup.

We ended the term with a visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park.  After admiring the Rhinos, being a little scared by the bats, looking at many types of reptiles and creepy crawlies, the children agreed that the highlight of the day was when Mrs Ansell’s hat blew into the Ostrich enclosure, and she was threatened by a very large, angry male ostrich as she tried to retrieve it!  Fortunately, a keeper with a long stick came to her rescue!

We are all looking forward to our summer break, and will update you with our activities in the October newsletter.

Eve Hunter

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

There will be no work party in August due to summer holidays and the next work party will meet on Sunday 11th September at 10.30 a.m.

Phil Jones 278120

VILLAGE HALL

Building work continued to make good progress with doors and windows fitted and all exterior building works finished apart from the application of the exterior stain/preservative which is imminent. The remaining building work is inside. The walls and ceilings are plastered where appropriate, internal doors are hung and the floor screed should be done by the time you read this. After the floor coverings are laid, the kitchen and changing rooms can be fitted out while electricians and plumbers add power points and the water connections. I’m pleased to say that we are still on schedule for completion in late August.

I mentioned the kitchen last month.  After further negotiation, we managed to achieve the kitchen of our design and specification with only a marginal increase in cost of approx. £400.  Overall, we remain very close to our original budget figure of £282,936.

Secondary budget

We have recently prepared a secondary budget for ancillary expenditure. These are the items that are classified as ‘nice to have’ but were not included in any of the original budgets. Amongst these items are a Hearing Loop system for the hard of hearing, new curtains and blinds, new chairs, a wireless broadband, PC system, an audio system and a DVD with projector and screen.   I’m delighted to say we have been awarded a grant for the PC system although it is for 70% of the full amount. We hope to have grant and other funding for nearly £16,000 of the desired £21,000 expenditure but this will leave us with a shortfall of £5,000 so please continue to support the village events and if you feel you would like to make a donation, either general or specific, we will be happy to accept it

Fund raising

There were no ‘village hall’ events in June but subsequently we held the Open Gardens afternoon on Sunday 10^th July.  It was a fabulous hot afternoon and the gardens were beautiful.  Our thanks in particular to Henrietta Bullard, Maggie Wheeller, Mike & Anna Jarrett, Mabel Wood, Raymond Fergusson, Dee Waldron  and John and Jenny Pearce-Riddy and the residents of Milton Manor Drive for opening their gardens.  In total tickets and teas raised £279. 

Future events

No events are planned for August. Lots of people will be away.

September –  Saturday 3^rd - Official Opening  - This will be an ‘Open afternoon’ with a formal opening on Saturday 3^rd September about 3pm till about 4pm. The hall will be open for inspection and complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks offered.  You are very welcome.

Celebration Party – an afternoon and evening of celebration on Sunday 4^th September with an afternoon of family fun and games for the children and parents from 2pm till 5pm  followed by a Summer Jazz Picnic Concert in the evening. The price of the tickets has been kept very low to attract maximum support on what should be a great evening.  Come and admire the building,  eat your picnic or buy from the BBQ (the Chef’s are Peter Vogt and Keith Warren-Price) and listen to the mellow jazz and swing tones of “Harvest Moon”  a jazz combo led by Roger Simmonds.  Roger will be known to many of you from Wheatley where he has a large and enthusiastic following. It will be cool !

If it rains, we intend to go in the hall, so buy your tickets early as numbers will be limited..  See this month’s advert for price details.

Richard Alliston

For: Little Milton Village Hall

Tel: 01844 278045

To celebrate the  Opening of the new Village Hall:

Sunday  4th September

Come and celebrate the opening of the beautiful and stylish new Village Hall

Recreation Ground, Little Milton

Bring a  picnic or order in advance for the BBQ

Cash bar in the Hall

A Picinic Concert, Jazz and Summer Swing

Picnic and food from 6.00 pm

Concert starts  7.30pm

BBQ food orders and more information ? :  Telephone   Richard Alliston  on   01844 278045

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

NEWS FROM THE RECREATION GROUND

The floodlighting will be reactivated in mid August as the summer nights start to draw in.  Organised football for 16s and over will recommence in September.

The children’s play area has been established for many years now and is a well used facility, often visited by people from outside the village.  Unfortunately in the last week, for the first time since its construction, several people have daubed significant amounts of graffiti over the equipment.  Much of it has now been removed by hard work with sand paper.  If anybody sees youths in the act of vandalising the play area or MUGA, please note their name and inform the committee.

Mark Willis                              Neil Marriott

Stuart McGill                            Eleanor Summers

LITTLE MILTON W.I

We enjoyed welcoming back a former member and President, Pat Martin, as our June speaker. While Pat now lives in Haddenham, she has travelled widely round England. Pat’s talk on their travels in England featured many wonderful places to visit and enjoy, from walking the walls of Chester and along the nearby Shropshire Union Canal to seeing the cascade staircase of flowing water and rose gardens at Chatsworth House, then on to the magnificence of Lincoln Cathedral with its 11^th century origins.

A special gem was the Solent and Isle of Wight with its red squirrels and unique butterfly,  coastal scenery, the ruin of Carisbrook Castle where Charles I was imprisoned before his execution and Osborne House, the country retreat built by Queen Victoria. Running through the talk was the enduring appeal of England’s changing seasons – springtime in Dorset was very special. The sheer variety of landscape and countryside, buildings and places with a fascinating history showed what a remarkable holiday destination England can be.

Garden Party:  This time the sun shone gloriously on our postponed garden tea party held on the 20^th July in the beautiful, relaxing garden of John and Jean Davis, Great Milton. As well as colourful summer displays with geraniums, fuscias, agapanthus and petunias, there were lots of interesting roses and herbaceous plants in borders, especially those near the superb and very large fruit, cut-flower and vegetable area. The shaded, tranquil areas of the garden appealed to many visitors, while the rural view over the croquet lawn and valley was a lovely backdrop to the occasion.The wide selection of cakes and other tea-time delights was really appreciated by everyone. Many thanks to our members and visitors for their support! This event was part of our continuing support for the CHOX campaign (Oxford Children’s Hospital) -  the Oxfordshire region of the WI (OFWI) has raised almost £20,000 already, with fundraising efforts continuing across Oxfordshire WIs.

Other Events and Activities:  This month members can choose from future events such as a guided walk through Henrietta Knight’s Riding Stables at West Lockinge (near Wantage), Poetry Reading with Tea at Shipton-under-Wychwood, a fashion show, plus visits to the Greenwich World Heritage Site, the Degas, Sickert & Toulouse-Lautrec Exhibition at Tate Britain.  Or they can join local WI’s on walks of 2 to 5 miles to explore the Oxfordshire countryside around the river Thames, walk by the River Leach round Eastleach Martin and district or park in Adelstrop, taking a gentle incline to Chastleton with open views on the return part of the walk.

Little Milton W.I. members will be taking part in visits to the Russian Orthodox Church in Oxford and Thrangu House, Buddhist Centre, Oxford as part of the OFWI “World of Worship” series of visits aimed at building knowledge and understanding of a wide range of faiths – a unique chance to see different local religious practice.

Next Meeting:   Amanda Wood will talk about the exciting topic of Antarctica – Penguins, Ice and Fire on the 11^th August. The meeting starts at 7:45 pm at The Pavilion, Great Milton. Visitors are very welcome.

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

Press Correspondent:  Lyndell Dixon, Great Haseley 279275

WHEATLEY LIBRARY

Just a reminder that the summer reading scheme “Reading Voyage” is continuing until the 10^th September

We will be holding a Video Sale starting on Tuesday 13^th September so do come and get stocked up for those long winter evenings.

There are now a number of ways of renewing your books. Visiting the Library, telephoning us, (01865 875267) Using our 24-hour hotline (0845 1202811) via our web site (www.libcat.oxfordshire.gov.uk). The latter site also gives you access to all our online services.  A pin number is required, but do come into the library and we will explain further.

Look forward to seeing you

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 on 0845 46 47. This is a 24 hour service staffed by nurses who can give confidential advice and information on what to do if you are unwell,

have any health concerns and give contact details or self help or support organisations. You can also visit their website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

What to do when your GP practice is closed

If you need to visit a GP or health professional outside of normal working hours you can call our service on 0845 345 8995. We will then arrange for you to see the right health professional in the right

place. This service runs from 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 a.m. weekdays and 24 hours over weekends and bank holidays.

In an emergency please call 999 to talk to the ambulance service.

COME TO

GREAT HASELEY AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL SHOW

ON

Saturday

27th AUGUST 2005

AT

THE MANOR HOUSE

LITTLE MILTON

At 2PM

Visit the marquee to see the flower, fruit and vegetable exhibits, home produce, photography, crafts and children's sections.

Enjoy the side shows, raffle, tombola, children’s entertainments – magician and plate painting, gardens open in the village, vintage cars, teas and lots, lots more.

AUCTION 4.30PM

THAME AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU