Jan08Newsletter

As editor I like take the opportunity to reflect on the well being of our village and to express the gratitude that we owe to relatively few people who make it such a wonderful place to live. I have now lived in the village for twenty five years and I would say that the vibrancy of today’s village is the product of the efforts that have put into the village in the past.

The Pine Lodge (Village Hall too many) has continued to be a very successful investment and provides the focal point for many village activities and provides an excellent facility for the whole community. We all need to be aware that its hard working volunteers need help and new blood is always needed to maintain its energy and enthusiasm as an organisation.

The Church of St James has been a source of comfort to many villagers since 1844 and today it is well supported by the volunteers who clean it, maintain the churchyard, and make it look so beautiful with lovely flowers. Our younger people are looked after by a group of mums who run the Sunday School. The Church bells are rung most weeks to provide a reminder of its presence but hopefully also to bring a degree of pleasure….well to most people!! The church fete was well supported in 2007 and it provides the opportunity to bring our community together. A big thank-you to everyone involved.

The third pillar of our community is the village school. Under the leadership of Eve Hunter and the support of all the governors it continues to flourish.

This year will be a critical year for our Post Office. We will know in February the Post Office Ltd’s Area Review of Oxfordshire recommendations for changes to the network. The Post Office has survived due to the dedication of Annie and her team and for that we are all very thankful. The future plans for an extension to the village hall to accommodate a shop and post office may be powerful factors in determining its future. Let us all believe.

It has been a difficult year for the Lamb. I am sure that the whole community wishes to see a pub thrive in our village. The SODC planners and the pub owners are searching for a way forward to allow a sensible development that will allow our pub to flourish into the future and at the same time make economic sense.

A new Parish Council was elected in May 2007 for a four year term. It was encouraging to actually have the six places contested. The Parish Council serves the community and maintains the community assets. It is supported by a few volunteers who maintain the recreation ground. I am sure that the village appreciates the contribution made by all the volunteers who assist the Parish Council. I was personally delighted when Oxfordshire County Council granted Village Green status to the triangle land adjacent to the Post Office. It had taken since June 2005!! The next challenge is for the Parish Council to attain Quality Council status and if it is successful it will I believe reap benefits in the future for the village.

There are numerous organisations that provide a wide range of activities for the village; W.I. The Orchard, The Music Group, The Friends of the School, Baby and Toddler Group and without them the community would be a poorer place.

The publication and distribution of our Newsletter is something that happens each month and I am sure that the Village would like to say thank you to all who are involved. I would like to thank Keith Hodges at Colourplus for his excellent service and support to me as editor.

Finally, I should like to thank Dave our Postman and his team for delivering our mail so efficiently and to all the Post Office staff for providing such an excellent service to the village. I also would like to thank Mark Willis (and family) as well as members of the Goodman family for delivering our newspapers.

As we enter 2008 let us all make very effort to ensure that Little Milton continues to be a great place to live and to paraphrase from a speech made by John F Kennedy in 1961, Ask not what your village can do for you but ask what you can do for your village.

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 12th December was attended by all Parish Councillors, the District Councillor, the County Councillor and the Clerk. There were no members of the public in attendance.

The Clerk reported that the drain grill adjacent to the 30mph road marking on the Haseley Road had been replaced.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had spoken further with OCC Highways about the leaking water that is affecting the Haseley Road . He stated that OCC Highways are treating it as a priority. Mr David Turner stated that he would approach OCC Highways on this matter as he was equally concerned about the potential dangers if the road is icy.

The Clerk stated that the widening of the verges on Church Hill and Cremar Cottages is unlikely to progress until funding is available.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had been assured by OCC Highways that the owner of Church Hill Cottage is keen to have his wall re-built but had been held up by contractors. The work should be done during the first half of 2008.

The Clerk reported that the closure of the bridge at junction 7 of the M40 is now scheduled to take place in August 2008 and should re-open by the end of 2008. There is a meeting on December 19 to finalise the final details including the diversion routes.

The Clerk informed the meeting that further to the letter he had written to the Chair of Governors of Little Milton School in respect of re-designating the slip road between Haseley Road and Gold Street for pedestrian and cyclist use only he was pleased to report that this matter had been included the school’s Safe Route to School programme and had appointed a Governor to liaise with the County Council.

The Chairman read out a letter from OCC advising the Council that the land adjacent to the Post Office had now been registered as a Village Green. The Council has now received the appropriate registration documents. The Council are currently investigating a suitable way of delineating the village green.

The Clerk informed the Council that he had now been awarded a Certificate in Local Council Administration and that this was a key factor in the Council obtaining Quality Parish Council Status. The Council RESOLVED that Cllr. Barry Coward would liaise with Clerk to prepare the necessary evidence to support an application for Quality Parish Council Status. The Council recorded their appreciation to the Clerk for his hard work in obtaining the Certificate in Local Council Administration.

The Clerk reported that he had spoken with Active TEN20 about their visit on 22^nd November 2007. As yet they had not had a team meeting to review the visit but agreed in principal to a further visit in the spring. The Council RESOLVED that a further visit linked to some outdoor activity was worthwhile and asked the Clerk to organise it with Active TEN20.

The Council had a discussion on the precept for 2008-08 based on the papers circulated by the Clerk. The key points covered related to the cost of re-instating the current Post Office, the potential cost of any borrowing to support the extension to the village hall and the level of reserves that the Council considered necessary to meet future liabilities. The Council RESOLVED to determine the precept for 2008-09 at the January 2008 Council meeting.

P07/W0419: the Thatched House, High Street: Conversion of Existing garden room to ancillary living accommodation

The Council RESOLVED that the amendments proposed to the existing approved planning application were acceptable.

P07/W1258:10 Chiltern View, installation of flue for clean burn multi fuel stove

This application has been granted planning permission by South Oxfordshire District Council.

The Council noted that subject to the District Councils agreeing appropriate funding levels, the outcome will be that sufficient funding is put in place to continue the work and functions of the three existing post-holders, and that all three posts will from 1 April 2008 be vested with the Oxfordshire Rural Community Council (ORCC).

The Council RESOLVED not to support the proposal from SODC to only refer major and minor planning applications to the Planning Committee where a town/parish council objects and the officers’ recommendation is for approval.

The Council noted that the review of polling stations carried out by SODC had no concerns in respect of Little Milton and that the Village Hall should be designated as the polling place.

The Chairman issued an updated cost and funding statement for the extension to the village hall to accommodate the shop and post office. The statement shows a contingency funding requirement of £15,000 from the Parish Council. The Council RESOLVED that an updated business plan should be made available to them to allow them to fully assess the use of public funds to support the project.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 9th January 2008 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

There will be no garden waste service over the Christmas period with collections starting w/c 7 January 2008

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 January are as follows:-Tuesday 15th; Tuesday 29th

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. The recycling centres will be closed on New Years Day

South Oxfordshire District Council needs to provide more homes mainly for the growing number of households formed by existing residents, but also to accommodate new residents. We also need to provide more employment and other development to ensure that the quality of life for residents and businesses is good and gives us a competitive advantage. We are starting work on a Core Strategy for South Oxfordshire ; its main purpose is to identify strategic issues and directions of growth for new development to 2026.

We are seeking views on issues such as the amount and location of new housing and employment, the amount of affordable housing, the size, type and density of new housing, defining a settlement hierarchy, shopping, transport and other infrastructure requirements.

We will publicise the consultation widely however if you would like to be kept informed individually please register to be on our consultation database. Please contact us:

by post: Planning Policy Team, South Oxfordshire District Council, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford OX10 8NJ

“I can now provide an update on the proposed closure of the A329 overbridge over the M40 at J7. The bridge is now planned to be closed to all traffic except pedestrians/cyclists from July or August 2008, reopening before the end of the year. This closure had originally been planned to start in March. Works will begin under the bridge probably in March 2008, but the bridge will be open to all traffic until the revised closure date. The Oxford-bound on-slip at J7 will be reopened temporarily for the duration of the closure.

I believe the A329 diversion for southbound traffic (i.e.: going from Thame to Stadhampton) will be via A40 westbound, A418 to J8a, then Sworford Lane to Little Milton A329,) but most traffic northbound will use the reopened slip road to J8a, avoiding Sworford Lane . This diversion route will be discussed at a meeting with the Highways Agency, Oxfordshire CC and the works contractor Carillion in late December to finalise the diversion routes and scheme dates, and I will contact you when I have more information before the end of the year”

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

As a Christmas present, one of my friends in America sent me a calendar, and I looked at the pictures for the months of the year. The pictures were lovely showing various scenes of the various seasons. Each picture was simply beautiful. It was not, however, so much the pictures that caught my eye, breathtaking though they were, but it was the designation of certain weeks in the year which drew my attention.

I could understand weeks such as Christian Aid Week and One World Week, but I was rather mystified by National Downshifting Week. Believing that such a week could only be held in

America

, I was surprised to discover that National Downshifting Week was the brainchild of an English Woman, Tracey Smith, who realised that to have more things we have to work harder, which in turn means we have less time to spend with friends and family.

“Downshifting” isn’t a word I would use in a normal day, but I suppose it has something to do with dropping down a gear, being kind to yourself and the earth, and taking it one step at a time. Tracey Smith’s suggestions included cutting up a credit card, eliminating three non essential purchases during the week and turning off the television and listening to the radio instead, but that may be one we’ve done already.

But the suggestion which was my favourite was the advice to “Book a half-day off work to spend entirely with someone you love,” and then she added, “No DIY allowed.”

Now, Tracey Smith wasn’t the first to suggest that valuing people-and taking care of you-is a pathway to health and happiness. The Bible tells us, that at the Creation God had a day of rest and it was called the Sabbath. Moses passed it on to God’s people in the Ten Commandments; even Jesus alluded to making some space for ourselves when he said, “Don’t worry about your life…..Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?”

So as we drop down a gear, we may come closer to both caring for ourselves and others and building God’s kingdom of justice and joy on earth as it is in heaven.

A New Year is here, and we are making a list of New Year resolutions. We would all do well to include something of Tracey Smith’s brainchild in our own particular list and what’s more resolve to keep it.

We should like to thank everyone who went to make Christmas such a wonderful occasion in all our parishes. There was some superb music, amazing flower arrangements and all manner of other things. All these things came together in a special way adorning the birth place, so to speak, of the new born King. There are undoubtedly many very gifted people in our parishes, and they deserve and get our congratulations.

Special congratulations, if I may so put it, go to the children of our schools and parishes who gave us so much of themselves. The enthusiastic presentation in St. Peter’s, of Jesus Christ Superstar, was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Christingle Service with Little Milton School and Great Milton School ’s Hosanna Rock, and their amazing contribution to Great Milton’s Carol Service all pointed to the truth that when God speaks through a child he speaks a language we can all understand. So very well done, all our children.

At the services with our children and at the other Christmas Services, as we all went to Church, the air was filled with the sounds of the bells pealing out their message of welcome, love and peace. Bell ringers have a special vocation and we thank them for their reminding us of eternal truths. Our children, in particular, said how thrilled they were to think that the bells were being rung for their special Christmas Services.

A number of people coming to St. Mary’s said how appreciative they were for having the church paths lit by oil lamps, giving an even more special feel to the services. We need to thank Les Preston for seeing to this for us.

In 2008, Easter is very early, the 23^rd March. Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent is thus very early and it falls on the 6^th February. We are planning the Lent Lunches already, and during Lent we shall be holding the usual Lent services. I just thought you ought to be aware of these things.

We welcome into the Lord’s Family Ella May Lambert who was baptised in St. James’ Church, Little Milton on the 1^st December. Please do remember little Ella, and her parents, Kelly and Tony, as Ella begins her Christian journey among us.

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 Monday11th February 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 am delighted to say that, thanks to you, our carol singing around the village raised a magnificent £200. This will be added to other funds raised by Little Milton School to help build a sick bay for the Caesar Mlumbi School in South Africa where each of the 200 pupils have no choice, at present, but to walk for two hours to get home if they are taken poorly.

Many thanks to the frost-bitten but merry singers along with our stalwart collectors, George and Ollie, who did such a sterling job. Thank you also to the Oddies for their warm welcome on such a cold Winter’s night and to Doug and Pauline at the Lamb who offered the brave final four a much needed festive retreat.

At the start of a New Year there are new beginnings and also some farewells…Sarah and Lucinda have decided to retire from teaching after 11 and 8 ½ years respectively and we would like, through the Newsletter, to thank them publicly for their wonderful contributions to the success of our Sunday School. They will both be much missed but have said they are available should we run short of adults (a fatal mistake!!). Thank you Sarah and Lucinda for everything you have given and shared…. This month sees our Annual Epiphany Party from 11-12.30 on Sunday 6^th January up at the Village Hall and this year our party has even more surprises…even a PCC member or two perhaps?! Join us and find out….The second date is a more usual teaching session at Church on Sunday 20^th January between 11 and 12.30 in Saint James Church. If you’re thinking of coming along and/or your child is aged 4 or over do phone 278029 for more details or just come along!

The tragic death of Gareth at the age of 22 has brought great sadness to us all.

Gareth and his mother Wendy moved to little Milton twelve years ago. Gareth was always an active young man with a love of skateboarding and a talented wake broader. He was always climbing or jumping off trees or indeed any surface he could climb. Gareth was also a very sensitive and loving person. He adored and loved his Mother and always felt responsible for looking after her. Many people have come up to me to tell me of his kind deeds, he was never one to talk about things just someone who helped people when he could. Gareth loved star gazing and he and Charlotte could often be found studying the stars at night, talking about the universe.

Laterally he loved his motor bike. I remember when he first got his bike he practiced hard so that he could excel at his chosen sport. Gareth was so pleased to be winning prizes and had become a talented rider with a great future in the sport he loved.

We will miss him so much, he brought joy and good times into our lives. In his own words “It’s all gravy baby”’

Bruce, Alison and especially Charlotte would like to thank friends and neighbours who have been so kind and supportive over the last few weeks.

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

I am delighted to say that following the generosity of so many people in the village and at my work, I was able to send a total figure of £2,501.50 to MacMillan Cancer Support. Each of you, who made out your cheques to MacMillan, with your address, should have received a thank you from them direct. The balance was over £1900.

There will be a presentation evening including food and wines from each region I travelled through plus slides and a full account of the route, the highs and the lows of the journey on Saturday, 12^th January at the Pine Lodge. If you have ever wondered what is like to cycle across the Alps, through the vineyards of Burgundy & Champagne , or even to begin to think about such an undertaking, this is your chance Please come along for a great evening, in support of the Village Shop & Post Office Project. Thanks again

Once again Otmoor W.I. put on an excellent Christmas Lunch for us on the 6th December. Thirty members and their guests sat down and enjoyed a really happy time together. After we were all very well wined and dined we were entertained by Kate and John and before we knew it, it was 5.00 p.m. and time to say Merry Christmas to everyone and depart until next year. The Club will open again on Thursday, the 24th January 2008.

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

Our January meet will take place on Sunday 6^th January at 10.30 a.m, when we will do a Farm Walk.

Next Meeting: Our February meeting will be held at The Pine Lodge, Little Milton at 7:45 pm on the 14^th February- speaker to be confirmed. Visitors are very welcome.

At our Christmas meeting Pat Dugdale gave us a useful insight and understanding of how modern art has developed, what it means and its objectives. Pat used comparisons of works of art created in the classical tradition of polished representation with works that evolved from modern art movements of impressionism, symbolism, cubism, etc. In these works ideas about features such as the subject, colour, pattern and shape were the artist’s focus. We were surprised how innovative many traditional artists, for example Constable, were considered in their day. By the end of the evening we felt more confident to understand and enjoy modern art in its various forms.

National WI campaigning for 2008 will stress environmental issues – to find out more details see www.theWI.org.uk/carbonchallenge. This ties in with the more traditional WI emphasis on home cooking using locally-sourced ingredients – see our new cookbook Soups for all seasons (available from 7.1.08) for warming food that cuts air-miles. The WI is also supporting Fair-trade Fortnight that runs from 25 February to 9 March, encouraging people to buy products with the Fair-trade logo – this helps women get better paid jobs to support their families and gain more respect in their communities.

It is also the 60^th anniversary of our education college, Denman at Marcham in Oxfordshire – demand for its wide range of courses and activity days has strongly increased in recent years. With its beautiful gardens and picturesque lake it will be the scene of happy celebrating this year.

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

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.

Welcome to 2008 and as I write my first notes for the New Year I am looking out on the most beautiful scene of sharp frost and bright sunshine, so much for global warming! I hope that you all enjoyed the festive season and are settling back into the routine once again.

Settling back into the routine for me unfortunately means that this month’s “V F V” once again may seem full of diatribe about the world situation regarding the supply of food yet again, but I do think that it is a real issue and that it would be wrong not to mention it, and the possible implications.

At the moment the more vociferous of the organic bodies is condemning the air freighting of organic produce all over the world, food miles etc. This ignores the fact that in many cases this produce is not only a livelihood but a lifeline for some in developing countries. Who are we, who travel the world on expensive holidays and demand out of season produce from far flung countries, to preach about this, I expect most of it is transported on scheduled flights any way. This also ignores the issues regarding certain crops requiring more extra energy inputs if grown locally than that that is expended in transporting it by air. You cannot win! Organic Farmers & Growers which is the organisation that I am involved with, stands back from making this sort of statement as we try only to certify good, honest organic food.

The real hot potato at the moment is “genetic modification” (GM). Our ability to control or choose the way forward within the EU now looks in jeopardy. A number of government “stealth” measures mean that we will be forced to accept it whether we like it or not. A recent news item from the NFU states as follows; “There are a growing number of GM crops which are authorised for use by our trade partners, but not by us. We now need to import more maize, but are less and less able to set the tone on the world market.

China

and other emerging countries are now also big importers and do not all share our hesitations about GMs. In this situation, many Argentine maize-producers appear to be switching to GM varieties. If this happens on a large scale,

Brazil

will be our only significant non-GM supplier. And who knows how long the Brazilians would hold out”.

This is all part of a situation that is perhaps becoming the reality that is the shortage in the world supply of food. It is also why I have always taken the view that although we do not wish to mess with food too much, we do have to look seriously at technologies such as genetically modifying plants. If it may be only to feed ourselves, let alone to counter the effects of “Global Warming”. Of course, as mentioned above, the biggest problem is the fact that we do not or will not have the choice. This is why the organic movement is adamant that there should be no GM’s in organic food or organic food production. The debate within organic circles is that the EU is giving GM’s a 0.9% threshold whereas we are saying that if little as 0.1% is detectable then that should be the threshold.

Recently I attended the “Thame Christmas Prime Stock Show Dinner” this is a great occasion and follows the Christmas prime stock show at Thame market. This show is an annual event for farmers to show their best animals and to compete with other farmers. The showed animal will have been chosen back in the summer and given special treatment and food and then painstakingly manicured and coiffured on the morning of the event in the hope of winning one of the coveted silver cups. Usually the trade for stock at this time of year is a little better than normal and particularly if a prize is to be won the animal may well fetch an even higher price. You can imagine there is great rivalry and competition, with a good time being had by all. The show was always topped off with a dinner, where all the cups for a multitude of classes (donated by various agricultural suppliers that do not exist anymore) such as best of certain breeds, best heifer, best steer, best pair and so on, are presented.

I have attended this dinner most years for some 30 years now, along with some 250 of my colleagues at the “Spread Eagle”. One of the highlights of the evening is the guest speaker. This year we were entertained by Boris Johnson, who was his usual effervescent self. This time he had a go at the government over ridiculous regulations, explaining that in the summer he had made some damson jam but could not sell it as he had not declared the percentage of sugar in the contents. He also made great play on the fact that very show that he was attending can no longer be called as it used to be, a “fat stock show” as the use of the word “fat” is no longer “P C” and he commented on the fact that as there was a problem nationally with obesity it was obvious that we farmers were doing a very good job.

This month I have to admit that this is a joint effort of mine and my son Robert’s in fact I have to admit that in the past he has helped me a great deal in making what I wanted to say make sense so in future this will come from the both of us.

Oxfordshire Children’s Information Service provides a wealth of FREE information and advice on childcare and services for children, young people and families. Your child may soon be starting school, so you may like to consider returning to work. OCIS offers advice both on choosing suitable childcare options and financial help that may be available to you, such a child tax credits.

If you have just moved to the area, or have just had a child, you may be looking for a local nursery or toddler group. We have a comprehensive list of all pre school provision in your area. We can help you find your local children’s centre; an excellent place to get to know people and to take advantage of all the services they offer, such as crèche facilities, a drop in or childcare services.

We also offer information on careers and jobs in the childcare sector and one to one support if you are new to this type of work. Or, if you want to get straight into a job, we also produce a newsletter giving information on live vacancies in your area.

For all the information your family needs, call us on 08452 26 26 36, text ‘information’ to 07895070818 or visit our website www.oxoncis.org.uk

Children in Touch is an Oxfordshire charity supporting young people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

We are looking for volunteers who can spare a couple of hours a week to Befriend a child, young person or adult with ASD. No previous experience is necessary as we provide full training and support.... all you need is enthusiasm and enjoy having fun whilst supporting someone to engage in play and leisure activities, such as playing games, bowling, going to cafes, walks, swimming, arts & craft, or simply watching TV and movies at home!

Our next training session begins in early February 2008 and will be held in Oxford.

If you would like to find out more or book a place on our training session please contact Jenny or Gita on 01844 338696 or email jenny@autism-fs.org.uk

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

A field of 28 players competed for the prestigious “A Johnson – Not Dead but Forgotten” trophy with Little Milton associate MLR winning on count back (37 Stableford) points from ex-Plum Tree Cottage resident Alan Matthews; third and fourth places went to Nick Jones (36) and Angus Hutchinson (Plum Tree Cottage again!), respectively.

For the first time in its 26 year history the competition enjoyed the participation of Little Milton ladies, with Kerstin Tamm winning the longest drive (all the way from

Sweden

) and Hil Pennick and Angie Jones being the foundation of a superb winning team performance.

Doug and his team at the Lamb provided a wonderful feast for all players, their families and friends with over 60 people cramming themselves into the pub for post-golf festivities. Thanks Doug.

Look out for the announcement concerning 2008’s event in the November newsletter, until then Fore!!!

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.

Saturday 5^th. Walk. Meet at Redbridge Park & Ride car park Oxford at 09:30am for a 13 mile walk to Abingdon via Bayworth and Sunningwell, returning via Radley and the river. Pub stop. 01865 874300.

Sunday 6^th. Walk. Meet at Whiteleaf Cross car park at 10:00am for a 6.5 mile walk via Brushhill Nature Reserve, Whiteleaf Hill, Lower Cadsden , Pulpit Hill and Sergeants Woods. 01844 353296.

Thursday 24^th. Walk. Meet at Stokenchurch (public car park next to Kings Hotel) at 10:00am for a 7 mile morning walk to Pophley's wood, Bledlow Ridge, Radnage and Crowell Wood. Optional pub stop at end. 01844 339352.

Sunday 3^rd. Walk. Meet at Thornhill Park & Ride car park, Oxford at 10:00am for a 7 mile walk to Stanton St. John and Beckley . Sorry, no dogs. 01865 358905.

Thursday 7^th. Walk. Meet at Tetsworth (park on the green opposite Old Red Lion PH) at 10:00am for a leisurely 6 mile walk to Copcourt, Chalford and Prospect Hill. Sorry, no dogs. 01844 215624.

Thursday 21^st. Walk. Meet at Parslows Hillock (park at the Pink & Lily PH) at 10:30am for a level 4 mile walk in the Chilterns via Great Hampden. Optional pub stop at end. 01844 339352.

Saturday 1^st. Walk. Meet at Stokenchurch (public car park next to Kings Hotel) at 10:00am for a 10 mile walk to Watlington Hill via Aston Rowant Nature Reserve and Ibstone Common. Bring a picnic lunch. Sorry, no dogs. 01865 358905.

Saturday 8^th. Walk. Meet at Wantage Leisure Centre car park at 09:30am for a 13 mile walk to Letcombe Regis, East Challow and Ardington. Pub stop. 01865 874300.

Thursday 20^th. Walk. Meet at Cuddington (Crown PH) at 10:00am for a 7 mile circular walk via Upper and Lower Winchendon . Optional pub stop at end. 01844 213608.

Saturday 29^th. Walk. Meet at Great Tew car park at 09:30am for a 15 mile walk via Broughton and local villages. Pub stop. 01844 339969.

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

Fitness & Yoga classes will be having a break over Christmas and New Year. Classes will recommence on Monday 14th January 08. Everyone welcome.

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

SAVE THE DATE *** SAVE THE DATE *** SAVE THE DATE

50’s/ 60’s Dance

Saturday, 1 March 2008

The Pine Lodge

Music by Stan the Man and his friends

Proceeds to Sobell House Hospice Charity

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

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

QUIZ NIGHT SATURDAY 19^th JANUARY 2008-7.00 FOR 7.30PM

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.

A unique series of winter lectures brings together leading gardeners and garden designers to give us their perspective on gardening. The lectures take place at 8.00 p.m. in the Nelson Mandela Auditorium at the Said Business School . Tickets cost £10.00 (includes a glass of wine) or £45 for the series of five lectures. To reserve tickets call 01865 286690.

Thursday 14^th February 2008

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 February 2008 Newsletter should be with the Editor at 27 Chiltern View, Little Milton, by 8.00 p.m. on 20th January 2008. The Editor reserves the right not to print items submitted for publication and to edit those items, which are published.

Friday 4th Jan.	Chalgrove Village Car park	8.00 – 11.00 am
Friday 11th Jan.	Chalgrove Village Car park	8.00 – 12.00 pm
Saturday 12th Jan.	Wheatley Primary School	8.00 – 11.00 am
Friday 18th Jan.	Chalgrove Village Car park	8.00 – 11.00 am
Friday 25th Jan.	Chalgrove Village Car park	8.00 – 11.00 am
Sat 26th Jan.	Wheatley Primary School Chalgrove Village Car park	8.00 – 12.00 pm 8.00 – 12.00 pm

6th	9.30 a.m.	All age worship led by Mr Geoff Baker
13th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mr Andrew Maisey
20th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mrs Betty Blake
27th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mr Colin Watts

1	Luxury Xmas Hamper	Steve Lingard	278440
2	Selection of wines	Price 14 Chiltern View
3	Hamper	Blagg	278927
4	Butcher’s Block	Jim Coles 32 Old Field
5	Body shop gift box	S Smith	278347
6	Bottle Curacao	Angus Hutchinson	278574
7	Impulse body spray gift	Mrs Collins	278051
8	Bottle Pignolletto Fizz	Preston	279788
9	Gift pack Ballymalloe Relish	J Hambridge	01865 872188
10	Gordon’s Gin	Bex Gannon	279937
11	Lush Pamper Pack	Kezia Denham	279420
12	Brace of pheasants	Freear	278033
13	Lush Christmas gift box	Marianne	01865 891641
14	Basket pickles & preserves	Dave Ponting	278187
15	Bottle Strawberry Liquor	Elaine	279624
16	Box Roses’ Chocolates	Brough	279490
17	Lavender body & bath products	R Dunbabin 21 Chiltern View
18	Snowy Polar Bear	Sian Smith	278347
19	Box of soaps	Hil Pennick 31 Chiltern View
20	Blue & yellow vase	Vicky	279478
21	Necklace	R Smithson c/o Orchard

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

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

OXFORD INSPIRES

QUIZ NIGHT SATURDAY 19^th JANUARY 2008-7.00 FOR 7.30PM

Thursday 14^th February 2008

LITTLE MILTON

GREAT HASELEY

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

OXFORD INSPIRES

QUIZ NIGHT SATURDAY 19th JANUARY 2008-7.00 FOR 7.30PM

Thursday 14th February 2008

QUIZ NIGHT SATURDAY 19^th JANUARY 2008-7.00 FOR 7.30PM

Thursday 14^th February 2008