LITTLE
MILTON NEWSLETTER
www.littlemilton.org.uk
March 2007
PARISH COUNCIL
The
Council meeting held on Wednesday 14th February was attended by five Parish
Councillors, the Clerk, the County Councillor and the District Councillor and
four members of the public.
Triangle of land adjacent to Wells Farm Cottage
The Clerk informed
the meeting that the application to register the triangle of land as a Village
Green was progressing well although the County Council had posted the public
notice close to Four Trees and not on the land in question. This matter had been
drawn to the attention of OCC
OCC Highways
The Clerk reported
that the drain opposite the Lamb had been marked for repair as the road
surrounding it was showing signs of collapse.
The Clerk informed
the meeting that the slip road from Haseley Road into Gold Street had been swept
by SODC although it still had significant levels of surface water. He also
reported that he had sent a request to OCC to consider re-designating the road
for pedestrian and cyclists only as its current use by motor
vehicles was potentially dangerous. Mr David Turner, County Councillor
has been informed.
Street Lighting adjacent to crossing at Cremar Cottages
The Clerk stated that
he had received a telephone call from Mr Alan Cockbill of OCC Street Lighting
indicating that the Parish Council’s proposal to reduce the number of lights
had been recommended to OCC Traffic Department on the grounds that the crossing
is controlled and any reduction in light emission was beneficial.
Telephone Box adjacent to Post Office
The Clerk was
delighted to report that the village telephone box has been listed as a Grade II
building by the Secretary of State after consulting with English Heritage.
Foul drainage system at Cremar Cottages
The Chairman gave a
brief background to the problems that had been experienced by some of the
residents of Cremar Cottages. The Clerk had already circulated an action plan
for Council members to consider in advance of the meeting. The Clerk informed
the meeting that he had communicated with Monson Engineering Ltd at SODC and had
outlined the scope of the work that should be covered by the investigation.
Monson Engineering Ltd had briefed OPC who would carry out the survey. OPC’s
charge is £60 per hour. The estimated time for the survey was between three and
four hours.
Although the drains
in question are not the responsibility of the Parish Council it was felt that
given the recent developments of the new Village Hall and the additional housing
in Old Field/Thame Road it was important to establish the state and
effectiveness of the current drains in order to provide a basis to resolve the
problem. The Council decided to incur the expenditure under Section 137 of LGA
1972.
The Clerk stated that
he would send a letter to the appropriate residents in advance of the work on
February 22 explaining the limits of the Parish Council’s financial
commitment. The Council undertook to share the outcome of the survey with the
relevant interested parties.
A329 Advisory Group
Mrs Alison Shelton
reported that she met with the Head of Little Milton School to discuss the
school’s travel plans to school. The major issue appeared to be the parking of
vehicles in Gold Street by parents and the potential dangers to children as a
result. The school are considering the use of a mini bus to collect children
from outlying villages to reduce the traffic flow and are also investigating
with OCC the feasibility of a limited pedestrian walkway. The school would
support any proposal to re-designate the slip road into Gold Street from the
Haseley Road for pedestrians and cyclists.
Planning
P07/W0074:
Revelmead; Erection of 3 bay oak framed garagesThe Council recommended approval of this planning application.
P07/W0073:
Revelmead; Creation of family room within existing barn and conservatory
The
Council recommended approval of this planning application.
P07/W0060:
Brooklands; Dormers to first floor and replace kitchen window with bi-fold doors
The
Council recommended approval of this planning application.
P06/W1165:
Change of use from agricultural land to create an extension of residential
curtilage
This application has
been granted planning permission by SODC but subject to the withdrawal of
General Permitted Development unless planning permission has first been granted.
SODC –
Distribution of Travel Tokens
The Council noted the
proposed way of distributing travel tokens through the National Transport Tokens
Ltd rather than by a Mrs Mabel Wood. This item prompted a discussion on the
top-up tokens of £5 that the Parish Council has given to those persons in
receipt of travel tokens issued by SODC. As tokens are only available to persons
over 70 years old, the disabled, including children aged 15 years and below; and
the necessary travel companions and there was a very low uptake if any since
April 2006; the Council agreed to withdraw the £5 top-up tokens for 2007-08.
The Clerk was asked to include a suitable note in the Newsletter.
The Parish Council
will meet on Wednesday 14th March
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
FORTHCOMING
ELECTIONS FOR THE PARISH COUNCIL
As many of you may be
aware there will be an election on the first Thursday of May for the six places
on the Parish Council. The term for Councillors is four years. There will be a
detailed timetable in the April Newsletter but now is the time to give the
matter some consideration if you are thinking of offering yourself as a
candidate. If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Raymond Fergusson, Parish Clerk
SODC
NEWS ITEMS
BUS
PASS AND TOKENS SCHEME
SODC offers free bus
passes to people aged 60 and over, the disabled and necessary travel companions
to the disabled. The bus pass is valid for five years but if you require an
application form for a bus pass please contact Mrs Mabel Wood at The Three
Horseshoes on the High Street or telephone 279670.
The Council will
continue to offer, as an alternative to the bus pass, travel tokens to the value
of £20 per person per year to people aged 70 and over, the disabled, including
children aged 15 years and below and necessary travel companions to the
disabled. All applications for travel tokens will be processed at the Council
Offices in Crowmarsh to check eligibility. Once this is confirmed, National
Transport Tokens Ltd will be informed and will send the travel tokens by
recorded delivery.
GARDEN WASTE SCHEME
The Council has
recently reviewed the garden waste service, and has agreed to some improvements
which will be available from April 2007.
There are a limited
number of smaller wheeled bins (140 litres) available for those who do not
generate as much garden waste. The cost of the service is £20 per year or £27.50
if you pay by direct debit. In exceptional circumstances residents who are
unable to use or accommodate a wheeled bin may be offered a year’s supply of
110 litre sacks (52 sacks for £29 or £27.50 if paying by direct debit). The
Council will need to be satisfied that there is a genuine barrier to the use of
the 240l litre wheeled bin container for garden waste.
For those residents
who would like to register their interest or find out more about the new options
they can contact SODC Public Amenities on 01491 823416 or email recycling@southoxon.gov.uk.
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 March are as follows:-Tuesday 13th & 27th
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
COMMUNITY WASTE VEHICLES – DOMESTIC WASTE ONLY
|
Friday 2nd March |
Chalgrove Village Car park |
8.00 – 11.00 am |
|
Friday 9th March |
Chalgrove Village Car park |
8.00 – 11.00 am |
|
Saturday 10th March |
Wheatley Primary School |
8.00 – 12.00 pm |
|
Friday 16th March |
Chalgrove Village Car park |
8.00 – 11.00 am |
|
Friday 23rd Feb |
Chalgrove Village Car park |
8.00 – 11.00 am |
|
Sat 24th March |
Wheatley Primary School Chalgrove Village Car park |
8.00 – 12.00 pm 8.00 – 12.00 pm |
The
Oxfordshire County Council Waste Recycling Centres at Redbridge and Oakley Wood
are open Monday to Saturday 8.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. and Sunday 9.00 a.m.
– 4.00 p.m.
CHURCH CLEANING ROTA FOR
MARCH
W/E
3rd March
-
Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis
W/E
10th March
-
Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward
W/E
17th March
-
Mrs E. Summers/ Mrs A Jones
W/E
24th March
-
Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley
W/E
31st March
-
Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones
Sally
Ann Dennis 278029
CHURCH
FLOWER ROTA FOR MARCH
W/E
4th March
-
Lent
W/E
11th March
-
Lent
W/E
18th March
-
Lent
W/E
25th March
-
Lent
Teresa
Quested
BELL
RINGING PRACTICE DURING MARCH
Just to let Villagers
know that the Bell Ringers will be ringing in St. James’ Church, Little Milton
on
Tuesday 6th March
7.30 pm. to 9.00 pm
Sunday 11th March
10.30 am to 11.00 am
Tuesday 13th March
7.30 pm to 9.00 pm
Tuesday 20th March
7.30 pm. to 9.00 pm.
Tuesday 27th March
7.30 pm to 9.00 pm
I am delighted to
welcome another new ringer to our tower; Mrs Jane Willis Jane felt the need for
a new challenge and decided to join up with Jennifer. I am delighted to report
that both are making excellent progress and more importantly enjoying the new
experience.
Raymond
Fergusson (279150)
MUSIC & WORSHIP
One of the first LP.s
I ever bought was Don Maclean’s ‘American Pie’. The title song is a
tribute to Buddy Holly who, together with Richie Valens and the Big Bopper, died
tragically young in a plane crash some forty eight years ago.
As a young person,
all those years ago I didn’t understand all of the somewhat enigmatic lyrics,
but I couldn’t miss their underlying theme; that with the death of Buddy Holly
this was ‘the day the music died’.
Of course things
didn’t work out quite like that. After his death, more hit records were
released; then a film made of his life and, more recently a stage musical. Even
‘American Pie’ itself went on to be a hit for other artists. For the truth
is that music doesn’t die. At its best it has a way of coping with death and
destruction and somehow bringing new life and hope out of despair and
disappointment. It serves to articulate those thoughts and feelings which we
struggle to express; and in the process of listening helps us, not just to
confront our fears but come through them. Music can encapsulate the very deepest
of our emotions; those things which are so profound, and which defy any words.
Each one of us doesn’t know something of that experience which comes upon us,
when we hear a particular piece which has great significance for us,
and us alone, and all we
want to say, or could say, is, “They are playing our tune!”
That is why music
remains at the centre of so much of Christian worship, whether in the great
masterpieces of the choral tradition like Bach’s B minor mass, or today’s
contemporary worship songs that our children in our schools sing. For music is a
most powerful, sublime vehicle of the Spirit. And thus, it’s also why many of
the classic hymns still maintain their hold on us.
It was Charles
Wesley, the great 18th century hymn-writer, who could write;
‘Jesus-the
name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease;
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears,’tis life, and health
and peace.’
It may not be rock
’n roll, nor may it be heavy metal-but it’s not a bad note for us to hear
and to continue to hear as we journey through Lent.
Heavenly Father,
You know what discordant voices that will assail us as we
journey with your Son; help us in all we hear along the way to discern that note
of hope and joy which is a sign of your Kingdom.
Amen.
Victor Story 279498
FROM
THE REGISTERS.
We welcome into the Lord’s Family, Peter Edward Milton Jarrett, who was baptized in St. James’ on Sunday 12th February. Please do remember Peter, and Anna and Michael, his parents, in your prayers.
FROM THE RECTORY.
LENT
Lent continues during
March. Please do see the List of Services in our Benefice, and particularly note
the weekly Compline Services on a Wednesday evening at 7.30 p.m. and the Friday
morning Communion Services at 9.00 a.m.. The venues rotate around the Benefice,
as will be seen from the list.
LENT
LUNCHES
These will continue
during March. As you know there is no need to book, simply come along. To give
us all that little bit more encouragement, Le Manoir are very kindly supplying
the bread rolls.
The venues are as
follows:-
Monday 5th March
at the home of Miss Marygold Nixey, Harrington Farm, Great Milton.
Monday 12th March,
at Simeons, Little Milton, by kind invitation of Mrs. H. Lawrence
Monday 19th March,
at Bell House, The Green, Great Milton by kind invitation of Mrs. Jane Falloon.
Saturday 31st March
at the Rectory, Great Milton.
All from 12 noon-1.30
p.m..
Do come along. You
all would be most welcome. Any donations will be given to Christian Aid.
BENEFICE
MOTHERING SUNDAY SERVICE.
Mothering Sunday
falls on Sunday 18th March, the fourth Sunday of lent, and this year the
benefice Mothering Sunday Service will be held in St. Peter’s,
Great Haseley at
10.00 a.m. All of us, whatever our age, are more than grateful to God for what
He has given us through our mothers, and this special Family Service on the
18th, does give us the opportunity to express our thanks and praise. Do come
along and bring all of your family with you. You would be most welcome, and we
look forward to seeing you.
DEATH
WATCH BEETLE IN GREAT MILTON CHURCH.
Ever since St.
Mary’s was built, I suspect that death watch beetle has been present in the
Church, brought, most probably, when the original timbers were fetched in. In
recent years they have become an enlarged problem. It is now imperative that
action to deal with the infestation is taken. Consequently a firm of contractors
who specialise in such eradication are coming to the Church just after Easter to
carry out this vital work. It is anticipated that the Church will have to be
closed for two weeks, and any services accommodated in St. Peter’s or St.
James’ whilst the work is done. We now await confirmation of the start date. I
will keep you posted.
FULLERS FIELD SERVICE
On the second Monday
of each month there is a service of prayer, readings and hymns in Fullers Field
Community Room, Great Milton. The service is shared with our Methodist friends.
The service starts at 6.00pm and lasts about 30 minutes. The next service is
scheduled on Monday 12th March
2007. If you would like
to attend the service but require transport please contact Raymond Fergusson of
27 Chiltern View; telephone number 01844 279150 who will ensure that you are
taken to the service and collected after it is finished.
Victor Story 279498
This
meets weekly on Tuesday evenings at 7.45pm for approximately 1 ½
hours. Anyone is
welcome to join the group. This year we are working through the Cover to Cover
Lent Study Book with the title ‘Jesus the Wounded Saviour’. Please telephone
for further details of where each week’s meeting will be held as meetings vary
between Great Milton, Little Milton and Tiddington!
Sally
Ann Dennis 278029
CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN
AND SARAH
A
daughter Lydia Charlotte McLean weighing 7lbs 12 ¾
ozs. was born on 6th February 2007. Both parents and baby are very
well.
LEONARD
DRINKWATER
I am sure that those of you who remember Leonard Drinkwater will be
saddened by his death on 5th February 2007. Ed.
BENEFICE
SERVICES FOR MARCH
|
|
GREAT
MILTON St
Mary’s |
LITTLE MILTONSt James’s |
GREAT
HASELEY
St
Peter’s |
|
Friday 2nd
March |
Holy
Communion 9.00
a.m. |
|
|
|
Sunday 4th
March Lent
2 |
Holy
Communion BCP 8.00
a.m. |
Sung Communion CW 9.30 a.m. |
Family
Service 11.00
a.m. |
|
Wednesday 7th
March |
|
Compline 7.30 p.m. |
|
|
Friday
9th
March |
|
Holy Communion 9.00 a.m. |
|
|
Sunday 11th
March Lent
3 |
Sung
Communion CW 9.30
a.m. |
Family
Service 11.00
a.m. |
Holy
Communion BCP 8.00
a.m. |
|
Wednesday 14th
March |
|
|
Compline 7.30
p.m. |
|
Friday 16th
March |
|
|
Holy
Communion 9.00
a.m. |
|
Sunday 18th
March Lent
4 |
Holy
Communion BCP 8.00
a.m. |
|
Benefice
Mothering Sunday 10.00
a.m. |
|
Wednesday 21st
March |
Compline 7.30
p.m. |
|
|
|
Friday 23rd
March |
Holy
Communion 9.00
a.m. |
|
|
|
Sunday 25th
March Lent
5 |
|
. |
Benefice
Communion 10.00a.m |
|
Wednesday 28th
March |
|
Compline 7.30
p.m. |
|
|
Friday 30th
March |
|
Holy
Communion 9.00
a.m. |
|
|
Sunday 1st
April Palm
Sunday |
Holy
Communion BCP 8.00
a.m. |
Sung Communion CW 9.30 a.m. |
Family
Service 11.00
a.m. |
GREAT MILTON METHODIST CHURCH Minister:
Revd. Derick Chambers Tel: 212019
SUNDAY
SERVICES IN MARCH
|
4th |
9.30 a.m. |
All Age Worship led
by Rev Charlotte Collins |
|
11th |
11.00 a.m. |
Morning Service led
by Mrs Ann Pape |
|
18th |
11.00 a.m. |
Morning Service led
by Rev Derick Chambers |
|
25th |
11.00 a.m. |
Holy Communion led
by Rev Angela Singleton |
Circuit
Service
Sunday 11 March
2007 Bledlow Methodist Church, 6.00 p.m.
Other Circuit Events
Wednesday 14 March
7.45 p.m. Circuit meeting in Chinnor
Friday 16 March
7.00 p.m.Cheese & wine plus Paraguayan Harps, Christchurch Thame
For
further information please ring me.
Evelyn
Holme 278938
CHURCH FETE –SATURDAY
16th June 2007
Work is well underway
for this years fete so please make sure that you reserve the date in your dairy
now. We hope to make the fete this year another memorable day in the life of our
village and if you think you can help in any way please give me a call.
Sarah Jones 278120
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
Would you like to
help us? Our Sunday School has about 20+ children who come regularly. We have
welcomed several new children over the past year which is wonderful. It is
always nice to have new faces to replace the older ones who move on. Those of us
who run Sunday School have been here several years (one 12 years!) and it has
been a while since we had a ‘new’ adult. It would be great to have some new
help and energy supporting us in what we do. At the moment we each contribute to
a session an average of once a month. If you feel you could help, you could
either volunteer to lead a session or be the ‘second’ adult and help with
being there and supporting the craft and other activities. If you think you
could help then please speak to one of the teachers. We’d love to hear from
you.
Our dates for March
are:
March 4th
- 11.00 Brunch at Spring Cottage
March 18th
- 11.00 in Saint James Church (NB. This may alter as it is Mothering
Sunday)
and on March 11th
all are welcome at the family service when the Jones family will be helping
Victor.
S.
A. Dennis 278029
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:
February 2007
1st Prize
No 57
Carr & Helen Ridley
£18.00
2nd Prize
No 1
Mark Platts
£11.00
3rd Prize
No 8
Dee Waldron
£7.00
For
the Friends of Little Milton School
The first half of the
Spring term concluded with a very successful drama and arts week.
Throughout the term, the children had been learning songs from The Amazon
Crown – a musical about the destruction of the rain forests through the eyes
of toucans, frogs, snakes, a beautiful leopard, butterflies, bats and numerous
other animals!
Parents banded
together to produce, with the children, wonderful scenery and backcloths for the
performance. The village hall did
indeed have the brightness and gaiety of a rain forest, particularly when
contrasted with the snow which lay outside!
Laurelle Rond
Alliston provided a wonderful piano accompaniment, for which we are very
grateful, and our gratitude too for all of the superb costumes which parents had
made.
Other outings
included a visit to The Sheldonian Theatre, where we experienced a wonderful
performance by the Central Music School Sinfonia. The Oxfordshire Youth Brass Ensemble also played a brass
fanfare, after introducing the children to the various instruments!
The Ancient Greeks
and more modern Greeks have been celebrated too, by way of a shared lunch, which
the Junior Class prepared. The
whole school enjoyed pitta bread, humous, taramasalata, a variety of Greek
Cheeses, olives (although not to everyone‘s taste..….) followed by yoghurts
with honey and fruit kebabs. What a
pity we can’t do this every week!
Eve Hunter – Head teacher
LITTLE
MILTON CINEMA CLUB LAUNCH !
WEDNESDAY
7TH MARCH-THE PINE LODGE
7.00
FOR 7.30 PM
“JOHNY
DEPP-“PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN-DEAD MAN’S CHEST”
(12)
12
CHILDREN’S FILMS PER YEAR
6
MONTHS TRIAL MEMBERSHIP PER ADULT /CHILD £10
JOIN
AT THE POST OFFICE!-ENTRY FREE!
FRIENDS
OF WELLS FARM
We plan to meet on Sunday
4th March,
when we intend to continue planting a hedge adjacent to the road. We have
purchased a further 100 whips to finish off our present task. We then intend to
plant some fruit trees in the Autumn.
We welcome anyone who
would like to come along and get some fresh air. We meet on the allotments
at approximately 10.30
a.m.
Phil
Jones 278120
SPRING CLEAN COMES EARLY!
One of the few
decisions we took when we built the Pine Lodge which we subsequently came to
regret was that we chose Matt White for the walls of the Gents and Ladies. This
meant that we created a slightly “cold” feeling which also showed all the
dirt, and this was particularly evident in the Gents. We have also noticed that
the lobby was becoming marked and scuffed, so a “scrubbable” paint was
required for both. So, at our last meeting, we decided to re-paint the Gents in
a warmer, and more durable colour, and paint the lobby again, but this time so
that it could be cleaned more easily. The solution came after a visit to Crown
Paints in Horspath, where we purchased 20 litres of new “scrubbable”
emulsion, and set about the walls with brush and roller. The result is there to
see-you can be the judge! Thanks to Dave Ponting, John Buckingham, Chris Coward,
Teresa Quested and Linda Lovegrove for their hard work.
We have also spent
money on electrical items such as a PIR light at the front door, and a new light
switch in the Main Store (near the door!) plus testing of some circuits, and
connecting up of our new electric Cinema screen-which works very well.
You should also
notice that we have planted the front of the Hall with a lavender border and
assorted shrubs. Unfortunately no sooner were they planted than they were
trampled on, broken and pulled up, by person or persons unknown.
We have also invested
in an advertising board for the front porch, and table trolleys, to enable
tables to be moved in and out of the store easily
CINEMA CLUB
My apologies for the
slight delay to the Cinema Club, due to my misunderstanding of the licensing
laws. In simple terms, you can either have a “closed” society where you
charge for membership but entry is free, or an “open” society where
membership is free (or low cost) but you charge for entry at the door. Although
the latter case sounds easier, the cost per film shown is a minimum of £80, so
if we wanted to show 24 films we would have to earn nearly £2,000 to break
even. So, a “closed” society it is, and therefore we are selling trial
membership in the Post Office for £10 to cover all films shown in 6
months-which are likely to be 6 films for children and 6 for adults (no, not
“R” rated!). The first film is on Wednesday, 7th March-“Pirates
of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest “starring Johnny Depp and Keira Knightly!
which is a great fun movie with swashbuckling
action, amazing special effects, and much drooling over Johnny Depp!
So buy your trial membership now!
The projector and
screen both work very well, and the sound system too, so the first outing for
the projection equipment will be on Friday
2nd March
when the Liberal Democrats are showing Al
Gore’s film on Climate change, “An Inconvenient Truth”
If you want to go along, (even if you don’t vote for them!) tickets are £7.50
including a buffet. Tickets from Carole Heath-Whyte, 01865 890442 or bob@rchw.freeserve.co.uk
NEXT EVENTS
CINEMA CLUB LAUNCH- Wednesday 7th
March. –7.00 for 7.30
“Pirates of the Carribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
QUIZ NIGHT 17th March
Stuart
McGill 279092
VIEW FROM VIEWS
The weather has been
somewhat dull in the last month, a day’s snow being the only exciting episode,
which tested not only our driving skills, but also the authorities’ ability to
keep the roads clear. On the subject of the authorities I am reminded of a
Television news item at the time, where a highways manager was being
interviewed. He was saying that rain was being forecast and that within an hour
of this it would freeze. His point being how on earth was he going to get all
the roads salted within that hour. I make this point to illustrate how easy it
is to criticise, but in practice very difficult to get it right.
In farming circles
the big issue at the moment is the Avian Influenza, or “Bird Flu” outbreak
in Suffolk. As usual the media have had a field day, exposing allsorts of issues
that the public in general were not aware of, without any explanation of why
these practices were taking place. I do not know all the answers but I think I
can explain some. Why is there such a trade in poultry meat across country
borders? Simple, different countries have different markets. Rich countries such
as the UK prefer breast meat; therefore there is no great demand for the wings
and legs. These have either to be exported to the not so affluent countries
where the cheaper meat is more saleable, or dumped. Why do we have such large
units producing vast quantities of birds? This is because the economies of scale
bring the retail prices down which is what is required by the big retailers. Why
was the plant opened to process meat so quickly after the outbreak? I am told
this is because the plant in question is state of the art, as it has to be to
process the numbers that it does, so is a relatively simple task to disinfect
and be ready to start up again, it is completely separate from the
rearing/fattening plant although on the same site. I understand both are run
separately.
February is not a
time of great activity on the land, but the period of dry did allow us to give
half the farm a short back and sides, (hedge trimming). The next important task
will be the fertilizing, and pest control, for next harvest. For once at this
time of year we have got most of our current crops earmarked for certain
outlets. The oats are, subject to quality, to go for breakfast cereal, having
been bought by Morning Foods. If any one buys Mornflake Oats it may be that we
have contributed to your porridge or muesli.
Our Wheat is booked to go to “Heygates”, (also depending on quality),
who supply “Fine Lady Bakeries” in Banbury; this will go into their bread.
In both these instances all the food miles are within this country and at least
half is relatively local. The Oil Seed Rape however is a different matter, (not
that we are growing any this year). The crop that is being grown locally goes to
Germany to be turned into, would you believe, Bio Diesel! This goes against the
grain somewhat, as the Germans are encouraged by their government to produce Bio
Diesel whereas we are not.
On the subject of
grain, cereal farmers are currently experiencing roughly a 25% increase in
cereal prices. This being due mainly to a shortage in the world market, and
nothing to do with the fact that our costs have risen or the price of fuel,
which is the usual excuse given in most other industries for price increases.
This shortage is due to the fact that some of the larger cereal producing
countries have had a bad harvest which illustrates how precarious the production
of food world wide is, and how important our own Agriculture can be. This is
even more critical for Organic production as the livestock sector is becoming
extremely concerned by the shortage of organic grains, so much so that it is
possible that organic pig and poultry meat may have to come off the market for a
period. This in itself will push up the price of organic meat, and inevitably it
will be the consumer who pays.
The following is a
letter I have sent to “The Oxford Times” in the hope that by the time you
read this will have been printed. The contents I think are self explanatory. I
intend to send it to other Newsletters/Bulletins, in the hope that firstly the
message will get through and secondly that those walking the footpaths will keep
their eyes open for such behaviour and let us or the police know. I think we
will have to install surveillance cameras when we have electricity connected to
the building. It really is disheartening when we try and do our bit for the
community that this sort of thing happens. Just thoughtless vandalism, and
without thought for the consequences, it is this sort of behaviour that leads us
to lock and barricade all accesses.
Sir,
We have been
devastated to find that over the recent Half term holiday a Field Study Centre
that was built in 1983 for the youngsters of Peers School who were mostly living
in the parishes of Rose Hill, Littlemore, and Blackbird Leys has been vandalised
yet again! In spite of it being fenced off from an adjacent public footpath. Why
oh why do people have to do this sort of thing? And interfere with the works of
others.
We built the “Jack
Peers Centre” for these youngsters, so that they could have a chance to come
out to, and learn about the countryside. This was just a simple hut in the
fields, of which about 75% of the physical building work was carried out by the
youngsters themselves. The original intention was that this would be a field
study centre and so was built adjacent to a footpath, to allow access via a walk
across fields for allsorts of reasons this is no longer practical and now a
roadway from our farm forms the access.
The building has over
a period of years laid almost derelict due to continual acts of needless
vandalism by those who seem to enjoy destroying other people’s property. Now
recently owing to a greater awareness of those involved the whole project has
been revived. This has been achieved by the School, Government, and our family
introducing the money, to make the Centre a great resource, and of tremendous
benefit to children of these areas of East Oxford.
This incident is
doubly devastating as we have always welcomed the general public on to our farm.
We feel it important that we all understand each other and what is going on
around us. To this end we have opened about 3 miles of permissive footpaths
allowing a long circular walk from Great Milton, as well as large areas of
conservation strips for wildlife. This we think would indicate we are concerned
about the environment we live in. We were delighted during the recent snow to
see people enjoying sledging on the only small hill on the farm. (However it
would have been appreciated more if those involved had taken their litter away
with them).
Is it any wonder
there is antagonism between farmers and footpath walkers & the general
public?
Charles
Peers
LITTLE MILTON W.I.
Next Meeting:
Our AGM will be held at 7:45 pm, Thursday
8th March, 2007 at The
Pine Lodge (Little Milton Village Hall). The WI is a very active, campaigning
organisation and we will be considering the Oxfordshire Resolution urging the
government to consider alternatives to prison sentencing for women, with
particular reference to the drastic effect on their children and families.
Update on our
national Farm gate milk prices campaign – alongside petitions and action cards to lobby the
government, the WI is urging everyone to Buy
British to increase British dairy farmers’ incomes and to
buy dairy products direct from farmers,
farm shops or farmers’ markets
to ensure that the 15 pence per litre of milk that now goes to the retailer will
go to the farmer instead. Some
local shops sell milk directly from farmers.
Or, we can support supermarkets such as M & S, Waitrose and the Co-op
which promise a fair price for farmers. These
actions will help stop dairy farmers going out of business because they are paid
less than it costs to produce milk.
Although our February
meeting was cancelled due to extreme weather conditions, the WI is always a busy
organisation. As the WI year gets
underway, Oxfordshire members can choose from a wide range of events and
activities –
Our Oxfordshire
Federation is holding a Weekend later this year at the WI’s own Denman College
with a choice of enjoyable courses –
·
Singing –
Laughter through Song
·
Drama
·
Christmas
Cookery
·
Patchwork &
Quilting
·
New Trends in
Floral Design
·
Wine & Wine
Tasting.
Denman College is
based around a lovely Georgian building set in beautiful gardens at Marcham in
Oxfordshire. It is available all
year round to members nationally and offers courses in many areas of the arts
and crafts, cookery, music and dance, history, sport, relaxation and recreation
as well as some accredited vocational courses – a great place to unwind and
learn!
President:
Anne Hawkins, Little
Milton 279526 Secretary:
Helen Ridley 278816 Press Correspondent: Lyndell Dixon, Great Haseley 279275
CAR
SERVICE TO THE DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL
So far I have had no response to my article in the February newsletter, appealing for volunteer drivers. The level of demand for the service is relatively low in Little Milton but to those who need support, vital. Please give it some thought and ring me to find out more information if you are interested in helping.
Raymond Fergusson Parish Clerk
NEIGHBOURS
CLUB
Forthcoming Outings
On the 1st February
2007 we held our A.G.M. when 12 members attended. Mrs Cope circulated the
Treasurer's Reports for the General Account and the Outings Account. This
year we are starting off with a balance of £691.50 in the General Account.
Once again we are very grateful to the Sheppard's Trust who have again awarded
us £1,300; £600 of which will be allocated to the Club and £700 to the
outings. It was decided that, as Plastows coaches are so much more
expensive, we will continue with the Heyfordian firm. Mrs Hawes read out
her Chairman's report and Mrs Price the minutes of the last A.G.M.
Officers were elected as follows; Chairman - Mrs Alma Hawes, Treasurer &
Outings Organiser - Mrs Celia Cope, Secretary - Mrs Joyce Price, Programme
Secretary - Mrs Pam Assiter. The programme for this year's meetings was
discussed and details will now be sorted. On Wednesday, the 14th February,
we were on our first outing of 2007. This was to Bablockhythe for lunch
followed by an afternoon playing skittles; always a favourite outing and great
fun.
Forthcoming
Events
March 7th: National Army
Museum for lunch.
Conducted tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in the afternoon. Cost about £3.00
+ coach + cost of any meals
April 18th – Hughenden Manor & WI
Tea at Radnage: Victorian
Gothic home of Disraeli , lunch and tour. In the morning a visit to Wycombe
Museum of local area, furniture and chair industries. Museum FREE. National
Trust members FREE, others £5.50, WI Tea £5.00 plus cost of any lunch.
If you are interested
in any of the above outings contact Mrs C Cope, Woodbine Cottage, Great Milton
or telephone 01844 279459
Joyce
Price
SEWING
GROUP
Thank you Pat for
hosting last month’s sewing group and Sarah for sharing newly arrived Lydia
Charlotte with us all. This month we’re meeting at Sarah’s home on 15th
March from 11.00 onwards. Please phone Sarah by 14th March for lunch
time catering numbers. Sarah’s home is 14 Milton Manor Drive and the phone
number is 279996.
Sally
Ann Dennis
AUCTION
OF PROMISES APPROACHES
The much heralded
Auction of Promises Evening, in aid of the PO / Village Shop Fund, has been set
for the evening of Saturday 5th
May – Watch this space for more
details with full catalogue available soon!
But there’s still
room for more promises, so now is the time to nominate your family and friends
with hidden talents that they have been to shy to offer themselves! Do you
know any fabulous cake bakers, willing dog-walkers or people with a gift of
flower arranging. We’d love as many varied and crazy promises as
possible. If you’re short of ideas yourself, but willing to do
something, call Lesley who has ideas galore and will find something fun for you
to offer. Contact Lesley on 278244 or lesley.mccaig@btinternet.com
WHAT’S
BEHIND THAT WALL? - OPEN GARDENS EVENT
The much-loved
horticultural event of the Little Milton village calendar is back! Or as
it is more commonly known, a Sunday afternoon nosey round other people’s
gardens!
If you would be
willing to open your garden to the Little Milton discerning villagers, please
contact Lesley McCaig (278244).
We are looking for a
variety of styles and sizes, so even the Bridlepath garden may feature –
Stuart?
Now’s the time to
get those green fingers gardening in time for this June event.
And, of course,
you’ll be able to stock up on new plants at the Plant Sale of 28th April, kindly hosted by Joyce Inge.
WHEATLEY
LIBRARY
If you have visited
us lately you will have noticed that we have been moving books around and if
this has inconvenienced you we do apologise.
This was to enable us to have a dedicated Junior Section, to add books
specifically aimed at Young Adults, to improve the range of books available for
Teenage Readers and to undertake the new rhymetime sessions with minimum
disruption to our other readers.
We have also
increased our stock of audio books for both adults and juniors.
These are available on cassette and on CD.
They are available for hire and may be kept for a minimum of three weeks.
So, help pass a long journey or doing the ironing with a good read.
I am sorry to say
that this will be the last time I will be writing in your local newsletter, as I
have decided to take early retirement on 31st March.
I would like to thank everyone for the kindness and friendship shown to
me whilst I have been the Manager at Wheatley library.
This decision, I can assure you, was not taken lightly and I will miss
you all, in particular the marvellous staff here, all of whom I know will
continue to provide you all with a first class service.
Thank you and
goodbye.
Carole
Underwood (Library Manager)
Our new e-mail
address is wheatley.library@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
The telephone number is unchanged at 01865 – 875267.
A
reminder of the opening times:
Tuesday 2.00 – 7.00 p.m: Wednesday 9.30 am. - 1.00 pm.: 2.00 5.00 p.m.
Thursday
2.00 – 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.
ATTENTION ALL PARENTS:
BOOKSTART – FREE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN !!!
Do you know that
Bookstart provides 3 different gifts for 3 different age ranges containing books
and other goodies and it’s all free?
The Bookstart Baby
pack is available for babies aged up to 12 months. Your baby will be given a
pack by the health visitor at the 8 month health check
The Bookstart+ pack
is available for toddlers between 18 – 30 months and can be collected from the
library or the health visitor if your child has a 2 year check.
So please go to the library and ask for your toddler’s Bookstart+ pack.
My Bookstart Treasure
Chest is available to 3 year olds and is delivered to your child’s pre-school.
If your child does not attend a pre-school collect your Treasure Chest
from the library.
If you run a
pre-school and have not given the Bookstart co-ordinator the number of 3 year
olds in your setting, please contact her as soon as possible to ensure delivery
by August 2007.
For more
information contact the Bookstart Co-ordinator for Oxfordshire on 01865 810243 or
visit the web site at www.bookstart.org.uk
ADVICE FROM THE
CAB:
For more information and advice on consumer rights go to www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact your local CAB.
THAME
AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
|
Monday
Morning Monday
Afternoon |
10.00
a.m. – 1.00 p.m. 1.30
p.m. – 4.00 p.m. |
Open
Door No appointment needed Appointments
and phone advice |
|
Tuesday
Morning |
10.00
a.m. – 1.00 p.m. |
Appointments
and phone advice |
|
Wednesday
& Thursday |
Closed |
|
|
Friday |
10.00
a.m. – 1.00 p.m. |
Appointments
and phone advice |
Advice
line 01844 214827
Appointment Line 01844 217186
THE PINE LODGE
TICKETS
£ 6.00 IN ADVANCE-£7 ON THE DOOR. BAR- EXCELLENT ALES, LAGERS & WINES
SUPERB
FOOD INCLUDED
RAFFLE
Highest attendance ever in January, and new winners!
The Arnold, Newdick and Betts team triumph!
Can the Shelton/Cameron team win it back?
Come and find out!
Real ale and a better class of wine as well!
Amusement
guaranteed. Everyone welcome!
Proceeds
in aid of Village Funds
Tickets
on sale at the Post Office .
SEE
YOU THERE
|
Little Milton
Services
and goods at your local Post Office ü
Full
Postal Services
Banking Services
Information Services ü
Stationery
Local Papers
Books ü
Toys
Dry Cleaning
Fresh Milk ü
Fresh
Bread & Cakes
Confectionery
Free Range Eggs ü
Ice
Creams ** Special
Jams & Preserves NEW
FROM THURSDAY COTTAGE Chilli Jam Spiced Apple Jam
Also now stocking from their DIABETIC
RANGE
Diabetic: Three Fruit Marmalade & Strawberry Jam NEW:
Now stocking packs of 500 sheets of home and office A4
White copy paper (80gsm) at £2.99 per pack THANK
YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT EVERY
TRANSACTION COUNTS |
URGENTLY
NEEDED
One or two new members of staff to work one shift a week on
a regular basis but to be available if needed for sickness and holiday cover.
If it was not for the help and support received from Shirley
you would not have had a full-time Post Office for many months now. We have a
real problem if one of us is ill or needs time off. If you can help please
call in and see us.
Many thanks
Annie Rogers
TALKING
SCIENCE – Events at CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Wednesday 7th
March 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m.; 1-3pm. Y7; 7.00p.m. Age 11+
Enigma Project: Presenters from the Enigma Schools Project
The
CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory carries out world leading research ranging
from the vastness of space to the invisibly small world of nanotechnology. All the lectures are free and many are suitable for families – age
guidelines are shown for each lecture. If you are interested in what might be available please contact 01235
445959 or Email talkingscience@rl.ac.uk
SCIENCE OXFORD
There is a list of events that can be viewed on www.oxtrust.org.uk
or you can ring 01865 728953.
OXFORDSHIRE SCIENCE
FESTIVAL 24 February – 10 March
“This year the Oxfordshire Science
Festival has a theme of Enterprise with many events showcasing the fantastic
work of high-tech companies in the county and the enormous value that they bring
to the local economy.
There will be events every day at
Science Oxford the Trust’s own home in St Clements, which provides a focal
point for scientific innovation and a unique venue in which arts and science
mix.” Gillian Pearson Chief Executive
The Oxford Trust
If you want to find out more please
look up www.oxtrust.org.uk/festival or telephone 01865 728953
SOUTH
OXFORDSHIRE’S RURAL TOURING SCHEME
GREAT
HASELEY VILLAGE HALL 8.00 p.m.
Hank Wangford &
Reg Meuross presents THE’ NO HALL TOO
SMALL’ TOUR on Friday
2nd March 2007. Price £10. For more information and to book tokens, please
contact the promoter 01844 278466 / 07980 646124
GREAT
HASELEY & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Learn more about flower and vegetable growing, join your local gardening
society, membership only £3 a year.
Contact Membership Secretary Sally Orriss at:
The Old Stores, Great Milton OX44 7NL or on 01844273231
BORIS
JOHNSON MP – SURGERY DATES AND VENUES MARCH 2007
Friday
9th March
4.00 -
6.00pm
Chinnor Village Hall
Friday
23rd March
4.00 - 6.00 p.m.
Thame Town Hall
Friday
30th March
4.00 – 6.00 p.m.
Henley Town Hall
The
surgeries are very popular and it advisable that if you wish to make an
appointment that you do so sometime before the surgery you would like to attend.
Please contact 01491 612852
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
OXFORDSHIRE SCIENCE
FESTIVAL 24 February – 10 March
“This year the Oxfordshire Science
Festival has a theme of Enterprise with many events showcasing the fantastic
work of high-tech companies in the county and the enormous value that they bring
to the local economy.
There will be events every day at
Science Oxford the Trust’s own home in St Clements, which provides a focal
point for scientific innovation and a unique venue in which arts and science
mix.” Gillian Pearson Chief Executive
The Oxford Trust
If you want to find out more please
look up www.oxtrust.org.uk/festival or telephone 01865 728953
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.
DEADLINE REMINDER –
Please note that unless articles are in the hands of the Editor by the 20th
of the month (unless otherwise stated), such articles will miss the scheduled
Newsletter. The views expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of
the Editor or the Parish Council. All material for inclusion in the April 2007
Newsletter should be with the Editor at 27 Chiltern View, Little Milton, by 8.00
p.m. on 20th March 2007. The Editor reserves the right not to print items submitted
for publication and to edit those items, which are published.