LITTLE MILTON  NEWSLETTER

www.littlemilton.org.uk

November   2006

PARISH COUNCIL

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 11^th October was attended all Parish Councillors, the Clerk, and the District Councillor .There were three members of the public in attendance.

   Triangle of land adjacent to Wells Farm Cottage

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had spoken with Mr Howard Perkins at OCC in respect of the re-submission of the application to register the triangle of land adjacent to Wells Farm Cottage as a village green. Mr Perkins expressed his satisfaction with the detail of the application        and would now process the application. The outcome of the         application should be known within the next two months.

OCC Highways

The Clerk reported that Mr Peter Ronald at OCC Highways expects the re-lining of the build-outs to be completed in the near future as the      work was now scheduled by the contractor. The temporary road signs approaching the build –outs have also been removed.

   ORCC – Thame Area Review of Subsidised Bus Services

The Clerk reported that a questionnaire had been delivered to each house in the village and that the results would be analysed by ORCC as part of the consultation being conducted by OCC in its review of Supported Bus Services in the Wheatley, Thame and Watlington areas.

Youth Club Great Milton

The Clerk stated that a meeting of interested parties will be held in Great Milton in November.

Installation of CCTV camera

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had raised the matter with Abi Derbyshire of Thames Valley Police and was awaiting a response.

Youth Shelter

    The Chairman welcomed two young people from the village who had written to    the Council in response to the article in the October Newsletter. The Chairman           gave a brief resume of the project before he invited the comments from the    public. The concerns that were raised were that the initial consultation had been   too limited and that all young people should have been asked their views. There           was also a concern that such a facility may attract young people from outside       the village who may be less respectful to village amenities. There was an          acceptance that the needs of the young people of the village need to be catered for of which a youth shelter was one option.

The Council agreed that although the newsletter had informed the village of the project it was necessary     to conduct a wider consultation of the village views.

Recreation Ground

Mr Mark Willis informed the meeting on the grass cutting and weed treatment programme and expressed his satisfaction with the progress that has been made. He asked the Council to consider protecting the grass area that has been used as an overflow car park for Village Hall events. The Council agreed that the overflow car parking area should be restricted to a designated area and that it would investigate the cost of providing a protected surface. Mr Stuart McGill stated that the cost of any protection would be considered by the Village Hall committee.

Planning

P06/W0846 & P06/W848/LB – Lamb Inn, extension to existing premises to include a toilet block and courtyard area

The Clerk reported that these applications had been withdrawn by the applicant. It is understood that a      further application will be made by Punch Taverns having taken account of the comments made by   English Heritage and SODC officers.

Village Shop/Post Office

The Chairman reported that there had been regular meetings of the steering group and specific tasks had been allocated to various individuals. Mr Tim Robinson stated that there was a need for a clear relationship between the Post Office/Village Shop and the Parish Council. The Clerk stated that there would be a lease between the two bodies. It was agreed that Mr Tim Robinson and Mr Barry Coward would consider all the implications that new situation would present and report back to the Council.

Any Other Business

Mrs Mabel Wood expressed the concern of a resident that the traffic sign for the school on Church Hill was not visible as you approached it and thought that it should be re-positioned. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Peter Ronald at OCC Highways.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 8th November 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 Alison Shelton   Mr Barry Coward Mr Tim Robinson

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 £7.50 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 –GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION

Your bin will be collected on the same day as your normal refuse and recycling. Please ensure however that your bin is placed in a safe place that does not obstruct the pavement or highway. The dates for September are as follows:-

Tuesday 7th and 21st November

If you are interested in this service please contact SODC Public Amenities on 01491 823416 or email: public.amenities@southoxon.gov.uk or visit www.southoxon.gov.uk

South Oxfordshire District Council’s new garden waste scheme is proving very popular, with over 4,000 residents signing up for the scheme. In the first week alone nearly 40 tonnes of garden waste was collected for composting- double the amount expected. (SODC Town and Parish Newsletter, July 2006)

COMMUNITY WASTE VEHICLES – DOMESTIC WASTE ONLY

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.

WHERE SHOULD NEW HOUSING GO- STONE BASSETT AGAIN?

As you will know, the Government has set targets for housing for the south east of England. This means that South Oxfordshire District Council has to find a place for 2000 more new homes as well as the ones at Didcot. The council (SODC) has therefore issued a questionnaire that it would like residents to complete, as to where this housing should go and noting the suggested sites that have already been put forward by interested parties.

If you look at the map of these suggested sites, you will see that there is a huge area as a suggested development- larger than any other on the map- which lies between the M40, A329, Great Haseley, Milton Common, stretching almost to Tetsworth. This is Stone Bassett again but in an even larger form than before.

Those of you who have been long resident here will know that in the late 1980s the village of Great Haseley, with support from the whole area, fought a huge battle to stop the development of Stone Bassett. The proposal had been for a town of 15,000 people just south of the village. The proposal would have utterly destroyed the rural atmosphere of this area. There was a huge- and costly- public enquiry, in which the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) was heavily involved, and the development was turned down.

This proposal does not in any way mean that the newly resurgent idea for Stone Bassett is part of the Council plans- as yet- but we all need to act to make sure it remains so. It would be helpful if everyone who has access to the internet were to complete the questionnaire and make it clear that Stone Bassett is not an option we welcome. You can also give your views on how the housing should be allocated and how development should be in Thame, Wheatley etc. This in itself is important for how south Oxfordshire will look in the next decades.

To find the questionnaire, go to www.southoxon.gov.uk, go to planning, then site allocation development plan and you will find both the map and the questionnaire. It only takes a few minutes to complete.

Mary Isaac on behalf of CPRE

GREAT MILTON YOUTH CLUB

There will be a meeting on Tuesday November 14th in the Great Milton Pavilion at 7.30pm to discuss the possibility of forming a Joint Youth Club.  Parents, young people (11 - 16 years) and any other interested parties are all invited to attend - the object being to form a Committee with the support of enthusiastic and willing participants to help and give this project a clear and positive start, which will be of benefit to all concerned.

Pat Cox on behalf of Great Milton Parish Council

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

HAVE YOUR SAY ON OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S LIBRARY SERVICE

Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries are taking place in a national visitor survey to find out what people think of the service they receive.

People over the age of 16 visiting all public libraries in Oxfordshire including the mobile libraries are being invited to take part.

The survey will look at who is using the services and why and will ask visitors to rate a number of topics including what they make of the look of the library; the information that is available as well as the books themselves.

OCC Newsdesk: January 2, 2007

FIGHT THE FLU BUG THIS WINTER

It’s that time of the year again. Autumn has begun, the cold weather’s coming…and so unfortunately, is the flu. Flu is of course an unpleasant experience for anybody, but to those who are ‘at risk’ including:

                        People aged 65 or more

                        People with respiratory diseases including asthma

                        Diabetes

                        People with serious heart, chest or kidney conditions

                        People with chronic liver disease

                        People with lowered immunity

                        Carer’s in receipt of carer’s allowance or those who are the main carer of elderly persons or disabled person (at the GP’s discretion)

Flu can be a major health concern. In order to avoid infection you need to move quickly! The good news is that if you are ’at risk’ you are entitled to a flu vaccination free of charge from your GP practice. To avoid the misery book your Flu jab today and don’t let Flu get the better of you or your children this winter.

Getting the jab is safe, quick and effective, and available from your local GP.

To find out more, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

GRASS CUTTING ROTA FOR NOVEMBER

W/E 4th November                   -           Phil Jones

I would like to thank all those who have cut the grass during the past six months. Hopefully the winter will kick in and the grass will stop growing!!

Raymond Fergusson

CHURCH CLEANING ROTA FOR NOVEMBER

W/E 4th November                   -          Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward

W/E 11th November                  -          Mrs E. Summers/ Mrs A Jones

W/E 18th November                  -          Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley

W/E 25th November                  -          Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones

W/E 2nd December                   -          Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

Sally Ann Dennis 278029

CHURCH FLOWER ROTA FOR NOVEMBER    

W/E 5th November                   -          Sylvia Taylor

W/E 12th November                  -          Sylvia Taylor

W/E 19th November                  -                                             

W/E 26th November                  -         

W/E 3rd December                   -          Advent

We are looking for new volunteers to help with flowers in the church.     

Teresa Quested

BELL RINGING PRACTICE DURING NOVEMBER

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

Tuesday 7th November                                           7.30 pm. to 9.00 pm

Sunday 12th November                                           10.30 am to 11.00 am

Tuesday 14th November                                         7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 21st November                                         7.30 pm. to 9.00 pm.

Sunday 26^th November                                            9.30 am to 10.00 am

Tuesday 28th November                                          7.30 pm. to 9.00 pm.

Raymond Fergusson (279150)

“IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, AND IN THE FACE OF THIS CONGREGATION…”

During the Summer we had a number of lovely weddings, and at one the following address was offered.

One thing I love to do and that is to travel. Seeing new sights, meeting old friends and making new, often the other side of the world, and enjoying their hospitality. I enjoy experiencing different and contrasting cultures. But I would not enjoy my travels if I had no home to return to. Home where we can be ourselves, where things and faces are familiar, where we belong, where we are loved, where we know our bearings. Home a still point. Without such a point of stillness, a life of constant movement would be a nightmare.

All these things are in my mind as we come here today. We have come away from our journeying into this our church, with its peace, effortless beauty and stillness. We have come to witness and to share in and celebrate the wedding of R & A. They become the real focus of us all. Today we have seen and heard them make solemn vows to each other, exchange rings. Today they begin a new life among us, as husband and wife, as together, as ONE. I’ve got to say, I haven’t had the privilege of knowing them that long, but whenever they came to see me, I immediately felt at my ease, and when we met on subsequent occasions that feeling remained. I had mysteriously given me, a picture of what their home was to be: a point of stillness in this restless world, but it was to be stillness vibrant with energy, because they have a vision of what they want their home to be, and they have the energy to make that vision a reality. The still centre of the home.

But there is another still centre of which I should speak. That is the still centre of God. God is the one who instituted marriage.

Christian marriage is a glorious friendship which is made all the more glorious if God is at the centre. If a marriage is to be happy, fulfilling and lasting, it must be a sincere commitment based upon convictions and discipline. There are, I believe, three main convictions. One conviction is the institution of marriage itself. Then in particular today, the conviction of R & A’s love for each other. Then there is the conviction that God gives generously of his grace to those who seek it. None of us is perfect. We all have some faults. In marriage, every one of us, at one time or another, is a burden to the other. Christian love alone makes the burden light. If you cannot bear with your partner, how will your partner bear with you? Look for the best in each other. Extol the virtues you find. Be patient and generous with the weaknesses. But always remember true love is indefatigable and never tires. True love is inexhaustible. It lives and is born again of itself. The more it pours itself forth, the more it abounds.

Of that love, with its magic and mystery, we are here to celebrate. That love has drawn these two together. It has beckoned us come and celebrate. And this love which we have come to know radiates out and engulfs us, and just because of what R & A have between them, we too have become better, brighter, and happier. You see in marriage, through love, A & R are playing their part in making this world of ours more loving. And this begins in the fixed still point, though vibrant with energy, of the home. Love holding all things together.

Each of us, whether we love travelling or not, needs a still centre where we sense the things that hold life together. R & A, a few moments ago made their vows before God in the centre of this church, a reminder that God is the still centre of the whole of creation. God is leading us always into new ways. For R &A that is the adventure of married life. I wonder what it is for you? But God is ever holding us all secure in his love. To that love this church bears witness.

In a few minutes R & A will leave this still point and begin their new adventure. May they always know that in all that they do, wherever they are, in all circumstances, at all times, they will be held so securely in God’s hands of love.

Victor Story

FROM THE RECTORY.

ALL SAINTS DAY

All Saints day falls on Wednesday 1^st November, and there will be a celebration of Holy Communion in St. Mary’s, Great Milton at 7.30 p.m.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY.

Remembrance Sunday falls on the 12^th November and in each of the Services in our Churches that day we shall be remembering those who gave of themselves to that we might live in freedom. As I pass by any War Memorial, I often look at the names and think what a devastating effect the wars have had on villages such as our own.

At our Services we shall read the names on the Roll of Honour, and in so doing we shall in some way be restoring the individuality of each person, each poppy in the fields. The soldier unrecognized and unknown becomes known again-a young man, a great grandfather, a lover, a boyhood friend. So vast a multitude, a grief to humankind and a grief to God.

Some say it’s childish fantasy that God can care for each soul, that he knew us from the womb; yet the drive to restore to each soldier their name and character reveals a deeper instinct which will not allow any person to be obliterated, unremembered, or die without trace.

God always remembers. He cannot forget, nor should we.

The Services for Remembrance Sunday will be:-

Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Great Haseley at 8.00 a.m., followed by laying a wreath on the Village War Memorial.

Sung Communion at Little Milton at 9.30 a.m. during which we shall lay a wreath on the memorial in the Church.

Benefice Remembrance Day Service in St. Mary’s, Great Milton beginning at the War Memorial in the Churchyard. at 10.45 a.m.. Of course, in its own way this will be an ecumenical service.

Victor

01844 279498

LITTLE MILTON CHRISTMAS FAYRE

This year the Fayre will be held on Saturday 2^nd December from 11.00 a.m. until 2.00 p.m.

There will be all the usual attractions including high quality, homemade Xmas food and preserves, a huge Christmas raffle, crafts and gifts as well as a children’s activity area.  Come and enjoy coffee and cake or even stay for lunch. The bacon sandwiches are famous! We will also have a visit from  Santa.

As usual we would be grateful for any help that you could give to ensure the success of this event. Donations can be made to the following people:-

            Food, cakes etc                         Sarah Jones

            Raffle prizes                             Stuart McGill

            Craft & Gifts                            Teresa Quested

            Children’s Activities                  The Orchard Pre-School

Many  thanks to you all- see you there!

Teresa Quested

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

In November we are meeting for a Brunch session at Christine’s home, 1 Chiltern View on the 5^th and on the 19^th we meet in Church. Both meetings begin at 11.00 and end at 12.30. There is no family service this month as it is Remembrance Sunday (see service notes for details of services on this date). There were 15 children at our October meeting and three new children joined us so if you’re wondering whether to come along and join us don’t hesitate a moment longer!

S. A. Dennis 278029

BENEFICE SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER

GREAT MILTON METHODIST CHURCH Minister:  Revd. Derick Chambers Tel: 212019

SUNDAY SERVICES IN NOVEMBER