LITTLE MILTON  NEWSLETTER

www.littlemilton.org.uk

January 2007

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.

The Pine Lodge has now become a focal point of our village after its launch in 2005. An energetic Management committee have provided many events for the village to enjoy and participate in.  It is hard work by a few but the results are enjoyed by many.

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 2006 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 has obtained planning permission for an extension to the Pine Lodge to accommodate a Post Office/ Shop. A steering group has been established for the project but their life has been made more difficult with the uncertainty of the size of the Post Office network. What is clear is that if we want to maintain a Post Office we all need to support it now and in the future.

The Parish Council is now almost at the end of its four year term. There will be Council elections in May 2007. It strives to improve the welfare of the community in many ways although I suspect that is not always appreciated. It 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. I have been particularly encouraged with the positive response to the new A5 format.

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. I also would like to thank Mark Willis and William Goodman for delivering our newspapers.

 As we enter 2007 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.

Raymond Fergusson

Editor

PARISH COUNCIL

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 13th December was attended by all Parish Councillors, the Clerk, the County Councillor and the District Councillor .There were no members of the public in attendance.

 Recreation Ground

    Mr Stuart McGill informed the meeting that a variety of surfaces to protect the     grass in the area that is used as an overflow car park had been considered by the          Village Hall Management Committee and that any work would not start before     the Spring. However before any work could start the Parish Council would need           to approve any proposal made by the Management Committee. Mr Simon          Oddie suggested that professional advice should be obtained before any    recommendation is made to the Council. 

Finance

The Clerk circulated a preliminary paper on the 2007-08 Precept that highlighted the key elements of the process to set the precept. The paper also included outline figures of underlying receipts and payments for 2006-07 as well as proposals for 2007-08. The Clerk stated that the Council would need to set the          Precept at the January meeting as the information was required by SODC by 12^th January 2007.

    Planning

    P06/W1165: Orchard House; Change of use from agricultural land to create         an extension of residential cartilage

    The Council recommended approval of this application subject to the District        Council restricting any permitted development on the extended residential            curtilage.

     P06/W1187/AG: Warren Barn Farm: proposed erection of free standing steel       portal framed building

    The Council recommended approval of this application.

     P06/W0226: Land adjacent to Plough House: Appeal lodged with Secretary of      State following refusal by Planning Authority to grant planning permission.

This was noted by the Council.

     Village Shop/Post Office

    Mr Stuart McGill informed the meeting that he and the clerk had attended a          meeting with representatives of OALC and ORCC to review the role of the     Parish   Council in making any financial contribution to the proposed new Village Shop/Post Office.

   The powers of the Parish Council do not extend to building a shop/Post Office      although they could acquire existing premises. The Parish Council is        limited to making a financial contribution within the provisions of   Section 137 LGA 1972 which would be a maximum contribution of about           £2,000.  The recommendation from both OALC and ORCC was for the   Village Hall to extend the current premises as the Parish Council had wider       powers to support Village Halls. The Parish Council could support the           building of the shell but it could not support any capital or working            capital   required by the business venture that would manage the shop/Post   Office. It was recognised that the Village Hall Management Committee   would   need to consult with the Charities Commission to allow a third party to use the     additional space for a shop/Post Office. The Tackley shop was set up through    their Village Hall and information will be made available to the Village Hall           Management Committee.

   At some stage it will be necessary to review the current lease arrangement          between the Village Hall Management Committee and the Parish Council.

Due to this new development the Parish Council members considered it appropriate to make enquiries to extend the current lease that is due to expire in October 2007. It was agreed that Mr Stuart McGill would approach the current owners of the existing building. The setting of the precept for 2007-08 will need to          recognise any additional cost of any borrowing if a request is likely to be made in that financial year as it is a requirement by the Public Loans Board before any funds can be made to Parish Councils.           

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 10th January 2007 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 January are as follows:-Tuesday 16th January

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.

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR REFUSE COLLECTION DATES

Tuesday 2nd January (Normal)              No Change

The revised collections may occur at a different time in the day compared to your normal collection so refuse and recycling should be placed on the kerbside by 7.00 a.m. in the morning. Please do not leave your refuse out for collection on days other than your collection date, or earlier than 6.00p.m. the evening before.

NEWS FROM THE RECREATION GROUND

Multi Use Games Area

The floodlit five-a-side Astroturf has seen a lot more use this winter.  There are very few slots available from Monday to Thursday evenings.  Please check the bookings diary at the post office if you or your children want an impromptu game on the Astroturf.

 The tennis court however is hardly used at night.

 Playground

The Recreation Ground Committee need to look at a new surface for the playground. We buy play bark annually to top up around the apparatus but the remaining areas are becoming threadbare after several years of use.  We always require volunteers to inspect the play area and empty the waste bins.  We do have a rota based on volunteers doing one month per year, each month comprising three 20 minute inspections.  The playground is a well used facility.  If your child is a regular user, or you feel you can help, please ring me on the number below.

We also welcome any new members for the recreation ground committee.  Its remit is to look after the recreation field/MUGA/playground on behalf of the Parish Council.  If you are prepared to take an interest in this, and do some physical work, tidying and repairing vandalism etc, please ring me.

Finally, five-a-side football continues on Wednesday evenings, 8 – 9.30 pm.  All welcome, aged 16 or over.

 Mark Willis

279468

DEVELOPMENTS IN COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES

 Introduction

The Oxfordshire PCT has been working with Oxfordshire County Council’s Social and Community Services Department and the Oxford Radcliffe Trust to improve the way we deliver services in local communities. We are working to enable people to be cared for in their homes wherever possible.

 Why change?

Through modernisation we will be able to provide a better service for patients and save money by reducing unnecessary, high cost, admissions to acute hospitals, such as the John Radcliffe Hospital.  By providing support early on to those who are at risk of having a sudden health decline, such as older people and people with long term medical conditions, we could help people to avoid problems which would lead to the need for an acute hospital admission.

We want to invest in services supporting people to recover in their own homes, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy. We also want to reduce the time patients spend waiting for diagnosis and treatment, which will reduce the amount of inpatient beds we need in hospitals.

 What are we doing?

Stage one

We have looked at potential ways forward and gathered important information about services, buildings and the local population needs. This information will now be reviewed and summarised to outline priority action/next steps early in the New Year for the Oxfordshire PCT Board.  Although priority areas for action will be progressed first, all localities will continue to be considered in the context of a countywide plan. 

 Stage two

Success in reducing admissions to acute hospitals and reducing delays in transferring people out of hospital for ongoing care in the community relies on the PCT commissioning (buying) the right health services to best support local need.

To this end the PCT is working with local clinicians (PBC Consortia) to agree detailed plans outlining the services which would be commissioned for the areas identified as priority in stage one.  This work will be done in the context of the countywide picture and the needs/possibilities for other areas will be considered, but at this stage detailed plans will be written for priority areas only.

To help this process the PCT will discuss possibilities with a range of organisations which could deliver services (including the PCT’s own provider services). This will enable the PCT to ascertain how commissioning intentions could best be delivered by providers and whether the commissioning intentions would attract significant interest among providers who may wish to enter into a contract with the PCT.

At the same time the PCT will be involving local people and holding discussions with the Strategic Health Authority.

 Stage three

When stage two has been completed Oxfordshire PCT will conduct a public consultation covering:

What services the PCT intents to commissions locally, the service model (principles underpinning the commissioning intentions) and the implications of plans for other community hospital sites and buildings. 

The consultation process will be clear, thorough and inclusive and will enable local people across Oxfordshire to contribute to the decision making process. Our aim is to work in partnership with local people and GPs to design successful services for the future, which are affordable and represent the best value for public money. 

 Formal Strategic Health Authority approval will also be given at this stage.

 Stage four

Following the consultation process the PCT will tender for any new service provision, or amend the current contracts with service providers, as appropriate.

Services provided by the PCT such as those at Community Hospitals, are of course very likely to be affected by any changes in commissioning intentions. The views of clinicians and staff working in those services are important and will be actively requested and taken into account. However when it comes to decision making the PCT will ensure that there is a transparent declaration of any conflict of interest that could be implied. And mechanisms will be in place to ensure separation in the decision making process. This will ensure that decisions about service providers are objective and that the best services can be secured for local people.

 Stage Five

Implementing the change and commencing building work where appropriate.

It is not envisaged that other areas would have to wait until the first priority locality is complete before work begins at their locality. Timescales and the sequencing of change will be dependant on the outcome of the stage one review, which will include an assessment of need and resources available to support the work.  (Source: Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust December 2006)

CHURCH CLEANING ROTA FOR JANUARY

W/E 6th January                       -          Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward

W/E 13th January                      -          Mrs E. Summers/ Mrs A Jones

W/E 20th January                      -          Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley

W/E 27th January                      -          Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones

W/E 3rd February                     -          Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

 Sally Ann Dennis 278029

CHURCH FLOWER ROTA FOR JANUARY        

W/E 7th January                       -                     

W/E 14th January                      -         

W/E 21st January                      -                                                         

W/E 28th January                      -         

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 9th January                                          7.30 pm. to 9.00 pm

            Sunday 14th January                                       10.30 am to 11.00 am

            Tuesday 16th January                                        7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

            Tuesday 23rd January                                        7.30 pm. to 9.00 pm.

            Tuesday 30th January                                        7.30 pm. to 9.00 pm.

The Bell Ringers had their Annual General Meeting in the Lamb (custom and practice) on Tuesday 19^th December. It was the usual mix of business and pleasure. This year Maggie Wheeller gained the prestigious award of ‘Services to Bell Ringing’. This is an annual award voted on by the members to someone in the tower who has contributed to its wellbeing. We are also hoping to have an open morning in the Spring to encourage new people to learn the art of bellringing. Watch this space!

 Raymond Fergusson (279150)

FROM THE RECTORY.

 CHRISTMAS IN OUR PARISH

I write this on the day after our Service of Lessons and Carols. What a wonderful evening it was. Our soloists were simply outstanding, giving us some wonderful music, and all the Readers were excellent. It really set the scene for Christmas itself.

Earlier in the week, the Children of our School really excelled themselves, and gave us an unforgettable magical Christingle Service. We were all spellbound, we really were. To make these services what they were, involves a great deal of work behind the scenes- and the result shows that. We thank everyone-the children, their teachers, the musicians for making everything possible.

 May I wish you all a very happy healthy New Year.

 Victor

01844 279498

FROM THE REGISTERS

IAN CHARLES DOUGLAS FLECK.

It is with deepest regret that we record the death of Ian Fleck on the 26^th November. He was 87. Ian was born in High Wycombe, the son of a furniture maker. He was educated at the Royal Grammar School and St. John’s, Leatherhead, before he became a sales representative for Rugby Cement. Just before the outbreak of war he joined the City of London Yeomanry and saw action in North Africa before becoming a prisoner of war, making two attempts to escape, before he was successful. In his time he was a great sportsman, particularly rugby, even being captain, chairman and fixture secretary for High Wycombe. He loved music, particularly jazz. He and his beloved Kay had a life long love affair with the Lake District and Cornwall. Little Milton people will remember him particularly for his uprightness and his gentlemanly ways which impressed and inspired us all. For many years he kept the churchyard tidy. For his life we are all grateful. It was good to have known him, and we shall miss him. Please do continue in your prayers for Kay, her two sons and their families who were all so very close.

MERVYN ATLAY JONES

The funeral of Mervyn took place on 14^th December in St. James. Mervyn was 63 and he died after a long illness. We would want to assure his wife and family of our prayers in their sad loss.

Victor Story

MERV JONES – 1943-2006

Merv was born and brought up in Colwyn Bay, North Wales. He was a keen sportsman, playing both soccer and cricket. He kept goal for Colwyn Bay in the Welsh League.

In his early twenties he went to live in South Africa where he met his wife Liz. After two years they decided to move to Australia, settling in Sydney. He kept up his sporting connections, managing a local soccer team.

On their return to the UK they lived in North Wales and the locally at Arncott and Thame before moving in 1980 to Little Milton, being the first residents of the newly built Chiltern View.

Merv retired in 1989 due to M.S. and although confined to a wheelchair he continued to live life to the full, supporting Henley Hawks and Wales at rugby as well as Tottenham Hotspur at soccer. He also took a keen interest in bird watching, red wine and Malt Whisky!

Family and friends will remember Merv as a man of gentle nature, never complaining about his illness and always trying to see the positives of life.

Michael Betts

TO ALL CONGREGATIONS IN THE DIOCESE OF OXFORD

As I am sure you will know, it was announced this week that the Rt. Revd. John Pritchard ,Bishop of Jarrow is to be the next Bishop of Oxford.  I have known
John for many years and I am delighted he will be joining us here in the Diocese.

John has a special interest in mission and evangelism, and in new ways of framing and expressing the gospel. He is a man of prayer, with a great knowledge of the scriptures. He is committed to world development issues and their relation to national and personal choices. He has an enthusiasm for equipping people to be everyday disciples, and has long been involved in training for ministry. I know he will be a strength and an inspiration to us all. 

We hope that John and his wife Wendy will be coming to Oxford in June and we look forward to welcoming them as they begin their ministry among us.

Please remember them in your prayers over the coming months.

The Rt. Revd. Colin Fletcher, O.B.E.

Bishop of Dorchester

LITTLE MILTON CHRISTMAS FAYRE

On behalf of those organisations involved I should like to say a HUGE thank-you to all of you who supported this event.  The sun shone, Santa arrived on time and the smell of frying bacon wafted down the village. The hall looked wonderful and there was a great choice of food and gifts to buy.

Thanks to all those who worked so hard to make it a success.

 Teresa Quested

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

Instead of a Christmas party we’re having an Epiphany Party this year! This will be held on Sunday January 7^th between 11.00 am and 12.30 at the Village Hall – The Pine Lodge. Out first official teaching date will be on Sunday 21 January in St. James Church between 11.00 and 12.30pm. We welcome any child between the ages of 4 and approximately 12 years old.

S. A. Dennis 278029

BENEFICE SERVICES FOR JANUARY

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

 SUNDAY SERVICES IN JANUARY

For further information please ring me.

Evelyn Holme 278938

FRIENDS OF LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL 200 CLUB

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

December 2006

1st Prize           No  59              Joyce Whales                £18.00

2nd Prize          No  62              Jill Hoban                      £11.00

3rd Prize           No  26              Sarah Simmons             £7.00

 Sue Marriott 279124 For the Friends of Little Milton School

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS

1    Large Christmas Hamper                 Mary Davies

2    Selection of Wines                           Clare Akers

3    Tin Chocolate Biscuits                     John Riddy

4    Christmas Candle                            Paula Cameron

5    Grate and Store Board                     Sarah Sadler

6    Natural Selection Gift Set                 Farmer  19 Chiltern View

7    Gordons Gin                                     3 Old Field  

8    Farm Floor Jigsaw                           Taylor  17 Chiltern View

9    Small Hamper                                   Val Connolly  

10    Book Classic Scooters                   John Riddy

11    Oriental Gift Set                              Campbell 

12    Bottle of  Wine                                Nigel & Ali     35 Chiltern View

13    Crossword Wall Hanging                Harrison   6 Milton Manor Drive

14    Christmas Candle Gift Set              Michael Coles    Thame Road

15    Wind Chime                                   Lesley McCaig's Mother

16    Shower Clock Radio                      Gordon Smith  

17    Bottle Ame                                      Sarah Sadler

18    Leather photo frame                       Anderson   36 Chiltern View

19    Aromotherapy Candle Set              Brooksbank  Chiltern View

20    Box Guylain Chocolates                 Callum Brooks

21    Medium sized Hamper                   Pauline Holt   

22    Spa Gift Set