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

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 27^th 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 18^th 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 12^th 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 12^th 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

ECUMENICAL LENT STUDY GROUP

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 6^th 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