NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2007

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 15th August was attended by five Parish Councillors, the Clerk, the District Councillor, and no members of the public.

Planning

P07/W0838/LB: The Lamb High Street : Single storey extension & associated landscaping. Minor internal alteration & redecoration

P07/W0839: The Lamb High Street : Demolition of garage and toilet block. Erection of single storey rear extension & associated landscaping. Internal alteration & redecoration works to existing building.

The chairman reported that the re-submitted plans had taken account of the Parish Council’s request to use clay tiles and not slate on the roof of the extension. He also confirmed that the rendering on the extension would match the white rendering of the existing building.

The Council RESOLVED that the planning applications were recommended for approval by South Oxfordshire District Council.

   Exchange of Information

Cllr. Barry Coward informed the Council that a meeting had taken place between the interested parties to consider the various aspects of the proposed shop/post office within the planned extension to the village hall and that good progress had been made.

Cllr Mabel Wood reported that the initial problems experienced with the change of local bus provider appeared to have been resolved.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 12th September 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 Barry Coward Vice Chairman

Mrs Mabel Wood, Mrs Alison Shelton , Mr David Wakeling, Mr Tim Robinson

SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

Annual Canvass – don’t lose your right to vote!
During August to November each year, the Council sends out a canvass form to every property in the district to collect information on those eligible to vote. 

By law, every property in the district must make a return for their household to register everybody who is living at the property and eligible to vote.  We use the updated information we receive from the forms to produce a new Register of Electors that we publish on 1 December each year.  If you do not fill in your form and your name is not included on the register then you will not be able to vote when there is an election.  You may also have difficulty obtaining credit or a loan or opening a bank account as the Electoral Register can be used to check residency for these purposes.

To make sure that you are registered and able to have your vote, please complete your canvass form as soon as you receive it.  Any delay will cost the Council, and therefore the council taxpayer’s money as we have to send reminder forms and visit properties that don’t respond.

If all the pre-printed details on the form are correct then you can use our telephone, internet or text response service to record that no changes need to be made to the information we hold.  For more information on this service please read the notes on your form.

If you need to make changes to the information that is on the form, for example because you are a new resident at the property or you have changed your name, please make the amendments clearly on the form and post it back in the pre-paid envelope provided.

For help and advice about the annual canvass please call 0800 389 5560 or email elections@southoxon.gov.uk

Recycling of electrical items

From 1 September, residents of South Oxfordshire will be able to take their unwanted electrical goods such as stereos, irons and toasters to a county waste recycling centre for recycling or safe disposal.  Sites such as Oakley Wood, Drayton and Redbridge will have clearly labelled containers designed to collect an assortment of electrical goods.  To help prevent electrical waste going to landfill and harming the environment, we will not use community waste vehicles to collect electrical goods and we advise residents not to dispose of them through their normal refuse collection. 

This development is part of the new Waste Electrical and Electronics Equipment Directive (WEEE), which sets collection, recycling and recovery targets for all types of electrical products.

We will still collect larger electrical items such as fridges and cookers through our bulky waste collection at a cost of £7.75 per item. You can book a collection online at www.southoxon.gov.uk/bulkywaste

For further information contact Environmental Services 01491 823416

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

A329 Closure at M40 junction 7

I have been advised that contractors are planning to start work under J7 of the M40 in mid October 2007. This will involve a 20 week pre-bridge works construction phase on the M40 using restricted lanes, with the A329 planned to be closed from March 2008. Diversions are currently being agreed between OCC and Thames Valley Police. When these have been finalised information will be included in the newsletter. (Parish Clerk)

Free electric blanket testing near you

Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards and Fire & Rescue Services, together with Oxfordshire’s five district councils, are now receiving bookings for their annual free electric blanket testing.

The tests will be carried out at various venues during the months of September and October.  Last year in Oxfordshire, nearly 800 electric blankets were tested and 40% were found to be unsafe. Electric blankets can be dangerous, because as in all electric systems or appliances old and new, there is the possibility of:

              Electrical shocks which can be dangerous for people with heart problems
              Electrical burns which can be painful and permanently damaging
              Fires which can be devastating or even fatal.

The tests are supported by sponsorship from RWE npower, the owner of Didcot Power Station.

Where are tests taking place?

• Thame Town Hall

To book a free test call Julie Brain at 01865 815607 or visit the 365Alive.co.uk website to email Trading Standards with a booking request.

SODC: WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT

For a charge of £35 residents can arrange for their unwanted vehicle to be collected from within the District and a charge of £7.50 per bulky item e.g. fridge furniture etc. To arrange this service residents can call the Public Amenities Team on 01491 823416 or print a copy of the form from the Council’s website www.southoxon.gov.uk .

SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL –GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION

Your bin will be collected on the same day as your normal refuse and recycling. Please ensure however that your bin is placed in a safe place that does not obstruct the pavement or highway. The dates for September are as follows:-Tuesday 11th; Tuesday 25th

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 SEPTEMBER

W/E 1st September                   -          Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

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

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

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

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

Sally Ann Dennis 278029

CHURCH FLOWER ROTA FOR SEPTEMBER   

W/E 2nd September                  -          Sally Ann Dennis

W/E 9th September                   -          Sally Ann Dennis                      

W/E 16th September                 -         

W/E 23rd September                 -                     

W/E 30th September                 -         

Teresa Quested

GRASS CUTTING ROTA FOR SEPTEMBER

W/E 7th September                               Phil Jones

W/E 10th September                             Raymond Fergusson

W/E 17th September                             David Hawkins

W/E 24th September                             Tim Robinson

W/E 31st September                              Stuart McGill

Raymond Fergusson 279150

BELL RINGING PRACTICE DURING SEPTEMBER

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

Tuesday 4th September                                     7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Sunday 9th September                                      10.30 am to 11.00 am

Tuesday 11th September                                    7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 18th September                                    7.30 pm. to 9.00 pm.

Tuesday 25th September                                    7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Sunday 30th September                                   10.30 am to 11.00 am

I am delighted to report that Jennifer Willis has completed “learning a new skill” as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award by reaching a competent level of bell ringing.   Well done Jennifer!!

Raymond Fergusson (279150)

FROM THE RECTORY.

FROM THE REGISTERS.

We congratulate Alison Clare Quested and Henric Sebastian Tamm, who were married in St. James’ on the 11th August. Please do remember this very happy couple as they embark on the great adventure of married life. May they always know that they are supported and surrounded by the loving support of us all.

THELMA BLAKE.

It is with deepest regret that we record the death of Thelma at her home in Great Milton on the 8^th August at the age of 72. All of us have our own particular memories and recollections of Thelma. She was a larger than life character, who served our community with zeal and passion. She was involved in all aspects and activities of the village. In her time, she worked tirelessly for many village initiatives, such as the refurbishment of the Neighbours’ Hall, and re-roofing the Church Roof. She was a trustee of the Sheppard Trust, sometime Chairman of the Parish Council, a very active supporter of our School, the Neighbours Club, the Hospital Car Service, the Porch, Age Concern, the Historical Society, a Youth Club, a Sunday School and Craft Mornings, Church Fêtes, seeing that the bells were rung after a period of relative silence, to mention but a few things. For some years she was a Churchwarden and all that that entailed. She delighted in the created world, loving especially gardens, and then there were her cats. She was a very complex personality of course, but deep down a very loveable one. Her door was ever open to all and those who knew her closely knew they had a deep and sincere friend.  Her cooking was legendry, particularly the making of meringues.  In Thelma Great Milton has lost something quite precious and certainly unique. We all in our own way mourn her passing. We shall miss her. May she rest in peace.

PARISH SHARE 2008.

Recently I received the projected figures for the Parish Share which will be required of us to pay for next year. This is the figure we have to find from within our parish before we spend anything else on such things as repairs, heating and lighting and insurance. The figure for Little Milton is £10,322.

OXFORDSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES PRESERVATION TRUST RIDE AND STRIDE ON SATURDAY 8^th SEPTEMBER.

The Historic Churches Ride and Stride is taking place on the 8th September. Over the years we have benefited greatly from the Trust in making grants available to us for repairs to our Church Fabric. The major fundraising activity of the Trust is their Ride and Stride Event, where sponsored cyclists or ‘Striders’ visit as many Churches as they can during the day. In view of the way we have benefited from the Trust, it would be good if we in our own parish could play our part, either by being an active participant or by sponsoring someone who is. Raymond Fergusson is our local contact, and sponsor forms can be collected from him at 27 Chiltern View.

HARVEST 2007.

We shall celebrate Harvest Festival on Sunday 30th September at 11.00 a.m. with a special Family Service. Following on from the Service we shall be having Harvest Lunch at the Pine Lodge. The lunch is being co-ordinated by Sally Ann Dennis (tel. 278029), Anne Hawkins (tel. 279526) and Sarah Jones (tel. 278120). If you intend coming please advise Sally Ann. Anne or Sarah by Friday 28th September.

Harvest is a special time for all of us who live in the country, and our Harvest Festival does give us the opportunity to give thanks for God’s Creating Hand, and also to raise our awareness of the farming community and their work in providing us with the food we eat.

Victor Story

XMAS FAYRE – BULBS

Does anyone have any bowls that would be suitable for planting bulbs to sell at the Xmas Fayre? I would need them by the end of September.

Many thanks

Teresa Quested

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 10th September 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.

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

SUNDAY SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER

For further information, please ring me.

Yvonne Cartwright 279205

ON PRAYER.

One of the things which rather worried me when I was a curate, was wondering what my Vicar was going to ask me to do next. One day, in what we called jokingly our staff meeting-for there was only two of us-he said, “I want you to go and see a speech therapist- I've always arranged it for my curates.” At those words I swallowed hard. “What was he on about”? But my boss, I thought, must know what he's talking about. After all he would often do a “Thought for the Day” on BBC local Radio.

So I pocketed my pride and went off to meet my 'Professor Higgins- if you remember “My Fair Lady”. I must admit, I thought I was going to have my backbone removed. But, as things turned out, I learnt more from him than I could ever have dared imagine. For six months, he asked me to say the prayer which begins our Communion Services, "The Collect for Purity"-“Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known and from whom no secrets are hid….”

In fact, in the first weeks he only wanted me to say the very first words. That's all. He said: “You know, you're not thinking what you’re saying. You're just reading without thinking. I want you to be silent for a while and think of ‘Almighty God’ and then try and say those two words in a way that conveys what you have in mind.” and he said, “You have in your calling a very difficult job. You've not only got to say what the words mean to you, you've got to say them in such a way that those who hear you will catch at least a glimpse of who you have in mind.”

That statement made me think. It taught me more about prayer and worship, and how to conduct it than anything that my Vicar did, despite the enormous respect I had for him. It taught me, to take deep care over the prayers that I write, how they relate to God and aspects of his nature, and how we seek through them, to articulate what is on our hearts, and how we bring all that closer into God's heart.

So for me, prayer begins with stillness, and stillness of thought, then dwelling on some aspect of his nature, and then relating all that to the contemporary world in which we are set with its needs and cares, joys and setbacks, anxieties and fears.

So we come to have prayers such as,

“Christ our teacher, you reach into our lives not through instruction, but story…………..”

Or, “Vulnerable God, you challenge the powers that rule this world through the needy, the compassionate, and those who are filled with longing.” ‘Vulnerable God’, that’s not an aspect of God’s nature that Crammer had thought of, but a very poignant one when we recognise how vulnerable each one of us is and how God in Christ became vulnerable for us.

Or the one we sometimes use in the

After Communion,

“Father of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far

off you met us in your Son and brought us home.”

Prayer then, for me seeks to draw us and the little world we live in

into the very heart of God.

I said God reaches us through stories. I love the story told by one of the Mirfield Fathers on prayer. In this story, he described himself in a vision standing beside an angel, looking down from the roof of a church on a congregation praying. As he watched, it seemed that the prayer being offered by the people took form in different ways. Some seemed to be just sounds, which as soon as they were uttered burst like bubbles; others were like a gentle mist that rose from the nave high into the chancel. For a moment they held their form, and then they dispersed. However a few of the prayers were like points of light—golden shafts of light which seemed to radiate from the church and reflect the glory of God. The man turned to the angel and inquired what all this might mean; to which the angel replied that what we had seen were three kinds of prayer. The first was water prayer, merely an uttering of religious noises. The second was silver prayer. This was prayed by people who were engaged in deep thought, but who tended to be wrapped up in themselves. The third was golden prayer. This was prayer uttered from the heart by people who, in so far as they were able, shared in the agony, suffering and disappointment of God as well as in his risen glory. For them prayer was about sharing in the very heart of God.

May our prayers be golden prayers, taking us into the still centre, the still centre of all power and might, into the heart of Almighty God-to whom all hearts be open, all desires known and from whom no secrets are hid.

Victor Story

01844 279498

GOOD LUCK

We wish Peter & Sue McCluskey all the very best as they set up home in Towester after twenty six years in Little Milton. Ed

BENEFICE SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

Our new year begins with 2 September dates…

2nd September   11.00-12.30 Meeting in Church

16th September   11.00-12.30 Meeting in Church

We welcome any child over the age of 4 years so come along and find out more on either of these dates….

(on 9th September the Arnold family will be helping Victor with the family service)

NB. New cards for the term available from Sarah Jones on 278120.

Sally Ann Dennis (278029)

JOAN LYDIA AMY WEST

Born in Bridlington Yorkshire, she was the only child of an only child. Her mother had tuberculosis so she spent a lot of time with grandparents. She became a nurse, nursing in the big London Hospitals, especially war wounded.   She was matron at Stowe School and did private nursing. She bought a cottage in Watlington and nursed in Watlington hospital. Stories Joan recounted of her younger days spent nursing showed how much she enjoyed the role of caring for her patients and organising her ward.

She married Lesley West why, jointly with his brother, owned West's Garage in Thame. She talked fondly of the Tudor house where she and her husband lived in Thame. Her detailed description of its windows and other architectural points revealing a keen eye and appreciation of its beauty. Her husband sold his share of the garage and they moved to Spain where she organised the building of a very nice house for his grand piano. Lesley became ill and they returned to Thame, having to sell at a great loss. Joan nursed her husband for some years until his death.

Lyndell Dixon of Great Haseley says:  "Joan was Haseley's WI President for a period, finishing in early 1990. She was known for her generosity, whilst casting a formidable eye over proceedings. Joan was an effective fund-raiser, with her well-known cooking talents coming to the fore.   Her kindness and organisational skills were illustrated by the time she cooked Christmas dinner for our whole WI at Potts Close, a really delicious and memorable meal.   One of the best features of Joan's time in the WI was that she enjoyed laughing at all sorts of things, even when she had "been cross” - the enduring memories I have of Joan are of her laughing and kindly telling me information and tips that were very useful.”

Marion Andrews, Scheme Manager of Potts Close, Great Milton remembers:

"Joan, whilst living at Potts Close, would spend the whole of Monday cooking in her small kitchen for the WI stall at the Tuesday Thame market, On Monday evening her flat looked like a "baker's shop with its array of fruit-pies, meat pies, pizzas and cakes. Various WI friends came and transported this delicious food to Thame early on Tuesday morning. She also cooked for the Meals-on-Wheels Service.   She cooked all the food for any functions we held, always saying 'You organise it and I'll cook'.  We had many wonderful parties - food to die for, no use trying to diet when Joan was around - lashings of cream, glasses of red wine, olives etc. were the order of the day. Joan was a great help.   She was also clever with her needle and made many of her own clothes. The small plot of garden outside her window was also cherished."

Joan spent her last few months in the Close Nursing Home in Burcot. She was born on the 24th November 1917 and died in May 2007 aged eighty-nine.

Submitted by Margot Johnson, Lyndell Dixon and Marion Andrews.

THANK YOU LITTLE MILTON

We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who worked so hard to make August 11^th such a special day for our daughter Alison and our new son-in-law Henric. Special thanks to Raymond & Phil for tidying up the churchyard; Katherine, Jane, Sarah, Ann and Sylvie for all their help and advice; Mary, Eleanor and the church cleaners and last but not least, our wonderful bell ringers.

It was a wonderful occasion. Thank you

Teresa & Jeremy Quested

FRIENDS OF LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL 200 CLUB

The prize wining numbers for September will be drawn by the Little Milton School Children at their Good Work Assembly when they return after their summer holidays.

Sue Marriott 279124; For the Friends of Little Milton School

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

We plan to meet on Sunday 9th September, when we continue to do jobs on the Allotment site.

There is one Allotment still available, if anyone is interested, or it can be split in half if a whole one is too daunting. Now is a good time to take one on to prepare the ground for planting during the winter months.

There is now a large water butt installed & hopefully collecting some water from the deluge we still seem to be getting on a regular basis; still the weeds are growing well.

BBOWT have been cutting the paths of late, which is improving access around the Farm.

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

Phil Jones 278120

OXFORDSHIRE 2007

Oxfordshire 2007 is a celebration of 1000 years of Oxfordshire through special events, anniversaries, festivals and cultural highlights. Oxfordshire 2007 showcases the remarkable array of talent that exists in every corner of the county and represents collaboration between hundreds of cultural organisations, individuals and communities. The year is an endorsement of Oxford ’s status as a European Centre of Culture and Oxfordshire’s reputation as one of the county’s most prized visitor destinations.

www.oxfordshire2007.com

 
Stuart, the Mad Cyclist is at it Again!

(Idea courtesy of Simon Oddie )

24 Days in the Saddle for Charity, including the Alps !

Departure Saturday 1^st September 2007

for MacMillan Cancer Support

Please sponsor Me!

Last time you raised £1300 for MacMillan

Please help again!

Sponsorship form in the Post Office !

VIEW FROM VIEWS

A lot has happened in the two months since I last wrote my notes, we have a new Prime Minister, is this an impressive start? I am not sure! Maybe he is out to impress us all before an early election.

Also we have had a LITTLE rain, and even smaller amount of sun.

For the farming world 2007 started with such promise, rising Farm gate prices due mainly to world food getting a little shorter in supply, and demand increasing, in general we have to prepare ourselves for more realistic food prices in the. This has been viewed with a lot of optimism in that at last we were going to be able to get a realistic return from our labours, then nature had its say, first a very dry and hot April, devastating a lot of spring crops. This was followed by a wet cold May, and the same in, late June early July, delaying or wrecking hay and silage, also spoiling a large proportion of cereals, the quality of which will now be questionable. Then to cap it all, Foot and Mouth, thanks to DEFRA having learnt from the mistakes of 2001 decisive action was made to immediately stop all animal movements, which seem to have contained it. Having said that, a summer outbreak never seems to take hold like a winter one, we hold our breath. Was the PM’s action also part of his story as mentioned above, I ask myself. 

I think those that said, back in April, that we were in for a long hot dry summer, must by now have egg on their faces, in fairness I have yet to hear of that sort of prediction being correct. We certainly have had a wet one, I have known wet summers before but this one just about takes the biscuit. In the past the Thame has flooded in the summer but not twice. Luckily we in this area have geography on our side but those poor souls in Oxford, and other places must have suffered, I cannot imagine what it must be like to have your home flooded. This whole flooding issue is not helped by the apparent lack of maintenance nowadays, the rivers used to be cleared or dredged, every 5 to 10 years, the pictures on the TV news showed dead wood blocking the bridges. None of the roadside grips are cleared now, so all the water off the road, runs straight into the brooks, instead of soaking into the fields then slowly percolating  into the natural water courses. I realise that some of the lack of maintenance is for conservation reasons but unfortunately now those creatures that we are trying to conserve are drowned, there has to be a balance when dealing with nature.

As usual wild life seems to be on the quiet side at this time of year, I have noticed that since it was reported that the remains of some deer had been found on the roadside we do not see the deer that we did, I remember on Boxing day we say a family of 5 now we only seem to see the odd one. The wet weather has really benefited plant life the growth is phenomenal, the brambles just crawling all over the place, looks as if there will be plenty of Blackberries. This is the first year for some considerable time that our lawn has stayed green; this is a bit of a pain as we still have to cut the grass every week. Unfortunately in spite of all this growth not all plants are baring an abundance of fruit, all growth and no fruit, in some cases.

This out of the ordinary weather has made life extremely difficult for us, harvest has been a stop and go affair. Having said that it is quite unreal how the fields of corn just seem to have melted away this year. The modern Combine harvester is so efficient now that it just eats away at the crops, looking out over the valley from our windows, towards Cuddesdon & Garsington, suddenly it’s all gone, my memories of harvest is that the flags went out if we finished in August. In those days I seemed to spend my time fetching spare parts for either the combine or dryer, and if not, shovelling grain that had spilt out of a conveyor or elevator. I am reliably informed now that the modern Combine is linked to it’s manufacturer by satellite, and monitored while it is in operation, so that the driver can be directly contacted and informed if there is a problem, or one that is manifesting it’s self, or if the machine is wasting too much crop, in other words not running at optimum efficiency, what ever next. The sort of advances that I refer to, have mostly happened in the last 6 years, since I stopped playing an active part in the harvest operation.

Charles Peers

THE OLD STORE SUPPORTS THE NEW STORE

By kind permission of Henrietta Bullard, The Old Store, Haseley Road , will be hosting a Pampered Chef Evening on Tuesday 4^th September in aid of the “New Village Store” (and Post Office).  Entrance by ticket only £3, including welcome drink.  Starts at 7:30 p.m.  Contact Lesley McCaig 01844 278244 for further details and tickets (Tickets also available from the Post Office).

HURRAY FOR CABARET

Calling all artistes (all ages, genres and abilities!) come and join the talents of the village at a Cabaret Evening to be held on Saturday 13th October at the Pine Lodge at 8 .00 p.m.  Our talent scouts have been scouring the village, but we might have missed you, so please contact Alison Shelton (278144) or Lesley McCaig (278244) to discuss your performance – all welcome – musical, comedy, drama.  Book your slot and become part of the showcase of Little Milton talents.

To the less performance inclined of the village, please put the date in your diary and come and applaud our talented villagers, whilst enjoying a bistro supper and wine!  More details of the headline acts to follow shortly!

CELEBRATING A THOUSAND YEARS OF OXFORDSHIRE

“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.”

For more information visit www.oxfordshire2007.co

The Orchard Fun Day

Come and join us for an afternoon of fun and excitement

Saturday 22^nd September

11am – 2.30pm

The Pine Lodge

Pig Roast

Children’s Entertainment

Stalls

And much more………

Tickets: Adults £4 Children £2.50 and under fives free

LITTLE MILTON CINEMA CLUB

at the Pine Lodge

Sunday 16^th September 3pm

‘Mr Bean’s Holiday ’

Tuesday 18^th September 8pm

‘Venus’

Membership includes:

Free entry

2 Films per month

6 months membership available from:

 Little Milton post office

or on the door

Adult/Child £10

OAP £7.50

“STRANGE GOINGS ON IN GNOME WORLD”

For many years we have enjoyed a peaceful life in our garden in Chiltern View and we were always delighted to speak to the children who popped in from time to time. We knew that they were happy after speaking to us …we could hear them! Then suddenly a few weeks ago when we woke up we noticed that some of our family was missing!! We were distraught as we loved each other. We also thought of all the children as well. So can you help restore happiness for us?

in gnome world as well as for all the children who visit us?

If you know where our missing friends are let Mr Fergusson know or if by chance you were attracted to take us away please return us to gnome world.

Life in gnome world is not the same anymore……..PLEASE HELP US .

Head of Gnome World

278833

LITTLE MILTON W.I.

Next Meeting:  Our local policewoman will talk about her role in these village communities.  This will be followed by a question and answer session where we can raise any concerns and local issues.  Visitors are welcome to join us at 7:45pm on Thursday, 13^th September at The Pine Lodge, Little Milton.

Our last meeting was held on one of the rare balmy August evenings at The Study Centre, Views Farm near the river, just before the Cuddesdon bridges.  Members of Stadhampton WI joined us as guests at a candlelit Bring & Share Supper to relax and chat through the evening, while enjoying the superb views of late summer colours in the surrounding fields and hedgerows. Our warm thanks to Heather and Charles Peers for their hard work and generous hosting of this event. As the evenings start to draw in and autumn takes shape, the WI is a great way to either get a taste of or to learn more about art and craft subjects - with the craft of quilling, flower arranging (with Beverley of Posies, Chalgrove) and Learning to look at Modern Art (with Pat Dugdale) covered in our following three meetings.  Also, the WI’s own Denman College at Marcham, near Abingdon, has a wide range of residential and day courses on offer. These are very popular; with this year’s bookings well up on last year.

President:  Pam Assiter, 278228; Secretary:  Heather Peers 279352; Press Correspondent:  Lyndell Dixon, 279275

SEWING GROUP

Thank you  Pat for hosting the group last month when we all worked on curtains apart from our visitor Claire (from Windsor ) who worked on a scarf! This month in September we are meeting on Monday 17th September from 11.30 onwards at Willowbank, the home of Anne Hawkins. Please do telephone Anne (on 279526) by Sunday 16th if you’re staying for lunch to help with the catering.

NB. Change of time to accommodate the Yoga class members!

Sally Ann Dennis

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP?

In approximately three weeks time I will be taking part in a charity humanitarian aid lorry convoy to Kosovo. This former Yugoslavian state has made little progress since the early nineties conflict with a huge number of people living in abject poverty and the few charitable organisations left there, completely overwhelmed.

Do you have any unwanted dried food stuffs, everyday toiletries especially babies and children’s needs, unused kitchen-ware or gardening tools? Family size bags of pasta and rice would be particularly welcome. Items with a long shelf life still to run only please.

A more comprehensive wish list can be found on the organising charity’s web site www.hopeandaiddirect . Alternatively, if you have an item that you think may be of use but are unsure, please don’t hesitate to call.

My contact telephone numbers are 01844 278093 or 07980189997

SCIENCE OXFORD

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

CAR SERVICE TO THE DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL

The level of demand for the service is relatively low in Little Milton but to those who need support it is vital and very much appreciated. Please give it some thought and ring me to find out more information if you are interested in helping.

Raymond Fergusson Parish Clerk

OXFORD INSPIRES

Oxford Inspires is the county’s cultural development agency and is providing coordination and practical help to put on the celebration. It receives financial support from Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, the University of Oxford , Oxford Brookes University and Arts Council England. It is also supported by a number of corporate members.

www.oxfordinspires.org

NEIGHBOURS’ CLUB

On the 18th July we had a full coach for our outing to Highclere Castle .  This is a lovely property not too far from Newbury where we were able to wander round beautiful gardens and browse around exhibitions of horse racing and Egyptian artefacts brought back by Carter after the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen.  After a very interesting afternoon it was off to Ipsden for our W.I. tea.  This is always a favourite but sadly this will be the last time we can go there as the Ipsden W.I. is disbanding because of diminishing numbers.

Our speaker at our meeting on the 26th July was Mrs Hulbert who shared with us her slides of her holiday in The Gambia.  On the 9th August we held a fish and chip lunch and Edna Rice entertained us on the piano - a very talented lady.

Last Wednesday it was our outing to Woburn Abbey and Safari Park which has been in the Russell Family since 1539.  We saw a magnificent collection of paintings, furniture, silver and porcelain plus gardens and an antique centre.  We then went on a 1-hour drive through the game reserve before returning to the house for tea before setting off for home about 4.30 p.m.

Forthcoming Events - September

13th Thur - Harvest Festival - 2.15 p.m.

19th Wed - Outing - Hidden London and Regents Canal Coat Trip

27th Thur - Bring and Share lunch (?) and card workshop - 2.15 p.m.

If you are interested in this outing please contact Mrs Cope, Woodbine Cottage, Great Milton or telephone 01844 279459

BORIS JOHNSON MP – SURGERY DATES AND VENUES SEPTEMBER 2007

Friday 14th                    4.00 – 5.45 pm              Chinnor Village Centre

Friday 28^th                    4.00 – 5.45 pm              Thame 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

SATURDAY 15^th SEPT 2007-7.00 FOR 7.30PM

THE PINE LODGE

QUIZ NIGHT

 TICKETS £ 6.00 IN ADVANCE-£7 ON THE DOOR. BAR- EXCELLENT ALES, LAGERS & WINES

 SUPERB FOOD INCLUDED

RAFFLE

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!

GREAT MILTON SINGERS

The choir will soon be starting rehearsals for a concert in Great Milton Church on November 17th. This will be a mixed programme, including a range of light songs and Haydn’s delightful setting of the “te Deum”. As usual there will be items from string and wind ensembles. In May 2008 we hope to perform Fauré’s Requiem.

Anyone is welcome to join us: no audition required. Some experience of choral singing would be helpful, but it is not essential: more important is a commitment to attend rehearsals and put in some practice!

Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm at the Bell House, Great Milton, commencing 6th September.

For further information or encouragement, or to reserve your place, please call Kate Pattison 01844 279204, or Kate Billimore 01844 339236

GREAT HASELEY AND 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 0184427323

Congratulation to all those who were successful at the Great Haseley Show Ed

TALKING SCIENCE – Events at CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

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

WHEATLEY LIBRARY

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

WHEATLEY COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP “SWAP SHOP”

15^th SEPTEMBER

The next Wheatley Community Action Group “Swap Shop” event is coming up!

Last time we had 211 visitors and we saved 679kgs of stuff from going into landfill.

Our record is still 340 visitors, and 802kg of stuff – lets see if we can beat that!

How it works:

• People bring items they no longer need, but might be of use to others.
•  Please bring items as early as you can during the swap shop, preferably no later than 10:30am.
• People take items away that they will find useful.
• Everything is free!
• You do NOT have to bring items, it is perfectly OK to turn up and just take things away.
• It's OK to bring items and leave them there - you do not have to collect them later - if nobody takes them then we will dispose of them through charity shops, Freecycle or recycling.
• We can’t handle items that are too big for one person to carry, so instead there is a notice board where you can leave details of your item and a contact phone number or email.
• We can’t accept mains electrical items (battery operated and computer parts are OK).
• Please don't bring anything that really is just rubbish.
• Once again we are also recycling printer cartridges, mobile phones and aluminium foil from milk bottle tops.

The next “Swap Shop” will be held at the Merry Bells on Saturday 15^th September, 9:30am-12:00pm.

Free refreshments will be provided, so even if you have nothing to bring you could drop in for a drink and see if there's something you might like to take away!

Freecycle™ performs the same function, but is running every day! Visit your local group here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wheatley-Thame-Freecycle

*Swap Shop is one of the activities of the Wheatley Community Action Group (CAG).

For more details about Swap Shop: contact Sally Inch; Tel: 01865 361528

For more details about Wheatley Community Action Group: contact Paul Bailey; Tel: 01865 874588

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

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.

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

Advice line 01844 214827             

          Appointment Line 01844 21718

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 October  2007 Newsletter should be with the Editor at 27 Chiltern View, Little Milton, by 8.00 p.m. on 20th September 2007. The Editor reserves the right not to print items submitted for publication and to edit those items, which are published.