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

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

LITTLE MILTON

GREAT HASELEY