LITTLE MILTON   NEWSLETTER

www.littlemilton.org.uk

JANUARY, 2006

FROM THE EDITOR

I would like to wish all our readers a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

As editor I like take the opportunity to reflect on the well being of our village and to express the gratitude that we owe to relatively few people who make it such a wonderful place to live.

2005 saw the rebirth of the Village Hall under the new name of the Pine Lodge. I am sure that the Pine Lodge will serve our community well for many years and again I would like to express on behalf of the Village our gratitude to everyone who has been involved in the project over the past few years. A fantastic achievement!

The Church of St James has been a source of comfort to many villagers since 1844 and today it is well supported by the volunteers who clean it, maintain the churchyard, and make it look so beautiful with lovely flowers. Our younger people are looked after by a group of mums who run the Sunday School. The Church bells are rung most weeks to provide a reminder of its presence but hopefully also to bring a degree of pleasure….well to most people!! The church fete was well supported in 2005 and it provides the opportunity to bring our community together. A big thank-you to everyone involved.

The third pillar of our community is the village school. Under the leadership of Eve Hunter and the support of all the governors it continues to flourish.

The Post Office survives due to the dedication of Annie and her team but we need to be ever vigilant to ensure its future survival. The Parish Council are considering its future location and I would encourage everyone to use its services as much as possible to demonstrate that it does have an economic future.

The Parish Council has now almost completed three years of its four year term. It strives to improve the welfare of the community in many ways. It supported the building of the new village hall and continues to address the ongoing challenge of heavy goods vehicles and speeding traffic in the village. It is supported by a few volunteers who maintain the recreation ground. I am sure that the village appreciates the contribution made by all the volunteers who assist the Parish Council.

There are numerous organisations that provide a wide range of activities for the village; W.I. The Orchard, The Music Group, The Friends of the School, Baby and Toddler Group and without them the community would be a poorer place.

The publication and distribution of our Newsletter is something that happens each month and I am sure that the Village would like to say thank you to all who are involved. I would like to thank Keith Hodges at Colourplus for his excellent service and support to me as editor.

Finally, I should like to thank Dave our Postman and his team for delivering our mail so efficiently and to all the Post Office staff for providing such an excellent service to the village.

As we enter 2006 let us all make very effort to ensure that Little Milton continues to be a great place to live but recognise and appreciate the efforts of many volunteers who make Little Milton what it is on our behalf. Hopefully you too will now feel that volunteering for community activities is worthwhile and believe that you can make a contribution to the future wellbeing of your village.

Raymond Fergusson

Editor

PARISH COUNCIL

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 14th December was attended by five Councillors, the Clerk, the County Councillor and one member of the public.

Triangle of land adjacent to Wells Farmhouse

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had prepared a further application and would submit it to Oxfordshire County Council within the next few days. The submission included evidence statements in support of the application. This matter will be kept under review.

Hedgerow at the top of the Wheatley Road. (Windmill Hill)

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had spoken with OCC Highways Department and that an officer would visit the site and submit a report to the Council. This matter will be kept under review.

Invite to Punch Taverns re the Lamb

The Clerk reported that he had spoken with a representative of Punch Taverns who had indicated that the company were actively considering plans to develop the Lamb. This matter will be kept under review. 

The Orchard Pre School

The Chairman stated that the Premises edged in red in the Lease document between the Parish Council and the Little Milton Village hall were not the final premises that had been built. It was agreed that the Council should seek advice as to whether a revised site plan within the Lease document should be produced to reflect the reality of the situation and formally substituted within the Lease agreement.

The Orchard Pre-School had not yet submitted any plans for the Council to consider in respect of their request for a hard standing area adjacent to the Pine Lodge and Pre-school.

A329 Advisory Group

Mrs Alison Shelton read out a report, from Mr Mark Platts that gave a brief summary of the OCC traffic count figures before and after the positioning of the build-outs. The calculations show that traffic volumes have decreased and that traffic entering the village has slowed by more than 25%. The Council were very pleased with the initial results and the Chairman expressed his thanks to the work done by the A329 Group.

Mr David Turner stated that the weight limit survey on the A329 would now be delayed until at least March 2006.

Recreation Ground

The Chairman reported that a timer switch had now been fitted to ensure that the lights were not on after 9.30 p.m. He also informed the meeting that the Recreation Ground Committee were investigating alternative warning systems to replace the sirens. The problem with the glass reflectors on the floodlights has been addressed and as a result a new type of glass has been fitted.

Little Milton School

Mrs Beth McLaren, the Chair of Governors of Little Milton School, outlined the Governors concern that the present financial arrangement for the provision of recreational facilities was not giving the school best value. The parents and teachers would like to increase the sports provision by being able to use the Village Hall. She expressed concerns about the current state of the recreation ground.

The Clerk explained that there was an existing Licence agreement between the LEA and the Parish Council in respect of the Recreation Ground that allowed the school to use the Recreation Ground for an annual payment of £500 towards the overall cost of maintenance. At present this payment is made by the LEA directly to the Parish Council. Any financial arrangement in respect of the Village Hall facilities would need to be agreed between the school and the Village Hall.

Although the Parish Council were understanding of the school’s desires to achieve better value it was agreed that the following actions were necessary before the Council could consider any changes to the current financial arrangements.

·        The Governors should set out in a letter to the Parish Council their specific concerns about the condition of the recreation ground and any suggested improvements that could be made.

·        The Governors should present their requirements for the use of the Village Hall to the Village Hall Committee and agree a cost for them. This was supported by the Parish Council.

It was agreed that the matter would be considered by the Council after these steps had been taken.

Finance

The Council agreed to made a £25 donation to Victim Support in response to a request for financial support (Section 137)

The Chairman reported that the Village Hall Management Committee had informed Council that they would fund a hearing loop system for the village hall and would not require the Council to fund the £513 as had been previously agreed.

The Clerk outlined the key points relating to the setting of the Precept. Council members will give due consideration to any “investment” expenditure for 2006/07 and where possible establish a budget cost for it. The Clerk also emphasised the need to assess the appropriate level of reserves to carry forward for known future liabilities as well as a general level of prudence. The precept for 2006/07 will be determined at the January 2006 Council meeting.

Village Shop/Post Office

The Council members agreed that a full planning application should be submitted to SODC by Pinelog. It was critical to the application of any grants that planning permission had been obtained.

Any Other Business

Mrs Alison Shelton highlighted the concern that parking in close proximity of the Post Office can cause local residents some access problems to their property. This matter will be kept under review.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 11th January 2006 at 8.00 p.m. in The Pine Lodge Little Milton unless there is a need to convene any planning or other meetings.

R. Fergusson Parish Clerk

Please note that the complete minutes of the Council are now included on the Council website www.littlemilton.org.uk  after they have been approved by the Council.

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

ECO SACK COLLECTION SERVICE

I have been informed that the kerbside collection service for green garden waste has been extended and the collection of ecosacks will resume from January 10 and continue until Tuesday 25th April. The Freephone booking number, 0800 732 8752, will remain available during this period. It is anticipated that a new service will be implemented at the end of April. Ed.

RECYCLE TO WIN YOUR COUNCIL TAX BACK!

Look for the ad in the Newsletter….enter and you might be a lucky winner!!

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 .

A329 NEWS

Oxfordshire County Council undertook “speed” and “volume” measurements in respect of vehicles entering and exiting our Village before and after the installation of the two build-outs. Both surveys were undertaken for a complete & comparable week.

RESULTS IN BRIEF

·        Volume of vehicles entering the Village are down

·        Speed of vehicles entering the Village are down

Previously, I published OCC’s figures below (Old News). Compare these to “New News”

OLD NEWS…….. (Pre build-outs)

Vehicles entering the Village from Thame

• 85% of vehicles entered the Village at an average speed of   47 MPH
• Over 375 vehicles entered the Village in excess of  61 MPH

Vehicles entering the Village from Stadhampton

• 85% of vehicles entered the Village at an average speed of   44 MPH
• Over 150 vehicles entered the Village in excess of  61 MPH

NEW NEWS…….. (Post build-outs)

Vehicles entering the Village from Thame

• 0% of vehicles entered the Village at a speed of   47 MPH -  all less
• Most vehicles entered the Village at a speed of between 26-31  MPH

Vehicles entering the Village from Stadhampton

• Less than 1% of vehicles entered the Village at a speed over   41 MPH
• Most vehicles entered the Village at a speed of between 26-31  MPH

All expectations have been exceeded.

2006 will see the A329 Action Group concentrate on other aspects within the Village. I will keep you informed as to what is happening as we progress.

Mark Platts

A329 Action Group

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL -Council retains its status as a good council with a “three star” rating

Oxfordshire County Council has today been told that it is a good authority with “three stars” under the Audit Commission’s new rating system.

A three star rating is the second highest score that can be obtained. Councils can be ranked as either zero, one, two, three or four stars.

The three star score equates to a ranking of “good” under the Audit Commission’s previous ranking system. The Council was promoted to the status of “good” last year having previously been ranked “fair”.

One of the main factors behind the Council’s continued improvement has been the Social and Health Care Adult Services promotion to a two star rating, announced earlier this month. The Audit Commission was also impressed by the Council’s focus on delivering key priorities.

The Audit Commission report said that several of the Councils priority service areas compared favourably with other councils. It said: “Education, adult social care and waste services demonstrate clear improvement. School attendance is good and more waste has been recycled.

“Fire services and services for young people have received good external assessments and the Council has generally delivered improved services at a low cost compared to other councils.”

Councillor Keith Mitchell, the Leader of the County Council, said: “Last year we were promoted to a higher grade and this year we have consolidated that. That is very good news.

“However the job is not complete. I want to see consistent improvement until we are ranked as one of the best councils in the country.

“There are still areas for us to improve upon and I will be pushing for those improvements in coming weeks and months.”

Source: OCC Newsdesk

SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL -REFUSE SKIPS FOR JANUARY

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.

CHRISTMAS TREE COMPOSTING

The following dates and venues have been set for Christmas Tree Composting

Saturday 7 January    8.00 a.m. to 12 Noon

Thame (Cattle Market Car Park)

Wheatley (Primary School)      

Friday 13 January

8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.            Chalgrove (Village Car Park)

12.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m.            Berinsfield (Opposite Pritchard Close)

Saturday 14 January 8.00 a.m. to 12 Noon

Thame (Cattle Market Car Park)

CHURCH CLEANING ROTA FOR JANUARY

Week ending 7th January, 2006                                                -          Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley

Week ending 14th January, 2006                                              -          Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones

Week ending 21st January, 2006                                              -           Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

Week ending 28th January, 2006                                              -          Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward

Week ending 4th February 2006                                               -          Mrs E. Summers/Mrs Isabel Fox

Sally Ann Dennis 278029

CHURCH FLOWER ROTA FOR JANUARY       

Week ending 1st January                                              -                                             

Week ending 8th January                                              -                                 

Week ending 15th January                                            -                     

Week ending 22nd January                                           -                     

Week ending 29^th January        

Donations of flowers would be most welcome. If you can help in any way please give me a ring on 01844 278922        

Teresa Quested

BELL RINGING PRACTICE DURING JANUARY

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

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

Sunday 8th January                                                               10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Raymond Fergusson (279150)

FROM THE RECTORY.

CHRISTMAS IN OUR CHURCHES.

We should like to thank everyone who went to make Christmas such a wonderful occasion in all our parishes. There was some superb music, amazing flower arrangements and all manner of other things.  All of these things came together in a special way adorning the birth place, so to speak, of the new born King. There are undoubtedly many very gifted people in our parishes, and they deserve and get our congratulations.

If I may, may I heartily congratulate the children in our schools for what they gave us in such spectacular ways. The Christingle Service with Little Milton School and Great Milton School’s Christmas Carol Service both spoke so eloquently of the joy and magic of Christmas, and both services pointed to the truth that when God speaks through a child he speaks a language we can all understand. Well done to all our children.

A QUOTE FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY ON PRAYER

‘Prayer is like sunbathing. You simply have to be there where the light can get at you.

On the beach, it was no use screwing up your eyes and concentrating: you wouldn’t get a better tan. And yet people often treated prayer like that. But this wasn’t Jesus’s advice.

“Say, Father”, he tells them. Just be confident that you’re welcome as you would be at home. All you need to do is to be where the light can get at you-in this case, the light of God’s love.’

Rowan Williams.

Victor Story

 (01844 279498)

FARE WELL IN 2006

It is the turn of the year, and we would want to wish each other to Fare Well in 2006. But when we say fare well, what are we saying? Certainly to fare well implies `moving` travelling, journeying on. So when we say farewell, we are saying `travel well`.

Whether we like it or not, the truth of the matter is that whoever we are, we are all on the move, journeying on-getting ever farther from where we were this morning, and getting nearer and nearer to whatever lies in store for us in the future.

What exactly the future does hold for us all, is so unsure. The only thing we can say for certain is that one day there will be an end, and for us Christian people, that one end will be-with the grace and mercy of God- coming to a full vision of God.

But we journey on today, now, between the hither and farther shore; doing so in the sure confidence of our Lord’s words, “Take no anxious thought for the morrow.”

That raises the question, what does it mean to fare well in our today? Many things I’m sure. In particular it means having the strength for today’s journey, strength we haven’t got, the strength that

only God can supply, the strength to face and cope with the achievements and setbacks, challenges and joys which we shall encounter on our way. And the key to receiving that strength is prayer and the outworkings of the Holy Spirit.

We do not however, fare well on our own! Our Lord Jesus Christ came down from heaven to take us by the hand to lead us on, through all that life may bring, till we finally see him as he truly is on that farther shore. If we would but only grasp that hand which is offered us, if we would only give ourselves to follow the patterns  and disciplines Jesus taught his first disciples, and longs to teach us still, then we shall find ourselves being led deeper into his presence and his mystery.  Then, much to our surprise, we shall discover more fully than ever before, that at the heart of all things, there beats his heart of love. Within this presence of Divine Love, and responding to it, we find that we ourselves become more loving, more sensitive to others, less concerned about ourselves and our own ways, and more aware of the needs of others.  

Christmas taught us that when love breaks into our lives, things are transformed and joy follows. With this love and joy, our daily journey is not a dull advance along a grim groove, but part of an onward and upward movement, leading to heaven, our ultimate destination, where all is forever, perfect harmony, melody, love, joy and peace. Glimpses and preludes of these things we experience on our journey through this world in our every day.

Be strong then, and in that strength be joyful, as together, with our Lord leading us, we journey on into 2006 and all the times yet to be.

A very happy New Year to you all.

Victor Story

GREAT MILTON METHODIST CHURCH

Minister:  Revd. Derick Chambers Tel: 212019

SUNDAY SERVICES IN JANUARY

For further information please ring me.

Evelyn Holme 278938

BENEFICE SERVICES FOR JANUARY

NEWS FROM LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL

We were delighted to welcome Bishop Colin, Bishop of Dorchester to our school at the end of last term.  He was an immediate hit with the children, as he produced his robes from a suitcase, and likened them to those worn by Professor Dumbledore in Harry Potter!  He explained the symbolism of his crook and the different colours worn throughout the Church year.

Bishop Colin answered questions from almost every child – about his background, his role as a bishop, and his route to becoming a bishop with great sensitivity and patience.  We are looking forward to Bishop Colin joining us for a Candlemas Service at Church in February.

December was a busy month for us, with Christingle being the highlight.  The children acted out the nativity and we are sure that everyone enjoyed their sweet singing of the Christmas carols.

Eve Hunter

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

We plan to meet on Sunday 8th January, when we intend to continue thinning out some of the trees in the newly planted woodland area. Some are being smothered by the stronger growing trees and their growth is being stunted.

We welcome anyone who would like to come along and get some fresh air. We meet in the Farmyard at 10.30 a.m.

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

FRIENDS OF LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL 200 CLUB

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

October

1^st Prize                                    No 61                          Sarah Holifield                          £20.00

2^nd Prize                                   No 14                          Jill Hoban                                             £14.00

3^rd Prize                                    No 10                          Ron Gibbard                                        £10.00

Sarah Sadler 278563

For the Friends of Little Milton School

PLANT SALE IN AID OF ST JAMES

Due to some unforeseen circumstances I have had to cancel the plant sale that I had envisaged at the end of April. However keep all your pots as I shall be asking for your support in 2007. Thank you for being so understanding.

Joyce Inge

SEWING GROUP

We are meeting on Thursday 19th January at 11.30 a.m. at Spring Cottage in the Haseley Road. Do telephone 278029 by Wednesday 18th January if you are planning to stay for lunch. Why not begin your New Year by catching up on your mending and/or by digging out that old “sewing project” (large or small) and bring it along on the 19^th. We always have a laugh and a happy time together and you would be made most welcome.

Sally Ann Dennis

SENIOR CITIZENS CHRISTMAS LUNCH

This year we had lunch at “The Pine Lodge”, our new village hall. It was a traditional Christmas lunch cooked on the premises and 30 people attended.

The entertainment was provided by Mark Platts which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone – our sincere thanks. This was followed by a raffle in which everyone received a gift.

We would like to thank everyone who helped with the fundraising and supported us with gifts or money to make this a special occasion. We would also like to thank all the helpers who helped on the day.

We would like to wish a speedy recovery to all who could not attend due to illness and hope to see you

next year.

We wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Janet, Linda and Teresa

XMAS FAYRE

The Fayre this year was a huge success and raised £475 for each of the three organisations.

I should like to express my thanks to all those who worked so hard before, during and after the event to make the day so enjoyable and profitable.  Thanks to all of you who came to support us on the day or bought raffle tickets beforehand – all our efforts would be pointless without you!

Looking to the future, if you have any comments, ideas or suggestions for improving the event for next year please let me know. Thanks again to you all.

Teresa Quested

THANK YOU

Everyone who attended the Christmas Party would like to thank Janet, Teresa and Linda for organising such a wonderful day that was enjoyed by all and to everyone who supported it.

Mabel Wood

CHRISTMAS FAYRE RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS