The Council meeting held on Wednesday 14th March was attended by five Parish Councillors, the Clerk, the County Councillor and the District Councillor and three members of the public.

Mr David Turner reported that he had received an update from Mr Peter Ronald of OCC Highways on the highway matters currently in progress for Little Milton. A summary of the outstanding items is as follows:-

To carry a speed survey/traffic count outside Willowbrook Cottage – the survey has been commissioned

To mark the road with a Slow marking as well as a red circled 30 marking – the work has been ordered

Subject to ownership cut back any overhanging vegetation that restricts the visibility of the 30 mph signs as you approach the road from Rofford – although there was no specific comment made at the meeting it is believed that this item is being progressed

Speed survey adjacent to Doctor’s House on the High Street – this should take place later this month

Repairs to areas surrounding drains on the High Street, opposite the Lamb and the Haseley Road – the drain opposite the Lamb has been marked out for repair but as yet there has been no progress made on the drain on the Haseley Road

Slip road from Haseley Road into Gold Street – the preliminary cost of installing the appropriate posts is £4,000. A fuller report is awaited from Mr Peter Ronald.

Mr David Turner also informed the meeting that a survey of HGV traffic movements along the A329 and related roads will take place during the first week of June.

The Clerk reported that he had received a favourable response from the majority of the interested parties in respect of the foul drainage system behind Cremar Cottages and its link across into Old Field. This included SOHA Housing who had agreed to contribute 50% of the quoted cost supplied by OPC. Mr Anthony Hooper offered himself as the lead person for Cremar Cottages and would recover the share of the cost for all the interested parties other than SOHA. This made it easier to move forward and the Parish Council thanked him for this offer. It was agreed that the Clerk would send a letter to the interested parties and inform OPC of the payment arrangements.

The Chairman reported that a questionnaire had been distributed round the Village. The Clerk informed the meeting that he had produced some preliminary results from those forms that had been completed. A summary of the results is as follows:-

Forms returned to date 47 (24%)

Individual residents included on forms 98

 

Females 55

                   Males 43

Approval of the principle of a youth shelter 48%

Disapproval of the principle of a youth shelter 45%

Unsure 7%

 

Should Parish Council investigate CCTV camera around Village Hall

Agree 71%

Disagree 20%

Unsure 9%

Use of shelter by teenagers

Yes 2

No 9

No Response 2

 

The Clerk commented upon the quality of the written comments made by residents in support of their responses. It was agreed that an attempt should be made to categorise the responses before any further work is undertaken on this project.

This planning application has been approved by South Oxfordshire District Council

The Chairman informed the meeting that The Planning Inspectorate had upheld the appeal made by Mr Cook against the decision of South Oxfordshire District Council who refused permission to create a new vehicular access.

The Council noted the additional plans that had been submitted for The Lamb Inn. The Chairman invited the manager of the Lamb Inn to address the Council with his concerns about the Council’s decision to recommend refusal of the applications at its March Council meeting. The Chairman referred to the supporting letter that was sent to the District Council in which it clearly stated the Council’s support for the proposals and that the recommended refusal was a tactic to address the Council’s concerns about some of the materials that were proposed for the extension. Mr Simon Oddie highlighted the fact that there had been no representation from the applicants at the meeting and therefore the Council could not seek any clarification at the meeting. The Clerk stated that he had sent an additional letter to the District Council emphasising the Council’s support and requesting that this position was taken into consideration before any decision was made by the planners. The latest information from the District Council on the applications would suggest that the plans will be withdrawn by Punch Taverns and that a meeting will take place between the District Council planning officers and the agents of Punch Taverns to establish a satisfactory scheme that will meet the needs of all parties.

The Council recommended that this application should be approved by South Oxfordshire District Council.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 9th May 2007 at 8.15 p.m. in The Pine Lodge Little Milton unless there is a need to convene any planning or other meetings. This meeting will preceded by the Annual Parish Meeting.

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.

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

As clerk I thought it would be helpful to clarify the recent planning application history as well as to summarise the planning process and the role of the Parish Council within that process.

The Planning Authority is South Oxfordshire District Council and it is that body that grants or refuses planning applications. The Parish Council is invited to make comments on any plans and will make a recommendation as to whether the application should be granted or refused. This is part of the consultation process that takes place during a twenty eight day window. The planning application should be determined after eight weeks of registration. The planning officers can make the decision on the planning application through their delegated powers. However there are certain circumstances where the decision would be referred to the Planning Committee of elected Councillors. One such circumstance is where on a Minor classified application the recommendation of the Parish Council differs from that of the planning officers. This an important point as the Parish Council is sometimes placed in a position where it needs to anticipate the recommendation of planning officers and therefore will make a recommendation that will result in a planning application going to the planning committee to ensure that a fuller presentation is made of their position and concerns.

SODC Planning registered a planning application for the Lamb on 3 August 2006. The Parish Council recommended approval at its meeting on 13 September 2006 but expressed concerns about the materials that were proposed for the extension. However the plans were withdrawn by the applicant on 28 September 2006 after consultation with SODC planning. A new planning application was registered on 14 February 2007. The application was considered by the Parish Council at its meeting on the 15 March 2007 and although the Council supported the application they recommended refusal to draw attention to the materials that were proposed for the extension. SODC Planning has issued a letter on 16 April 2007 informing the Council that the applicants have withdrawn the application after consultation with SODC.

In the case of the two planning applications for the Lamb the Parish Council has been fully supportive of the principle to extend the Lamb but have had on both occasions concerns about the details of the extension within the context of the conservation area. The decision to recommend approval or refusal must be seen within the context of the underlying support for the Lamb and to trigger a referral to the Planning Committee if SODC officers were likely to recommend something different to that of the Parish Council.

I trust that readers will find this helpful as I can appreciate that the workings of the planning process can be confusing.

The Annual Parish meeting will take place in the Pine Lodge on Wednesday 9 May 2007, commencing at 7.00p.m. This meeting is not a Parish Council meeting but a meeting at which the Council and other relevant organisations report on their activities during the past year. It also allows villagers to raise any matters for discussion. The Parish Council cannot be bound by any decision of the meeting but would need to take note of the comments. This is a good opportunity to hear what has been happening in the village from traffic, planning, finance etc. Please come along and enjoy a glass of wine or a soft drink.

The results will be webcast on our website but you can also register to receive them by email or text message as they are announced. For more information on the email/text service please visit www.southoxon.gov.uk/elections or contact Vic Buckett-Hipgrave on 01491 823108 or email Victoria.buckett-hipgrave@southoxon.gov.uk

There has been an increase in burglaries to sheds and outbuildings in the Didcot and Wallingford area. There have been 37 such burglaries to sheds since the start of this year. The main hotspots are Green Road and Close in Didcot, East Hagbourne, Cholsey, Benson and Crowmarsh Gifford but offences are happening all over the area. Thames Valley Police has tasked officers to carry out additional patrols in the late evening and overnight which is when the majority of these crimes are committed.

Residents can also help by remaining vigilant, reporting any suspicious activity and by reviewing the security of their homes and gardens and following the following advice:

ensure all tools and equipment are locked away when not in use

use high-quality locks on gates and doors

most outbuilding door hinges are exposed and easily removed by taking out the screws. Replace ordinary screws with non-return screws or coach bolts

windows can be fitted with a grille or, as a cheaper alternative, chicken wire, to slow a thief down

a shed alarm can also be installed. These are available at low cost on line or at Didcot Police station for £10

postcode or mark all property, such as lawnmowers, using ultra-violet pens, paint or engravers

install security lighting as a deterrent, and plants such as thorny shrubs to act as a barrier at potential access points

if building a shed, put it where it is most visible to yourself and your neighbours

 

This time of year sees an increase in the purchases of new lawn mowers and gardening equipment, which makes the shed an attractive target so please take action now.

For a free crime reduction survey of your home please contact Mark Bradfield or Alison Smith on 01235 516842.

To report any suspicious incidents dial 0845 8 505 505 or to report something anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

I understand that a garden shed was burgled in Little Milton so we cannot be complacent

My name is Paula Cameron and I have lived here in Little Milton for a number of years with my husband Alisdair and son Magnus.  I am currently an active member of the Post Office Steering Group. I would welcome the opportunity to stand for my community as a Parish Councillor for a number of reasons and these are:

At the moment I run my business as an artist in Ceramics from my home and know how important it is to ensure that Little Milton remains a thriving community that encourages family values and commercial enterprise.

I have now lived in Little Milton with my wife Chris for 20 years. When we first came to the village with our 2 teenage children, I was still serving in the Royal Navy as a submarine specialist. I retired from the Navy in 1993 and have since worked as a doctors’ practice manager, initially in Abingdon, and then for the last 10 years in a practice in Didcot which I helped set up from scratch. I am now also Chairman of the Oxfordshire Practice Managers’ Committee, a county-wide organisation representing the interests of 82 practices and some 600,000 patients.

The last 2 years since I joined the Parish Council have been very interesting, with the new village hall project, A329 improvements and the proposals for a village shop high on the agenda. It is an exciting time in the village and I would like to continue to contribute to improving the village whilst maintaining its special character.

For the last four years it has been my privilege to be Chairman of the Parish Council, as I believe we have the most dynamic village community in Oxfordshire. I have lived in the village for 20 years, and have had the pleasure of working for:

The Primary School- 8 years as Governor, and 3 as Vice Chair

The Orchard Pre School- Chairman of the Re-location Committee which built the new Log Cabin on the Recreation Ground

Village Hall- 10 years as member, and responsible for sourcing and negotiating the purchase and construction of The Pine Lodge

Multi Use Games Area-responsible for planning, fund raising, sourcing, negotiating and delivering the MUGA on the Recreation Ground

Post Office/Village Shop Committee- Chairman, currently involved in supplier negotiations and grant applications

I also ran the last Youth Club in the village, for 3 ½ years

Occupation- Management Consultant. Interests-music, cookery, wine, computers.

I have been a resident of Little Milton since 2000 and a member of the Parish Council since May 2006. Little Milton is a very special place and we must continue to work to protect and enhance the village. I believe strongly that we should protect important village institutions and facilities such as the school, post office, pub, the village hall, recreation facilities and surrounding countryside. However, we must strike a balance and ensure that we do not overdevelop Little Milton and damage the relative tranquillity that we all enjoy.

As a member of the Parish Council I am, and would continue to be if elected, committed to using my experience and time to try and uphold these principles, whilst also ensuring that we keep tight control of costs and deliver value for money.

I run a business in the financial services and outsourcing sector. Amongst other things we process the payments for over 2 million pensioners on behalf of small and large companies and the UK Government. In addition I am an Independent non-executive director of Camelot. I am also a member of the Association of Oxfam and in this capacity I sit on the Audit Committee of Oxfam.

My name is Alison Shelton and I have lived in Chiltern View for the past fifteen years. I live with my husband Bruce and my family Matt and Charlotte.

It has been my privilege to serve on Little Milton Parish council for the past four years and I would like to stand for re-election in May.

I am a member of the A329 advisory committee and also a School Governor at Little Milton School.

Finally after answering Annie’s call for help, I worked in the Post office for 4 years. I have now reluctantly (it’s a great place for meeting people!) moved on, however, I am on the new Post office / Village Shop steering group, working to keep this valuable resource in Little Milton.

I love the wonderful and diverse community life we all share here in the village and wish to continue to improve the quality of life we offer to all our residences. Our church, schools, post office, pub, village hall and recreation facilities along with the many clubs and social events all contribute to making this village a great place to live. These need to be maintained and developed without comprising the essence of village life in Little Milton.

I hope to build on my past four years as a Parish councillor improving the structure the village and I along with my family, will continue to contribute to the village life at every opportunity.

I am married with three children, an eight year old and four year old twins at Little Milton School and I work in the airline industry. If elected my main areas of interest will be in helping to maintain and improve the village facilities available to the school and The Orchard, working to continue to improve the safety of the roads in the village, and especially of the A329, looking for ways to improve the facilities available to both older children and teenagers and also working to improve the state of some of the footpaths around the village.

We are a very community minded village, blessed with a post office, a great pub and an excellent school and preschool. Thanks to the great efforts of a number of people over the past few years we have a superb range of facilities in our village. If elected I will do my best to continue improving and expanding the facilities that we as a village share and help to continue making Little Milton a great place to live.

I am a born and bread villager. Three generations of my family live in the village. I stand for common sense and fair play for everyone in the village.

I have lived in the village for more than fifty years and have served on the Parish Council for the last twenty years. I take a keen interest in everything that happens in the village and want to make sure that it keeps a strong sense of a village community. I value the importance of the school, the church and the village hall and want to see them develop in the future. I represent the Parish Council on the Village Hall and. I am a keen gardener and support the Great Haseley and District Horticultural Society. The future development of Little Milton means a great deal to me and I would like to continue helping in its development.

To date, we’ve taken orders for 11,014 brown wheeled bins for our garden waste service. The number of orders is increasing each week now that the weather is improving, so don’t miss out, order yours now!

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 £29 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.

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 .

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 May are as follows:-Wednesday 9th & Tuesday 22nd

The collections scheduled on Tuesday 8 May & Tuesday 29 May is now revised to Wednesday 9 May and 30 May respectively.

I should like to thank everyone who supported the litter blitz this year. I will try and organise a further one later on in the year.

Following the review of the subsidised bus services the Service 103 will no longer require passengers to change at Wheatley. This change will take effect from June 3 2007.

Ed I am sure that this change will be welcomed by all those who use the service at present.

W/E 5th May - Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley

W/E 12th May - Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones

W/E 19th May - Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

W/E 26th May - Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward

W/E 2nd June - Mrs E. Summers/ Mrs A Jones

W/E 6th May -

W/E 13th May -

W/E 20th May -

W/E 27th May -

W/E 6th May Raymond Fergusson

W/E 13th May Stuart McGill

W/E 20th May David Hawkins

W/E 27th May Phil Jones

W/E 3rd June Tim Robinson

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

Tuesday 1st May 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 8th May 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 15th May 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 22nd May 7.30 pm. to 9.00 pm.

Tuesday 29th May 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Years ago, when I lived in Hastings, I loved to journey by bus to Canterbury. It was a lovely ride through some beautiful countryside, and as I approached that city, great and magnificent was the sight of the cathedral soaring above the clustered houses and streets. I could imagine the delight and joy of those ancient pilgrims who having sojourned long and hard caught their first glimpse of what was for them journey’s end. If only for a parcel of time and in a small way, I became a pilgrim, at one with those who down the centuries made their way to that ancient Cathedral shrine. Moreover, I would, as I recall it, reflect on what it must have been like, and can be still, to be a pilgrim. I thought of a pilgrim continually on the move, making his way stage by stage from one unknown place to another. And whilst the pilgrimage lasts he has no base, no home, and no familiar place to which he can return for security at the end of the day. He doesn’t know for certain where he will reach come nightfall; his only certainty is where he is now, and that tomorrow evening he will be yet somewhere else. And being continually on the move, the pilgrim has to overcome his instinctive longing for security and certainty, with a faith that ahead of him there lies a place which will be more than adequate reward for all of the weariness, uncertainty, discomfort and possible danger encountered on the way.

Once the pilgrim leaves his homeland, he will be continually among people whose ways and words will be strange to him. He himself will become a foreigner, perhaps viewed with suspicion and so best kept at a distance. Differences of custom, law and language compound his sense of insecurity and loneliness, but the joy is immeasurable when those through whose land he travels treat him with warmth, generosity, hospitality, courtesy, respect and understanding as befits a fellow child of God. The New Testament encourages us all to think of ourselves as pilgrims, journeying through this world towards our destiny that City of God, exposed to all the uncertainties that life yields-and we shall experience that particular joy when we are treated by those we encounter with a courtesy and friendliness we have no right to expect. But furthermore, we should reflect that those we meet are like us fellow pilgrims, and reflect, too, on the joy that is ours to give or withhold by the way we treat them.

But there is another journey, another pilgrimage we should all undertake, and that is the journey within. This may not be a comfortable journey, but perhaps a necessary one. As the years pass, as our journey moves on, our habits, our scars, our fears and desires mould the person we are becoming. Almost without noticing we stray off course and lose our way. We may pause for a space, and in that space we may be given some sharp reminders. But arising out of those reminders might come some questions. ‘Who am I becoming?’ How can I get in touch with my soul, stifled by the relentless preoccupation with the material world? Who am I becoming in God’s eyes? What’s happening to my integrity, my values, my relationships, my prayers? How often do I compromise these things?

We are all pilgrims, every one of us, forever moving towards our ultimate destiny. As we all journey on, we would all do well to have two questions in our minds, who we are becoming and who we could be, and to ask how we could help those we meet to become who they could be.

Father, being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in charity, we may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally we may come to the land of everlasting life’ (Book of Common Prayer).

Christian Aid Week this year is 13th-19th May, and house to house collections around our parishes are being arranged. The Family Service in Little Milton on Sunday 13th in St. James’, Little Milton at 11.00 a.m. will focus our thinking on the world wide work of Christian Aid. What Christian Aid seeks to do is to help ordinary people in Third World Countries to improve their own lives, in other words helping them to help themselves. It does this in a variety of ways, through for example helping with the education of people, teaching people the necessary skills so that they can provide for themselves and their families.

Christian Aid has the slogan," We believe in life before death." Through our giving, supported and encouraged by our prayers, we play our part in giving substance to that slogan. Jesus taught us that what we do for the least of our brethren, we do it for him. Let us make this year’s Christian Aid Week, the most successful that we have ever had.

The person who is co-ordinating across our benefice is Sally Ann Dennis and her phone number is 01844 278029. She would be glad to answer any questions that you may have.

This falls on Thursday 17th May, and there will be a Communion Service in St. Mary’s, Great Milton at 7.30 p.m..

At Ascension time our children from our school come into Church for a Special Service, and we look forward to their coming to us for, what is always a lovely occasion. This year their Service will be on Friday, 25^th May, at 9.00 a.m.. We are so very proud of our School and what it does for our children, and to would want to encourage them in any way we can. Please do join us if you are free on the 25th. We would love to see you.

During Lent we held Lent Lunches around the benefice, and all these were most successful. The total amount donated to be given to Christian Aid has yet to be finalised and I will let you know the figure when it become available. We are so very grateful to those who very kindly entertained us so well in their homes for these lunches. It was much appreciated. Our thanks also go to Le Manoir for supplying us with the breads for each of the meals.

As I write, the contractors are busy with their work of inspecting all of the wood, and spraying and injecting insecticide. To date they have discovered serious infestation to the timbers under the flooring of the Children’s Chapel, including below the organ, and in the nave, many of the joists will have to be replaced. Some of the timbers in the roof are in a delicate state. I await with a measure of anxiety, the full report on the contractors’ findings, and we shall then have to see what appropriate and urgent work needs to be done, and how to fund it.

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 14th May 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.

For further information please ring me.

Our dates and places for May are:

Sunday May 6th Brunch meeting at Sarah’s 46 Chiltern Drive 11-12.30

Sunday May 20th Meeting in Church 11-12.30

We welcome any child from the age of 4 years old. We would like to thank the Easter Bunny for our wonderful new Sunday School kneeler. It will have pride of place once the back of the church area is transformed into a Welcoming Space and carpeted etc.

Little Milton Primary School will be using the recreation ground on a regular basis during the summer term. It is great to report that most dog users are cleaning after their hounds and using the dog bin provided. Thank you on behalf of the school children.

Grass cutting this year is being done by Isis Accord, based at Milton Common, on a cheaper basis than last year.

Five A Side Football continues all year round on a Wednesday evening, between 8.00 and 9.30 pm. All welcome – aged 16 and over.

Finally, if you witness any vandalism occurring, please report it to the police immediately. Thank you

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

1st Prize No 52 Carr & Helen Ridley £18.00

2nd Prize No 66 Barry Brooksbank £11.00

3rd Prize No 23 Lucinda Arnold £7.00

During the last couple of weeks of the Spring Term, our participation in the Wheatley Partnership Hockey Day was cancelled due to snow. Now we have returned to school for the summer term in glorious sunshine. We are now thinking about Sports Days, Maypole Evenings, and the dreaded SATS!

This term, we welcome four new children to our reception class – Hannah Bruce, Miles and Maya Wakeling and Charlie Willoughby. We are sure that they will soon settle into the school routine and enjoy their days with us. This takes our school roll to 57 pupils!

As many of our readers will know, Mrs SallyAnn Dennis comes into school each term to do Godly Plays with the children. Last term’s sessions revolved around the liturgical calendar of the Church, and we were all delighted when Sally Ann and Mrs Mary Davies agreed to make a liturgical calendar for our school. We are now the proud owners of a beautifully hand stitched "clock" which shows the seasons of the church year and their associated colours, and highlights the main festivals – Christmas, Easter, Ascension and Pentecost. Each week, children move the hands of the clock to the next period. It has brought the church year to life for them, particularly as it is situated above our holy family display of beautiful olive wood figures. We are very grateful to Sally Ann and to Mary for all of their hard work in producing this beautiful piece of art. When you are passing the school, please do pop in to our reception area and have a look – our new Diocesan Advisor was very impressed!

The children will now be doing their PE sessions at the village recreation ground on Thursday afternoons, so we would be very grateful if dog owners could clear up after their dogs if walking on the rec. We will be getting into training for our sports day – and the Maypole Evening, which this year will be held on Friday 13^th July. Please note the dates in your diaries – we would love to welcome you to what is always an enjoyable and traditionally English pastime!

We plan to meet on Sunday 6^th May, when we will continue working on the Allotment area. All the Allotments are now taken so expect to see lots of activity soon.

BBOWT have had a work party up there doing clearing jobs & marking out various plots. The first Allotment meeting will have taken place in the last few days.

We welcome anyone who would like to come along and get some fresh air. We meet on the Allotments at approximately 1030 am.

"Spring is sprung, the grass is ris, I wonder where dem boydies is….", we noticed the first swallows on the 21st April, which by my recollection is 4 days later than last year. Well what a year! Very wet upto early March then nothing during or since. Easter saw glorious weather, and hot with it which is very unusual. It is no uncommon at this time of year when the wind gets in the northerly quarter for it to be dry and cold for something like six weeks, well it has been dry but hardly cold but then neither was the winter. I think we shall have to pray that we do not get another dry summer, all the doom and gloom merchants are saying we could have and that it’s this global warming, seems all too sudden to me.

This period of extended dry has allowed us to get all the spring planting done, but the lack of rain coupled with the cold March has in fact held growth back. We thought that during the mild February when everything was bursting to life we would be in for an early spring, but nature took care of that and evened things out as so often happens, and the rate of growth upto Easter, has been very slow, there still is not a lot of grass about even the lawns have hardly grown. Most crops look in good shape so let’s hope they do so through the summer. We are now entering a period which can be very difficult for crops, if it were to turn wet now, and crops started to turn yellow, as the saying goes "May Yellows Be no Good You".

It is often difficult to explain to those with dogs why it is that dogs should not be let off the lead, in spite of the fact that they are thought to be under control, and not harming anything. This was illustrated recently, on Easter Saturday, on a radio programme I heard. This programme came from Richmond Park and included an interview with one of the staff involved in looking after the wildlife there. He made the comment that the hares had disappeared along with ground nesting birds that no longer could one hear Night Jars, Nightingales, Skylarks and the like. This is a person had worked in the park for some time, and said that these species had disappeared since people had been allowed to let their dogs off leads. With the help of DEFRA we as well as many other farmers are trying desperately to encourage this wildlife, our green field margins are all part of this and that is why we insist that dogs are on a lead, and the same really applies to the human foot print, which is every bit as damaging.

This is the 75^th anniversary of the mass trespass, and the march on Kinder Scout in the Peak District, which spawned the Ramblers Association. In those days I think Landowners perhaps were a little over protective of their property, probably all part of the class war that probably was at its worst at that time. Today I think that on the whole Landowners are more enlightened to the needs of others, but still feel responsible for nature, therefore feel the need to restrict access to certain areas. The problem today is that there are just too many of us around competing with wildlife somehow we have to compromise and one of these compromises is to be careful where we go.

Our bio plant has now got most of its processes working, and soon we will be opening up our first pump to the public, this will be accessible 24 hours a day (24/7 as they say nowadays not a phrase I like personally) so by prior arrangement all will be welcome, more on this at a later date. Slightly less welcome news is that the Jack Peers centre was broken into once again over the Easter Holidays, very depressing. Anyway once there is electric there, we will be able to install some cameras, so at least we may be able to identify the culprits

As I finish this months Views, we at "The Views" would like to wish all readers a wonderful summer with just the weather you want, and soon if not by the time you read this, the spring blossoms will be near or at their best with trees and shrubs just dripping with flowers.

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

There is a list of events that can be viewed on www.oxtrust.org.uk or you can ring 01865 728953.

Next Meeting: This will be held at 7:45pm on Thursday 10th May at The Pine Lodge Little Milton. We will discuss the resolution for the national WI’s AGM to be held this year at the Royal Albert Hall. It concerns how and whether the WI can support keeping the community / cottage hospital network in the UK. This will be followed by Country Dancing led by Pam Assiter.

At our last meeting Pat Clark, the Science Advisor from our Oxfordshire Federation of WI’s, gave a very comprehensive explanation of the evidence and challenges brought about by global warming and climate change. The map showing the Arctic ice-cap shrinkage over the last decade was particularly dramatic, with serious implications for the plants and animals that live there. It also affects the pattern of movement of water in the world’s oceans as cold water from the Arctic goes south and sinks below warm water in greater volumes. We then discussed ways of contributing to carbon emission reduction, such as greater use of low energy light bulbs and to wash clothes at 30 degrees C wherever possible.

The Spring/ Summer excursion season is well underway and members can choose to go to the Malvern Show, Coughton Court, Mapledurham Mill, the Oxford Operatic Society’s production of The King and I and Lunch with Lars Tharp of the Antiques Roadshow.

President: Anne Hawkins, Little Milton 279526 Secretary: Helen Ridley 278816 Press Correspondent: Lyndell Dixon, Great Haseley 279275

A wonderful evening of bridge and supper was hosted by Maggie Wheeller, in aid of the Leukaemia Research Fund and the Little Milton Village Shop Fund on Friday 20th April.

The event raised a total of £435.50 for the two charities.  A big thank you to all who attended, donated prizes and helped the evening to go so successfully.

Do you enjoy meeting new people?

Do like to have fun?

Are you crafty or artistic?

Are you musical?

Do you have special skills?

Can you spare 2 hours a week?

To help young ladies have fun?

Are you 5 to 65 years old?

If the answer is yes!!!

There is a meeting on May 15^th at 7.30 in Great Haseley Village Hall, for all girls who would like to join and their parents. All welcome to come along and find out about Guiding.

Rainbows aged 5 to 7 years, get on the waiting list now.

Brownies aged 7 to 10 years we need to hear from you.

Guides aged 10 to 14 years we need your names now.

Leaders aged 18 to 65, also helpers at all levels.

District Commissioner Sara Thompson on 01865 872016

For Brownies ring Pat Fraser on 01865 875679

For Guides ring Sarah Simmonds on 01844 278578

ew Quiz Master (Mistress) and New Winners in March,

The Quested/Jeffery team triumph!

Who will win in May? Come and find out!

Real ale and a better class of wine as well!

We now have a new date for the Auction of Promises to raise funds for the relocation of the village post office and shop. The Auction will take place on the evening of Saturday 23^rd June in The Pine Lodge. More details of the event will follow, but please put the date in your diaries for an evening of fun, food, entertainment and, of course, a bar!

We are currently seeking funding from various bodies however, it is becoming ever more difficult to gain funding and there is a significant emphasis put on what we are doing as a community to raise funds. This means that your support for village fund raising activities is as vital as ever to our success.

If you have any items suitable for auction or can offer a service free of charge, please fill in the tear-off slip and send it to the address below by the 14^th May. Here are some ideas from previous auctions.

Garsington Opera has kindly donated two tickets of the dress rehearsal performance of Mozart’s Il Re Pastore on Wednesday 6th June at 6:30p.m. This item is NOW up for auction by sealed bid (and we have an opening bid of £50). If you would like to bid for these sought after tickets, please submit your bid using the slip below in a sealed envelope to be opened on 5th May at 1p.m.

The successful bidder will be notified that by phone later that day.

I should like to thank the wonderful helpers who made the sale such a success. Hilary, Mary, Leslie, Di, Paula and Katherine for helping to set up and on the day Leslie, Alison, Stuart and Bruce who so expertly ran the raffle, car parking etc. George Peter and Charles for collecting all the money and all the others who helped sell. We were so lucky with the weather and the sale was well attended.

The final result was £3,760 and after allowing for special donations to the Epilepsy Research UK I was delighted to hand Leslie a cheque of £1,600 for the Village Shop Fund.

Thank you all

After a sunny Easter break, the Orchard children (and staff) have returned to Pre-school with renewed energy.  The energy will soon be burned off with this term’s activities including a sponsored obstacle race (week commencing 14^th May).  This event will be a practical demonstration by the children of the term’s theme of ‘opposites’, such as under/over, up/down, fast/slow, but whatever the thrills and spills of the event, hopefully the outcome will be happy children and much needed funds raised towards the purchase of new carpets and mats for the book corner and home corner.  If you would like to sponsor a child in the race, please do contact Yvonne at the Orchard on 279989.

On our return from our Easter break we have had a few parents come up to us and complain about the youths in the village riding their motor scooters around the village hall/Pine Lodge pathway. We would like to express to all how dangerous this is as parents and little ones use this pathway to go to and from the park. If the youths continue to do this they will end up causing a serious accident and we don’t want that happening. If your child owns a scooter please can you relate to them about the seriousness of this matter.

Fun for all the family!

A fantastic afternoon is planned in the grounds of The Manor this year; please make it a date firmly fixed in your diary!

Any help that you can offer will be gratefully received whether just helping, donating or making items for our varied stalls.

Please contact the following people:

On the 22nd March we welcomed Carol, a representative from the Blue Cross Animal Charity, who gave a talk and slide show about the charity.  She told us that they were founded in 1897 and were originally known as Our Dumb Friends' League but thankfully it changed its name in the 1950s to The Blue Cross, as it is still known to-day.  On the battlefields in the First World War red crosses were used for human casualties and blue crosses for the dogs and horses.  On the 12th April it was the turn of Barbara Gray to entertain us with her talk entitled "More Adventures with Students".

The highlight of our month was our outing on the 18th April to Chenies Manor near Lower Chalfont in Buckinghamshire, described as "a historic Tudor manor house of great charm with 4 1/2 acres of lovely garden".  We were given timed tours of the house and as the property is still lived in as a family home it has a very friendly atmosphere and it certainly has an abundance of great charm.  The display of tulips in the gardens, especially the sunken garden, was out of this world, the colours and varieties quite staggering!

We then went on to Radnage for a W.I. tea served by a group of delightful ladies and, as always, this was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.  We drove back in the sunshine arriving home at approximately 6.30 p.m. having added another very successful outing to our list.

10th Thur - Bring and Share lunch + quizzes/games - 2.15 p.m.

16th Wed - Outing - Beechwood Beauty Boat Trip

24th Thur - Kidlington Music Makers - 2.15 p.m.

May 16^th – The Beechwood Beauty Boat Trip arranged by City & Village Tours: Coach Tour from Marlow through the Hambledon Valley to Henley for lunch. On to Hurley and Cookham. We board a pleasure cruiser at Boulters Lock for a 2 hour boat trip passing through a beautiful stretch of the Chilterns famous for the Wind in the Willows, Swan Upping, Three Men in a Boat and glimpses of Clivedon and back to the Complete Angler. Cost £16 + coach and lunch. If you are interested in any of the above outings contact Mrs C Cope, Woodbine Cottage, Great Milton or telephone 01844 279459

It may be news to some residents, but our village is not crime free. Since the New Year, there have been two burglaries from dwellings, one attempted burglary and items stolen from a garden shed. A car has also been stolen from Milton Manor Drive. There may have been more offences – these are just the ones I have heard about on the grapevine.

The purpose of this letter is to try to resurrect the Neighbourhood Watch scheme. John Buckingham wishes to retire as the co-ordinator, and I believe that the southern half of the village may not even be covered by it.

If anybody is interested in joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, please ring me on 01844 279468, as I have the documentation provided by the police to go about setting up a new scheme. Membership of a scheme can sometimes reduce your home insurance premiums!

By the time you read this hopefully we will have had some rain! This spring has been beautifully warm and sunny but very dry and not so good for the plants. Visit other gardens for inspiration; take a notebook to jot down ideas for your own garden next spring.

When planting up use peat free compost, add water retaining granules and a slow release fertiliser, water well. This will make maintenance much easier later in the summer.

If you are re-potting last year’s bulbs look out for the white, C shaped grubs of the vine weevil. Give them to your friendly robin and water pots with a suitable insecticide.

Get growing now and you could have prize winners in time for the show!

It’s time to put those trainers on and get your entries in for the fourth Benson 10k Road Race which takes place on Sunday 13 May 2007 at 10.30 am from Benson Parish Hall. Money raised will go towards local charity groups and Asthma YK. So far a total of £4,000 has been raised. All finishers will receive a medal, a hot cross bun sponsored by Cottage Kitchen of Benson, and a jar of honey sponsored by Rowse’s Honey of Wallingford, our main sponsors! Please send your entries in asap to ensure your place. Entry forms are available from Benson shops and www.bensonbulletin.com. For more details please contact Les Bond tel 01491 838585 or e-mail benson10k@btinternet.com

"There’s a wealth of things to do and see. Make this the year to discover Oxfordshire: its treasures, its beauty, its history and its exciting future. The county’s special character will be highlighted throughout the coming months."

There are no surgeries in April but the May dates are as follows:-

Friday 11th May 4.00 - 6.00pm Watlington Community Office

Friday 25th May 4.00 – 6.00 p.m. Chinnor Village 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

Our new e-mail address is wheatley.library@oxfordshire.gov.uk. The telephone number is unchanged at 01865 – 875267.

Tuesday 2.00 – 7.00 p.m: Wednesday 9.30 am. - 1.00 pm.: 2.00 5.00 p.m.