Nov07Newsletter

The Council meeting held on Tuesday 9th October was attended by four Parish Councillors and the Clerk.

The Clerk reported that significant progress had been made by OCC Highways in clearing the outstanding items. In respect of the surface water between Haseley Road and Gold Street a site visit has taken place and a course of action agreed to improve the situation. The Clerk also informed the meeting that a number of street signs had been removed to reduce the “clutter” as well as the re-positioning of the school sign at the bottom of Churchill.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had arranged a visit of the ActiveTEN20 bus on 22^nd November between 5.00 pm and 6.30pm. and that the information had been included in the newsletter. He explained that he had invited comment on the timing of the visit but so far there had been no response. The first visit is at no cost to the parish but funding would be necessary if further visits were deemed to be beneficial.

The Clerk briefed the Council on information he had received from Mr Mark Willis. He reported that the grass cutting was coming to an end but that the moles on the recreation ground had been very active. Mr Willis proposed that the Council require a more systematic approach to controlling the moles and he recommended that the Council approach Spadework UK Ltd for a quotation for an annual contract. The Council RESOLVED that this was the best way forward and that Mr Willis should obtain the necessary quote

PO7/W0765 & W0764/LB: Brookside Cottage Haseley Road : Demolition of existing conservatory and replacement with sun room. Construction of extension to utility room with cloakroom and entrance lobby. New external stone screen wall and replacement windows. The Council RESOLVED that these planning applications should be approved by South Oxfordshire District Council.

P07/W0839 & W07/838/LB: The Lamb High Street : Forthcoming Planning Committee at SODC

The Chairman outlined the Council’s position on the forthcoming Planning Committee at SODC. The Council would be represented by Cllr. Tim Robinson as well as a spokesperson from Punch Taverns.

The Chairman informed the meeting that the grant application to the Lottery Fund had been turned down but that other avenues of funding were now being sought. A possible source would be Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN) who recently made a National Award to the trustees of the Pine Lodge at a ceremony in London .

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 14th November 2007 at 8.00 p.m. in The Pine Lodge Little Milton unless there is a need to convene any planning or other meetings.

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

consultations, on request from the Parish Clerk (Raymond Fergusson –279150). Current Council member are:

Cllr. Mabel Wood, Cllr. Alison Shelton , Cllr. David Wakeling, Cllr. Tim Robinson

As you will know, there has been a very long and drawn out battle between Punch Taverns and South Oxfordshire District Council regarding proposals to enlarge the Lamb to ensure its viability for the future.

Following the last attempt (their third) by Punch to have their plans passed, which failed, the Parish Council asked Punch Taverns to have one more try, with the full support of Little Milton Parish Council, and our District Councillor John Nowell Smith, and we asked for the plans to be seen and decided upon by the full SODC Planning Committee, rather than by the Planning Officers.

The meeting was held on October 10^th, and the Parish Council was very ably represented by Tim Robinson, with Punch Taverns and their architects also making representations to the Committee. In our speech we stressed the importance of the Lamb to Little Milton, and the risks associated with refusal.

To our astonishment and dismay, the Councillors supported their Officers recommendations for refusal. They were prepared to discuss some extension, but not the size required by Punch Taverns.

What happens now is unclear, but we have assured both Punch Taverns and Doug & Pauline that we will continue to support whatever they want to do. We are keeping in touch with all parties and will attempt to achieve a satisfactory solution if at all possible.

PS You can view the Planning meeting held on 10 October 2007 on the following website and watch the arguments put forward to support the planning application.

Recycling of electrical goods goes countywide
Keen recyclers all over Oxfordshire are now able to dispose of electrical items from their homes in an environmentally friendly way - thanks to changes introduced by Oxfordshire County Council. Items such as unwanted toasters, stereos and irons can now be taken to all eight of Oxfordshire County Council's waste recycling centres for the first time.

Where has the facility been available?
It had already been possible to recycle such items at:

The changes have been made following the introduction of new national regulations this year to cover the disposal of electrical items from domestic premises.

The introduction of the “Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment Regulations”, known as WEEE for short, means that unwanted items of electrical equipment should be taken to a registered site from where they will be taken back for refurbishment or recycling at the cost of the producer.

Every household in Little Milton recently received an information pack from trading standards this coincided with the sitting of a number of no cold calling signs around the village. You also had delivered a booklet on Home security and an ultra violet marker pen to be used to mark all your electrical items with your post code and house number or first two initials of your house name. If you require further security information or book a free security survey of your home please call Lesley Nesbitt your local Crime Reduction Advisor on 08458505505, extension 7134945

If you have a cold caller call at your home and you say no and they go away please contact trading standards to let them know, their telephone number is in your pack.

If you have a cold caller at your home who will not go away or if you believe you have been the victim of a distraction burglary contact Thames Valley police on 0845 8 505 505 or in an emergency call ‘999’

In April 2008 the current concessionary travel scheme which allows free local travel for off-peak bus services will be replaced by a national scheme.

Who is eligible for the new free bus pass? People aged 60 and over, and disabled people of any age who qualify under certain categories.

What are the eligible categories of disability? There are seven categories of disability:

d) has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his/her ability to walk,

f) has a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning,

g) would, if he/she applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have his/her application refused pursuant to section 92 of that Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.

Where can I travel with the new free bus pass? The national scheme will allow pass holders free off-peak bus travel anywhere within England on local bus services. The scheme will not include long distance services such as National Express. It will not include travel in Scotland and Wales .

What time can I travel using my new free bus pass? The new scheme offers free travel from 9.30am to 11.00pm on weekdays and all day at weekends and bank holidays.

Will I need a new bus pass? Yes, because the scheme will be nationwide it will be necessary to have a nationally recognised bus pass. Therefore, the Government has decided to introduce a standard bus pass throughout England .

Where do I get my new pass? Your local Council will arrange for the new national passes to be issued.

When will I get my new pass? The new bus passes will be issued in February or March 2008.

Will I have to pay for my new pass? No, the passes will be issued free of charge but you may have to pay for a replacement if you lose your pass.

Is there a limit on how many journeys I can make? No, you can travel as far and as much as you like.

Will the new passes be smartcards? The new bus passes will contain a microchip which can store information electronically. This is to enable electronic ticketing methods to be introduced some time in the future.

Will I need a new photo for my new bus pass? Yes, you will need to submit a new passport size photograph to ensure that your new bus pass has an up to date image of you.

Can I have my photo taken at the Council Offices? Yes, digital photographs can be taken at the Council Offices in Crowmarsh to be used on the bus pass. This service is offered free of charge but you need to make an appointment.

I do not have a bus pass at the moment, how do I get one to use now? You need to complete an application form. These are available on the website www.southoxon.gov.uk or from local town council offices in Didcot, Wallingford , Henley or Thame.

I have already claimed travel tokens; can I still get a bus pass? No, sorry not for this financial year, but you can request an application form for the new national 2008 scheme.

Can I still claim travel tokens for this year? Yes, if you have not already claimed them and do not already have a bus pass.

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 November are as follows:-Tuesday 6th; Tuesday 20th

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.

I would like to thank all those who have cut the grass during the past six months. Hopefully the winter will kick in and the grass will stop growing!!

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

A quarter peal will be rung on Sunday 18^th November for the Queen’s Diamond Wedding. The ringing will commence at 2.30 p.m. There will also be a quarter peal being rung at St Mary’s Great Milton at the same time. It should be a joyful sound across the two villages.

Remembrance Sunday falls on the 11^th November, and this year the Benefice Remembrance Day Service will be held in St. Peter’s, Great Haseley. On this day we shall gather at the Village War Memorial at 10.45, and after the wreath-laying ceremony we shall move into the Church for the Service.

During the 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion at St. James’, Little Milton, we shall pause and lay a wreath on the War Memorial in the Church, and at the 9.30 a.m. Sung Communion in St. Mary’s, Great Milton we shall also commemorate those of the village who died for their country, and after the Service we shall move to the War Memorial and lay a wreath on behalf of us all.

It used to be said that people would forget, but the reverse is true. As we look at a War Memorial and read the names, there is in a sense a restoring of the individuality of each person. The person unrecognised and unknown becomes known again. Some say it’s childish fantasy that God can care for each soul, that he knew us from the womb; yet the drive to restore to each person their name and character reveals a deeper instinct which will not allow any person to be obliterated, unremembered, or die without trace. Whilst we are apt to forget, it is salutary to remember that God cannot, and does not forget.

Our Harvest Festival this year was truly wonderful. The Church looked resplendent for the occasion, and we congratulate and thank all those who went to enormous trouble to make it so.

Afterwards, a most enjoyable Harvest Lunch was held at the Pine Lodge. We were so grateful to those who took the time and effort to see that we were well provided for. They truly do deserve and get our heartfelt thanks.

Harvest Festival is a time when we with thankful hearts remember what we have. We also need reminding from time to time, of those who starve, and the urgent demand which calls us to share what we have with those less fortunate than ourselves.

Whilst we enjoy what we have, there are many who are disadvantaged and less fortunate than ourselves. It is most fitting, therefore, that the produce given at our Harvest Festival is given to the Leonard Cheshire Home at Burcot.

At our Annual Parochial Church Meeting it was suggested that occasionally there might me an Evening Service. In response to this, there will be a Special Service for the day at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday 25th. I am more than happy to arrange services if there is a need. If you feel such an evening service would be helpful to you, then we shall look forward to seeing you on the 25^th at 6.30p.m.

The next meeting of the PCC will be held on Wednesday 21^st November at 7.45 at the Rectory.

On the second Monday of each month there is a service of prayer, readings and hymns in Fullers Field Community Room, Great Milton. The service is shared with our Methodist friends. The service starts at 6.00pm and lasts about 30 minutes. The next service is scheduled on Monday 12th November 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.

I’m one of those people who tend to wake up early, and as the dawn light filters through the curtains it’s often a time to remember. Half-asleep, the mind wanders, and runs over some past experience. Like dreaming, it’s about re-living, re-assessing, learning from the past, and I guess when this happens to us, the purpose, whether we know it or not, is to help shape our future.

Years ago, I happened to visit an elderly relative in the Star and Garter, the home for former members of the armed forces. The Home is a grand building high above the Thames in Richmond , just up the road from the Poppy Factory. It was November and Remembrance Sunday. The act of Remembrance in that home was a tearful and powerful occasion, as people re-lived their military service and thought of comrades they knew. ‘They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.’

For most of us, though, it’s getting harder to enter into those experiences, even if we try to use our imaginations. You hear people asking, “What’s the point? It’s all so long ago”. Well, my half-asleep thoughts are part of the answer. We remember in order to learn, to re-assess not only history, but the present, and the future. The past in all its horror has brought us to where we are. The present has its own horrors, and whatever our views on what the armed forces are being asked to do, they deserve our prayers. And the future? Well that’s what we’re responsible for-when we vote, when we petition or demonstrate, and indeed, when we pray, as we do now.

Lord of peace, as we remember people who have died in many conflicts, show us how to make real their hopes for a better, more peaceful future. Help us to be peace-makers. Amen.

Muriel Lunt died peacefully at Sutton Manor Nursing Home on 1stOctober. She was aged 94. I am sure that she will be remembered fondly by many villagers. Our thoughts are with her children Robin and Jenny at this time.

Aprons

Calling all cooks………………..

Does your ‘Little Milton Apron’ need updating or have you never had the pleasure of owning one?

Buy a newly designed apron with artwork of St James’ Church, The Lamb and Little Milton Primary School in burgundy on a white background. With its own little pocket you and your mobile need never be apart!!

Only £7.50 each.

They make ideal Christmas presents.

For sale in the Post Office or ring Theresa Quested 01844 278922/ Sarah Jones 01844 278120

Proceeds to St James Church

When I first moved to Little Milton I visited the local church. On the wall is plaque with the names of the men from the village died in the war. It always makes me sad to see the names of so many young men who gave their lives for us. Years later when my son Matt joined up and was sent to Afghanistan , I started to think about these young men and who they were and decided to see if I could find a little about them. Little did I know that one of them was a relative of mine.

George Wood

George was the 8^th child of Richard and Sarah Wood. Richard was a Thatcher born in Little Tew and Sarah came form Garsington. They lived in a cottage on the main road four doors away from the Three Horseshoes, and later moved to Lower Street near Blenheim cottages. George was born in Sandford on Thames in 1887. He became a Thatcher’s labourer working with his father.

At the time of the First World War George was already in the army. He became a sergeant in the 5^th Dragoon guards and was killed on 31^st October 1914 in the first Ypres offensive, which took place in October and November of that year. Ypres was the scene of some of the worst fighting of the war described as being ‘all the horrors of the Somme and hell of Verdun ’. With the deaths of 500,000 in an area of 25 square kilometres.

George, like many others has no grave but his name is on the Menin Gate at Ypres .

Edwin was the son of John and Mary Adams. John was born in Little Milton and his wife Mary came from Tetsworth. John worked as an Agricultural Labourer. Edwin was born in Little Milton and the family lived in the lower street ( Haseley Road ) two doors away from the Wood family.

Edwin became a corporal in the 2^nd battalion of the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. Edwin died on 26^th August 1916 aged 26. He is buried in Sucrerie Military Cemetery , Colincamps.

Thomas George Stevens

Thomas was born in Newington the son of Tom and Harriet Stevens. His father Tom worked as a cattleman on a local farm and he married a local girl Harriet Mason. Harriet was born in Little Milton in 1871. The family lived near the General Shop on the main road.

Thomas was a private in the Queens Own Oxfordshire Hussars. The Q.O.O.H was known as the agricultural cavalry. As cavalry, they spent frustrating periods waiting in readiness to push on through the gap in the enemy’s line, which never came. They toiled in working parties bringing up supplies, digging defensive positions and frequently dismounting to fight fierce engagements on foot and in the trenches.

Thomas died on 21^st June 1917 he was just 19. That day 15 soldiers of the Q.O.O.H. died. He is buried in the Unicorn Cemetery at Vend’huile

Cecil T Ralph Swanborough

Cecil was the son of Ernest and Angelina Swanborough. He was born in Devizes Wiltshire. Ernest was a journeyman baker.

Cecil was a sergeant in the Royal Fusiliers He died on 1^st September 1917 at the age of 19 and is buried at the Dar Es Salaam war cemetery. At the outbreak of the First World War, Tanzania was the core of German East Africa . From the invasion of April 1915 Commonwealth forces fought a protracted and difficult campaign against a relatively small but highly skilled German force under the command of General Von Lettow-Vorbeck .The Germans finally surrendered on 23^rd November 1918, twelve days after the European armistice. Dar Es Salaam was the capital of German East Africa .

Charles George Colton

Charles was the only son of George and Sarah Coulton from Bicester .He had four sisters. George was a bricklayer and his wife Sarah came from Buckingham.

Charles became a corporal in the Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and died at the age of 28 on 13^th January 1918. He is buried in Epehy wood farm cemetery, Epehy.

Albert John Money

Albert died on 30^th March 1918 in the retreat in the face of overwhelming odds at the Somme , by the British and South Africans. He has no grave but is recorded on Pozieres memorial.

Frank was another one I found difficult to find. I believe his parents were Henry and Georgina Chown.

He died on 17^th October 1918 aged 25 and is buried in Sanders Keep Military Cemetery , Griainscourt-Les Havrincourt. Sanders Keep was a German fortification 2 kilometres South west of the village. It was stormed by the Scots Guards on the 27^th September 1918 and after the fight the Guards Division Burial Officer buried the British and German dead on the battlefield.

James Woodwards

James was the son of James and Emily Woodwards. James Snr. was a farm labourer, who was born in Chalgrove, his wife came from Pyrton. James Snr died in 1884.

James who was also born in Chalgrove worked, like his father as a farm labour. James married Elizabeth Brown in 1909 and they lived in Little Milton.

James enlisted in December 1914 and became a private in the Royal Fusiliers. James also served in Salonkia with the 7^th Battalion Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. Salonkia is in Greece and an expeditionary force was sent there in 1915 to fight the Bulgarians.

His name is on the Vis-enArtois memorial, which bears the names of over 9000 men who died in the period from 8^th August 1918 to the Armistice, in the advance to victory in Picardy and Artois .

On the plaque below, it lists the names of those from the village who died in the Second World War. I am sure there are villagers today who remember them and could tell us more about these men and their families.

Guardsman William Coles – Coldstream Guard died 28/06/1944 age 21 during the last German stand in front of Arezzo and the Arnon in

Italy

Sergeant Thomas Patrick Freshnes

Peter is buried in the church yard in Little Milton. Peter was an only child; his parents ran the store in the village.

Gunner Joseph Whitfield- died 18/12/1942 age 32, Joseph died as a Japanese prisoner of war and his ashes are containing in an urn together with 335 others in the shrine at the Yokohama cremation Memorial.

Whatever your personal feelings are about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq , our service man and women are out there fighting to protect others.

Bruce and I pray for Matt’s safe return in November, as we do for all our troops.

The Council's Forestry and Countryside service are undergoing a review of the pilot Tree Warden scheme which covered the areas of Henley and Watlington. The review will judge the success of the pilot scheme and determine if it could be expanded throughout the district.

The District Council has approached Parish Council’s to see if there is an interest within their local community. However before the Parish Council can respond they need to know how many volunteer Tree Wardens there are. The following information will help you decide if you would like to volunteer. If you do please contact Raymond Fergusson at 27 Chiltern View or telephone 01844 279150

The Tree Warden Scheme is a national initiative founded by the Tree Council. It enables people to play an active role in conserving and enhancing their local trees and woodlands.

Tree Wardens are volunteers who have an interest in the trees in their local environment. They do not have to be tree experts because relevant on-going training will be provided by the Council. Tree Wardens will act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Council’s Forestry & Countryside section within the local community and their roles will involve:

to develop ideas for projects, discovery where practical help and advice is needed, and become aware of threats to trees that may need bringing to the attention of the local authority.

helping to ensure compliance with Tree Preservation Orders and planning consents. Report vandalism to newly planted trees, and look out for trees showing signs of disease, or becoming dangerous through decay.

species to plant, how to deal with a damaged tree, tree planting and aftercare. Organising, or encouraging others to organise, practical projects such as tree planting for National Tree week or woodland management.

We would be extremely grateful for any donations towards our food stall. If you are able to make or bake any items please let me know. Thanks

Several people have already take a leaflet and if you would like to pack up a shoebox for a family in Romania this Christmas please do phone and I will give you a leaflet with all the details of how to go about filling the box. All boxes need to be back with me by November 10^th.

November 18th - 11.00 Special Sunday School Meeting with a visit from Cathy and her dog “Do Good” from See saw

We look forward to everyone coming on the 18^th for this special meeting when we will hear how the money we sent to See Saw from Sunday School collections has been spent. Families are also welcome for this particular occasion.

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

Well, what can I say? I know you are probably thinking-I could never do that-well, you are wrong. I am quite sure that most people, given sufficient time and the right conditioning, could achieve this. Having said that, I have been cycling for about 5 years now, having given up running (bad for you) and swimming (boring).

The main training you need to do is to slowly increase your mileage each week (10% max extra per week) and train 3-4 times per week. You also need to include hills in your schedule-any hill will do, and the Chilterns are as good as any. My schedule included climbing up and down the Chilterns twice on each long (32 mile ) run, going up at Ewelme/Swincombe, down to Stonor, and up again to Northend and Turville Heath, and down again on the A40 at Aston Rowant. Even the hill up to Milton Common is good training, if you really push yourself hard. My other advice is-stay in the saddle on the hills for as long as possible. You need to end up doing about 200 miles per week, with two long (75 miles each way) runs back to back.

Thanks to everyone who donated money to a worthy cause-I will soon be sending a cheque to Macmillan Cancer Support for nearly £1500.

Regarding a presentation. I hope to stage a “Home To Rome” Evening with slides and commentary on 23 amazing days in the next few months.

Under the Parish Council news there is reference to an organisation called Active 10/20. The Parish Council have invited them to bring their “Activity Bus” to Little Milton on November 22^nd between 5.00pm and 6.30 pm. This organisation engages with young people between 13 – 19 years old and has an excellent team of professional staff. If the venture proves to be of interest to the young people then it will help the Parish Council to work out whether this type of activity is worth supporting in the future.

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

We plan to meet on Sunday 4^th November, when we intend continue tidying up the Allotment area. The mid week volunteer party from BBOWT have been clearing the Brambles away, so that some new Allotments will be available to rent shortly. Anyone interested call either Helen D’Ayala at BBOWT HQ or myself.

For those who regularly walk the farm, you will have noticed some fencing has appeared. The area nearest the farmyard is to become more grazing land for the various animals owned by the Trust. The fenced off area in the field behind the Allotments is there to protect the ground nesting birds from people & dogs. Obviously the birds really do not want to be disturbed and with certain species increasing in number, now is the time to afford them some protection. We have Skylarks, which are thriving, but also less common these days are Corn Buntings that have settled here & are increasing in numbers.

We welcome anyone who would like to come along and get some fresh air. We meet at the Allotments at 10.30 a.m.

Phil Jones 278120

The Christmas lunch this year will be held in the Pine Lodge on Saturday 8^th December, 12.30 for 1.00pm. All Little Milton residents and their partners are welcome.

The cost of the meal is again being met by the Village Hall Management Committee. Anyone wishing to attend please contact:

Please let us know by 24^th November if you would like to come so that the chef can judge the size of the turkey!

PINE LODGE WINS

“BEST UK COMMUNITY BUILDING ”

AWARD

You may remember that I and Richard Alliston were recently invited to an Awards Ceremony to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of one of our funders, WREN, who have helped fund not only the Pine Lodge but also the Multi Use Games Area.

The ceremony was held in the Royal Society of Arts building in London WC2, and included speeches by, amongst others, Gwynneth Dunwoody MP. I had assumed that we were one of many organisations to receive an award, but to my astonishment and delight there was only one award in the Community Buildings category, and we had won it !!! Wren have funded thousands of projects on the last ten years, and the largest numbers have been Community Buildings, so we had won the most competitive category of all.

I did not lose the opportunity in my acceptance speech to thank Wren for their help, but also to point out that we had been turned down twice by the Lottery (please note Gwyneth!)

I was also amazed to discover that the envelope I was given with our plaque (soon to be proudly displayed) included a cheque for £500, which will go to Pine Lodge funds.

Stuart McGill

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.

Now that the crops are all gone and the new shoots of next years harvest are beginning to show themselves, all the animals previously hidden by the crops are now appearing. Hares that we thought scarce are now visible, and we see the deer more often though now only two when in the past we have seen been at least three and sometimes as many as five. What we also have, as do most others I gather, is an abundance of Squirrels, and my word they doing some damage! All nuts seem to have disappeared. It has been suggested that one form of action to control these pests, would be to bait some food that would render them infertile, I suggest one of the most effective controls, would a high speed lead contraceptive.

I mentioned the hares, we do not seem to have as many as we used to. I wonder if the reason is because we have changed our farming pattern in the last few years turning more to winter cropping. This was explained by Alan Tichmarsh in his nature programme the other week. He said that hares like eating young shoots, so a mixture of both planting times and crops would seem to be to their advantage, it will be interesting to see if this trend continues whilst this cropping plan becomes a permanency. The phenomenon of huge numbers of rooks as also shown on this programme, used to be a familiar sight, especially over Chiselhampton, maybe some can remember, until the woods had to be cut due to Dutch Elm Disease. It was a most extraordinary sight.

I do not as a rule have sympathy with the “Ramblers Association” but over their recent case with BMW (the old Roman road in Cowley), I do. It seems to me that this extremely old right of way, that I imagine gets a lot of use, ought to have been preserved, but then BMW have rather more resources with which to fight their case. The alternative route for this right of way I believe is to be down the side of the Eastern By-Pass. Who in their right mind would want to walk there for the pleasure of it, let alone ride a horse? On our land we have a very insignificant and short piece of footpath with an excellent alternative that we have tried to have diverted many times, but the Ramblers dig their heels in and say “No” in no uncertain terms. This means that we would have to take legal action to effect this or any other change. We could never justify this expense and just shows that money can make a difference.

Fingers crossed, it now looks as if we are out of the horrors of foot & mouth (FMD) but it now seems that blue tongue has taken over. This was inevitable, we all knew it would get here sooner or later, but that does not make it any easier. We are reliably informed that there will be a vaccine available for blue tongue sometime next year. They have one in France , but for a different strain, which means I am lead to believe, a slight alteration for it to be effective here, so let’s hope! It looked when FMD first struck that the government were going to be very supportive under a new leader, he cancelled his holiday, acted decisively and banned all livestock movements immediately. I am sure this was right. Then as with the recent floods, he promised a decent compensation package. Now we know in reality nothing has changed, the compensation for the flooded areas is a pittance, as is the £12million to farmers for a disaster caused by a Government establishment that has cost our industry upwards of £100million. Why do we have to compensate our farmers like this? I hear you say. Well, it is difficult to answer, except that our industry just could not cope with that sort of cost. This is one of the consequences of the current price of food.

The Government have also brought in a welfare cull for lambs on the uplands, which in simple terms means the government will pay for theses animals to be destroyed but of course they are not giving anything like their true value. It takes a little bit of understanding just why these animals should be destroyed. The situation is that the hills will only produce small lambs that only have a market in the Mediterranean countries, and because of the FMD restrictions cannot be exported live, therefore, we destroy them. So why don’t we use them ourselves? Well, we are told that the Supermarkets don’t like to use them as they do not fit the shelves too well. OK, so why can we not sell them as meat? Apparently the buyers will only have them alive! What is criminal is that there are plenty of people in the world starving, and there seems no mechanism to get this food resource to those in need.

On a lighter note it has just been announced by the chief scientist, that a cull of badgers would be an effective measure to combat Bovine TB. This follows an extensive report by the “Independent Science Group”, which came to the opposite conclusion, in that culling would not be effective. It beggars belief that our “Lords and Masters” could be so stupid as to commission an investigation that has taken 10 years, and cost us all a considerable sum of money then, take note of one “Experts” comment, but I bet they will! Perhaps more of this next month.

WHEATLEY COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP – open meeting – Merry Bells 6^th November 7.30pm

Wheatley Community Action Group was set up 2 years ago to “promote waste reduction, re-use, recycling and the sustainable use of resources.” So far, the main activity of the CAG group has been to organise the "Swap Shops" which have become a popular part of village life.

At the last one, on Sept 15^th 2007, 293 people came to the Merry Bells and between them took home 1273 kilos of assorted items - that would otherwise have gone to landfill.

We would welcome more help to keep these Swap shops running. (The next one will be on January 12^th 2008).

With your help we could also broaden the scope of our activities and start to make Wheatley an even better place to live. The CAG group will be having an open meeting in the Merry Bells at 7:30 pm on Tuesday 6th November - we want your ideas of what we can do for Wheatley, and would like to share some of our ideas. All are welcome – just turn up.

Next Meeting: Liz Colyer will be coming to show us how to do quilling, a fascinating and popular paper craft. Visitors are very welcome to join us at 7:45 pm on Thursday 8^th November at The Pine Lodge, Little Milton.

Update on national WI Campaigns: The WI is supporting the Tomorrow’s England project which is producing a report for each English region setting out how climate change will alter everyday life in that region as well as looking at the impact on our national parks, wildlife, economy and well-being (organisations involved in Tomorrow’s England include The National Trust, CPRE, WWF and RSPB).

The EcoTeam programme is being cascaded out through Federations and members – this involves a group of people working together to monitor and reduce their waste and energy consumption levels – even households that were already environmentally conscious made significant savings when Worcestershire Federation tried this approach – they now have 9 EcoTeams in their county.

Food campaigns - the campaign to support dairy farming has moved on to a local awareness campaign, with our national organisation producing an action pack for WIs, individuals and county federations to continue this campaign. Also, there is a new WI Living Local toolkit with ideas on how to bring more local food into our communities.

Recent Meetings: At our last meeting, Beverly from ‘Posies’ flower shop in Chalgrove showed us a range of modern and traditional flower arranging styles in a pacy demonstration that included lots of tips on caring for, displaying and prolonging the life of flowers. Unusual, effective use of foliage - especially large leaves - and superb placing of flowers created striking arrangements.

At our Group Meeting we hosted Stadhampton, Chalgrove and Watlington WIs to an entertaining Victorian Magic Lantern Show presented by Tony Brown. The glass plates from the Victorian era, some hand-painted, revealed a wealth of detail about how the Victorians lived and their sense of humour. The show included rarer ones of life in the Navy, such as the instruction of recruits and review of the Fleet by King Edward in 1902 as well as village scenes, Victorian advertisements and landmarks.

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

“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.”

Come to the BISTRO MILTON CABARET

AT THE PINE LODGE

Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company

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

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 or require transport to the surgery or hospital.

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

Sunday 4th. Walk. Meet at Wheatley (car park at the rear of the King and Queen PH), 10:00am. 6 miles to Forest Hill and Stanton St John. 01865 874300.

Thursday 29th. Walk. Meet at Tetsworth (west end of the green) at 10:00am for a 7.5 mile circular walk via Great Haseley. Optional pub stop at end. Sorry, no dogs. 01844 213608.

Since we opened Brownies and Guides here in June, we have gone from strength to strength. We now have so many Brownies a waiting list in operation. We are having lots of fun learning new things and getting to know each other.

Nearly all the girls have taken their promise, and are now working for badges. Some badges take a few months to earn, some only a few weeks. All the Brownies had a surprise at our last enrolment they were all presented with the Right to be Me badge.

Guides are working hard on their per-promise work, also on go-for-its. They have made cakes, are learning 1^st Aid.

Rainbows’ opening soon, there is a meeting on Monday 29^th October at 4.15pm in Great Haseley Village Hall. If you have someone who would like to join Rainbows come along and find out more. If this comes out to late for that, ring the number below for details.

All sections will attend The Remembrance service in Wheatley on the afternoon of Sunday November 11^th.

We recently welcomed as our speaker Mr Don Rouse MBE. Don was born in Wiltshire, brought up in Somerset and now lives in Bampton. His talk was called "Growing up in Bampton". Many memories were stirred as he had us in stitches with his tales of growing up in the country in the 50's and 60's. Our Harvest Festival was very successful, led as always by the Rev Victor Storey. The produce which had been brought along was sold and this raised £13 which will be given to CLIC. The 13th September was a chance to have another fish and chip lunch, as always a very jolly affair thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We are very grateful to the Senior Citizens' Committee for their gift of £30 - part of the proceeds of their Harvest Festival. Our last outing was to Hidden London and the Regents Canal Boat Trip, a City and Village Tour which took us to St Paul 's for lunch in the crypt. This was followed by a guided walking tour of the City visiting, among other places, Smithfields Victorian meat market. We were then taken by coach to Camden Lock where we boarded a narrow boat for a cruise on the Regents Canal , past London Zoo to Little Venice. Our next outing on the 24th October is another visit to London , this time the Birds and Bees - a City Safari.

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

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

Time to tidy up the garden ready for winter. Rake up fallen leaves and collect in a chicken wire container or in a small garden a black plastic bag tied at the top, you will have good mulch for next year. Cut down dying foliage of herbaceous plants, and add to the compost heap. Leave standing if the birds will benefit from seeds or they will look good frosted.

Shrubs, Roses, Trees - This is the best month for planting new shrubs, roses, fruit trees and hedging. They will get well established before the worst weather. They can be bare rooted or container grown. Plant in a large hole with some compost, firm well in with your heel, water in well. Keep an eye on them as strong winds can rock larger specimens.

Tulips - November is the best month for planting tulips in the ground and in pots. For a continuous display try layering a large container with various bulbs. Tulips deepest at about 16cms, iris reticulata above at 10cms and crocus on top at 5cms they should flower in succession giving colour from February to May. Chicken wire will keep squirrels from stealing the bulbs! If planting in the ground try to avoid areas planted in previously.

Vegetables - Broad beans can be planted now, ‘aqueduct’ is a good variety. Also plant garlic bulbs for next year’s crop. Sweet Peas - Can be sown under glass this month too.

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

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

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.

Most of us are aware of the plans to close down Post Offices up and down the country, and this will impact on Little Milton.

As a village we fought hard to re open our Post Office after it closed down. This was achieved through the determination of many of our villagers and Annie Rogers who took on the role of Post Mistress.

The threat is now upon us again and it is vital that everyone who cares about keeping the Post Office uses it.

Please, Please help, buy all your postal needs, pay any bills you can, buy your foreign currency, travel insurance, withdraw/deposit your cash from your bank account, and support the shop, by buying cards, bread, milk or gifts when you can. Bring your dry cleaning, mending or pick up an ice cream! Anything you purchase will help.

If you work during the week, the Post Office is open Saturday morning, please use it then.

Saturday 17th November: Christmas Craft Fayre with special guest Father Christmas in Finstock Village Hall between 2 – 5.00 pm

Friday 30th November: Ladies Pamper & Shopping Evening in Finstock Village Hall between 7.30 – 10.30 p.m. Entrance £3 includes Glass of wine & mince pie.

For more information and advice on consumer rights go to www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact your local CAB.

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

Friday 2nd Nov.	Chalgrove Village Car park	8.00 – 11.00 am
Friday 9th Nov.	Chalgrove Village Car park	8.00 – 12.00 pm
Saturday 10th Nov.	Wheatley Primary School	8.00 – 11.00 am
Friday 16th Nov.	Chalgrove Village Car park	8.00 – 11.00 am
Friday 23rd Nov.	Chalgrove Village Car park	8.00 – 11.00 am
Sat 24th Nov.	Wheatley Primary School Chalgrove Village Car park	8.00 – 12.00 pm 8.00 – 12.00 pm

4th	10.30 a.m.	Circuit Service to be held in Chinnor
11th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mr Peter Honeyball
18th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Miss Jean Stolton
25th	11.00 a.m.	Sacrament of Holy Communion led by Rev Derick Chambers

Monday Morning Monday Afternoon	10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. 1.30 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.	Open Door No appointment needed Appointments and phone advice
Tuesday Morning	10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.	Appointments and phone advice
Wednesday & Thursday	Closed
Friday	10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.	Appointments and phone advice

LITTLE MILTON

GREAT HASELEY

George Wood

Thomas George Stevens

Cecil T Ralph Swanborough

Charles George Colton

Albert John Money

James Woodwards

Sergeant Thomas Patrick Freshnes

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

Phil Jones 278120

WHEATLEY COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP – open meeting – Merry Bells 6^th November 7.30pm

Come to the BISTRO MILTON CABARET

AT THE PINE LODGE

Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company

OXFORD INSPIRES

LITTLE MILTON

GREAT HASELEY

George Wood

Thomas George Stevens

Cecil T Ralph Swanborough

Charles George Colton

Albert John Money

James Woodwards

Sergeant Thomas Patrick Freshnes

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

Phil Jones 278120

WHEATLEY COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP – open meeting – Merry Bells 6th November 7.30pm

Come to the BISTRO MILTON CABARET

AT THE PINE LODGE

Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company

OXFORD INSPIRES

WHEATLEY COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP – open meeting – Merry Bells 6^th November 7.30pm