Little
Milton Newsletter May 2008
PARISH
COUNCIL MEETING
The
Council meeting held on Wednesday 9th April was attended by all Parish
Councillors, the District Councillor, the Clerk and no members of the public.
The following are extracts from the minutes that the council need to approve at
the May meeting.
The
Clerk reported that he had spoken with
Delineation
of Village Green
The
Clerk informed the meeting that he had spoken to SODC in respect of the refuse
vehicles that access the area around the village green. As a result SODC will
carry out a site visit to establish the exact routing to avoid any problems
after the green has been delineated.
Planting
of memorial tree in recreation ground
The
Council RESOLVED to grant permission to have a tree planted in the recreation
ground in memory of Gareth Bonner. It was agreed
that details of the species and its exact location would be
given to the Council prior to any planting.
Recreation
Ground
The
Clerk reported that the grass cutting programme for 2008-09 had started and that
the work carried out by Peter Ilbury on the moles had been stopped to avoid any
damage to the mole traps. The Council RESOLVED that the Clerk would liaise with
Peter Ilbury to determine an appropriate course of action on any future mole
activity.
Planning
P08/W0076LB & P08/W0077:
The
Council noted that planning permission had been refused by South Oxfordshire
District Council.
P08/W0323:
6 Cremar Cottages:
The
Council RESOLVED that this planning application should be approved by South
Oxfordshire District Council
Land adjacent to the Plough
The
Clerk informed the meeting that he had spoken with SODC in respect of the
planning conditions imposed by the inspector on the approval of the agricultural
entrance on land adjacent to the Plough. This was in response from an enquiry by
a local resident who was concerned at the lack of landscaping on the newly
created bank. This matter will be reviewed by SODC as to whether the planning
condition in respect of landscaping has been complied with.
Extension
to Village Hall
The
Chairman updated the meeting on the status of the funding in respect of the
extension to the hall and shop project. He confirmed the refusal of funding for
£32,000 from WREN. He informed the meeting that a donation of £30,000 had been
made by Mr & Mrs J Mogford towards the project. He also stated that ESME
Fairbairn had agreed to a grant of £20,000 with a minimum loan of £20,000
available. Further grants of £15,000 and £7,500 had been applied for to
Lankelly Chase and OCC respectively. A further grant of £7,500 was in the
process of being prepared for submission to Awards for All.
The
Chairman stated that there was a possibility that the extension to the Village
Hall would not attract VAT as it was a self contained annexe and that the latest
funding statement assumed this position. However he expressed the view that the
Parish Council should investigate the possibility of recovering the VAT if they
funded the extension. This was a possible alternative way to eliminate the
impact of VAT on the building within the project. The Council RESOLVED that
the clerk should investigate the proposal so that the Council could understand
the implications on the Council’s finances and whether the proposal was within
its legal powers and review its position at a future meeting.
The
Chairman circulated a draft questionnaire that would be distributed to each
household for completion. There was a slight concern that it did not appear to allow
each member of the household to express an individual view.
Cllr
Barry Coward updated the meeting on the progress being made within the Shop
Liaison Group. He highlighted the concerns from the Chairman of the Village Hall
that a peppercorn rent may not be applicable to the shop and this was supported
by legal advice that the Charity had received. The matter was being pursued with
the Charity Commission. He also informed the meeting that the Liaison Group had
discussed the car park requirements and that the Shop Steering Group needed to
produce a specification for the Council to consider. Cllr Tim Robinson suggested
that the future car park expenditure should be factored in to the Council’s
Three Year Cash Projections.
The
Parish Council will meet on Wednesday
14th May
2008 at 8.15 p.m. in The Pine Lodge Little Milton unless there is a need to
convene any planning or other meetings.
R.
Fergusson Parish Clerk
Please note that the
complete minutes of the Council are now included on the Council website
www.littlemilton.org.uk
after they have been approved
by the Council.
Freedom
of Information Act – Parish Council Publication Scheme
Residents
can see the records of the policies and practices of the Parish Council
including
minutes, financial information and responses to planning
consultations,
on request from the Parish Clerk.
Current Council members
|
Councillor
|
01844
279092 |
|
Councillor
|
01844
278970 |
|
Councillor
Mabel Wood |
01844
279670 |
|
Councillor
|
01844
278144 |
|
Councillor
David Wakeling |
01844
278014 |
|
Councillor
Tim Robinson |
01844
278343 |
|
Parish
Clerk Raymond Fergusson |
01844
279150 |
ANNUAL
PARISH MEETING
The
Annual Parish meeting will take place in the Pine Lodge on Wednesday 14th May
2007, commencing at 7.00p.m. This meeting is not a Parish Council meeting but a
meeting at which the Council and other relevant organisations report on their
activities during the past year. It also allows villagers to raise any matters
for discussion. The Parish Council cannot be bound by any decision of the
meeting but would need to take note of the comments. This is a good opportunity
to hear what has been happening in the village from traffic, planning, finance
etc. Please come along and enjoy a glass of wine or a soft drink.
Raymond
Fergusson Parish Clerk
SOUTH
OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
CONCESSIONARY
FARES UPDATE
The new
National bus pass scheme began on Tuesday 1 April 2008 and most residents have
been issued with their new pass which allows free local travel within
SODC: WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
For
a charge of £35 residents can arrange for their unwanted vehicle to be
collected from within the District and a charge of £7.50 per bulky item e.g.
fridge furniture etc. To arrange this service residents can call the Public
Amenities Team on 01491 823416 or print a copy of the form from the Council’s
website www.southoxon.gov.uk .
BANK HOLIDAY REFUSE COLLECTION CHANGE
The collection will be Wednesday 7th May
and
not Tuesday 6th May
SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
–GARDEN WASTE
COLLECTION
Your
bin will be collected on the same day as your normal refuse and recycling.
Please ensure however that your bin is placed in a safe place that does not
obstruct the pavement or highway. The dates for May
are as follows:-Tuesday 1st,
Wednesday 7th Tuesday 20th
If
you are interested in this service please contact SODC Public Amenities on 01491
823416 or email: public.amenities@southoxon.gov.uk
or visit www.southoxon.gov.uk
COMMUNITY
WASTE VEHICLES – DOMESTIC WASTE ONLY
The
Please
note the new schedule for Community Waste Collection has been greatly reduced in
line with the reduced demand.
|
Friday
23rd May |
Chalgrove
|
08.00
– 11.00 |
|
Sat
24th May. |
|
08.00
– 12.00 |
LITTER BLITZ
– THANK YOU
I
would like to thank Helen and
Raymond
Fergusson (Parish Clerk)
CHURCH
CLEANING
W/E
3rd May
-
Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis
W/E
10th May
-
Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward
W/E
17th May
-
Mrs E. Summers/ Mrs A Jones
W/E
24th May
-
Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley
W/E
31st May
-
Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones
CHURCH
FLOWER
W/E
3rd May
-
W/E
10th May
-
W/E
17th May
-
W/E
24th May
-
W/E
31st May
-
Tuesday
6th May
-
7.30 pm to 9.00 pm
Sunday 11th May
-
10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
Tuesday
13th May
-
7.30 pm to 9.00 pm
Tuesday
20th May
-
7.30 pm to 9.00 pm
Sunday
25th May
-
9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.
Tuesday
27th May
-
7.30 pm to 9.00 pm
Raymond
Fergusson279150
GRASS CUTTING
W/E 3rd
May
-
David Hawkins
W/E 10th
May
-
Raymond Fergusson
W/E 17th
May
-
Phil Jones
W/E 24th
May
-
Tim Robinson
W/E 26th
May
-
FROM THE RECTORY
‘THE
CURSE OF THE UNSHOPPER’
‘The
curse of the Unshopper’-I wonder if you’ve ever heard of it? A psychologist
has identified this condition in which some people get a buzz not just from
buying something but even more so from taking it back to the shop for a refund.
The victims are described as suffering from ‘Purchase Remorse’. It’s about
doing something which you later regret, then feeling bad about it and taking
steps to put it right.
I’m
pretty sure that feeling that you get of having done something that you regret
is a universal emotion. Where on earth is the man or woman who doesn’t know
what it’s like to be sorry-ashamed even-for the way in which she or he has
behaved? We probably all know from own experience that almost universal agony of
guilt. It may be that this very morning some of us woke up to a day in which the
feeling of remorse has been throwing us completely off balance and diminishing
our lives.
The good
thing about being an unshopper is that when purchase remorse sets in we can take
steps to put things right. The Christian faith provides a prescription for
dealing with remorse. The answer is forgiveness-brought within my reach by the
forgiving love of Jesus Christ. The Passiontide hymn says it neatly-“He died
that we might be forgiven”.
If I can
but get a grip on that and sincerely apply it to the guilt that can hurt so
much, then the pain will surely be eased.
“Forgive
us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”. Making that
prayer that Jesus taught us our own, and living it, is the prescription for any
remorse that is troubling any of us today.
Lord,
give me the peace of mind that comes only with your free gift of forgiveness,
and give me the grace to forgive others as you forgive us.
Amen
Revd
Victor Story (279498)
THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL
CHURCH MEETING.
This was
held on the Sunday after Easter. It was an occasion where we heard what we had
done over the last twelve months, and what we hope to achieve during the current
year.
Raymond
was chosen as our Churchwarden for this ensuing year. In Raymond Little Milton
has a person who gives of his time, talents and undoubted wisdom in so many ways
for the benefit of us all, and none of us can thank him enough for what he does.
At our
Annual Meeting we heard how very tight our finances are. We have hardly broken
even, and that doesn’t rest easily on any of us. We like to think our Church
is there for all of us, when we need it, and I pray that it always will be, but
it is part of everyone’s responsibility to play their role in ensuring things
for those who come after us.
Our
Sunday School thrives, and Sally Ann Dennis presented a positive and
constructive report for us. It is good that among us, we have such conscientious
and dedicated people who are seeking to nurture our children in the Christian
faith. They deserve and get our heartfelt thanks and praise.
How many
of us have noticed how beautifully clean and spotless our Church always is? Or,
how lovely the flower arrangements are? We are so grateful for those who give of
their time and dedication to make these things happen.
Our band
of bell ringers is growing and developing. The thing about bell ringing is that
everyone in the parish hears their efforts, and I pleased to say that our bell
ringers are not only growing in numbers, but in confidence and expertise as
well. It is a real joy to go to Church and to hear the bells ringing and ringing
well. Thank you, the bell ringers.
We live
in changing times. Sundays are not the Sundays we knew of yesteryear.
People these days have other commitments on a Sunday than thinking about
going to Church, but we are grateful that there are many who yet feel that
Sunday is different, and that worship is important.
The PCC
was re-elected en bloc.
THE DATE OF EASTER.
I was
asked about how the date of Easter was fixed, and in a sense there is no simple
straight forward answer. Perhaps the easiest way of approaching the subject is
to say that it is related to the timing of the Jewish Festival of Passover. The
accepted method decided by the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, was to say that
Easter is the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the
spring equinox. If the full moon
falls on a Sunday then Easter is the next Sunday.
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK MAY
11-17
Another
year has passed and here we are once again in Christian Aid week when the theme
this year is Empowering People. Last year Christian Aid week raised £14.7
million, with our three villages together raising £2,406.14 (including £243
gift aided). This year so far the 4 lent lunches have raised a total of £370.44.
In Great Milton there will be a coffee morning at 1 Red Roofs, the home of the
D'Angers, on Saturday 17th of May between 10 and 12:00... There will be cakes,
bric a brac and excellent coffee and chat! In the Haseleys Eleanor
Blakeway Phillips is organising a house to house collection and in Little Milton
there will be a similar collection together with a school presentation and
Sunday School collection. All these events will take place in the week 11th -
17th May together with a Christian Aid week service on 11th at 11:00 in Saint
James' church, Little Milton, organised by Victor. Do support anything
which you feel able to support because it all adds up to a lot...almost 15
million last year!
Victor
and Sally Ann
BIBLE STUDY /FELLOWSHIP
GROUP
This group meets weekly from @7:45pm-9:30pm on a Tuesday evening and in a
different home each week (Tiddington, Little Milton, Chalgrove and until
recently Great Milton). We are currently sharing an Emmaus course
"Nurture" and exploring the Christian Faith together. We would welcome
anyone who would like to join us and if you would be interested please do phone me
(278029) or Victor for a chat.
SUNDAY
SCHOOL NEWS
Thank
you Wakelings for having us all at your home in April!! David’s pancakes and
Esther preparation were second to none and Sarah’s dramatic contribution was
also much appreciated…thank you again! We were also grateful to Lucinda for
stepping back in again on the 20th when neither of the current
teachers was able to teach…
This month in May our
dates are:
May
4th 11-12.30 Brunch meeting in Chalgrove
May 18th
11-12.30 Saint James Church
Dates
are always also posted on the Church Services Sheet and in the Porch of the
Church.
Sally
Ann Dennis (278029)
SUNDAY
SERVICES IN MAY
|
4th |
9.30 a.m. |
All
Age Worship led by Rev Derick Chambers |
|
11th |
11.00 a.m. |
Morning
service led by Mr Andrew Maisey |
|
18th |
11.00 a.m. |
Morning
service led by Mr Colin Watts |
|
25th |
11.00 a.m. |
Holy
Communion led by Rev Derick Chambers |
BENEFICE
SERVICES FOR MAY
|
|
GREAT
St
Mary’s |
LITTLE
St James’s |
GREAT
HASELEY
St
Peter’s |
|
Thursday 1st
May Ascension
Day |
Holy
Communion 7.30
p.m. |
|
|
|
Sunday 4th
May Sun
After Ascension day |
Holy
Communion 8.00
a.m. |
Sung
Communion CW 9.30
a.m. |
Family Service 11.00 a.m. |
|
Sunday 11th
May Whit
Sunday |
Sung
Communion CW 9.30
a.m. |
Family Service 11.00 a.m. |
Holy
Communion BCP 8.00
a.m. |
|
Monday 12th
May |
Fullers
Field Ecumenical
Service 6.00
p.m. |
|
|
|
Sunday 18th
May Trinity
Sunday |
Family Service 11.00 a.m. |
Holy
Communion BCP 8.00
a.m. |
Sung
Communion CW 9.30
a.m. |
|
Sunday 25th
May Trinity
1 |
|
Benefice Communion 10.00
a.m. |
|
FRIENDS OF LITTLE
The prize wining numbers were drawn by the
April 2008
1st Prize
No 49
Dee Garrett
£20.00
2nd Prize
No 28
Beth McLaren
£14.00
3rd Prize
No 13
Mrs Stanmore
£9.00
Sue
Marriott 279124; For the Friends of
THE
CHURCH FETE SATURDAY 7TH JUNE 2008.
The
planning for the fete is now well underway and to help you think about how you
can help we have produced a list of the stall-holders who will be delighted to
hear from if you can pledge support by way of donations or assisting the stall
on the day. Please contact the stall-holders; Sarah Jones or Raymond Fergusson.
|
Stall |
Contact |
Items Required |
|
Bottle
Tombola |
Anne
Hawkins 279526 |
Bottles
ranging from ketchup to whisky!! |
|
Plants |
Joyce
Inge 279538 |
Plants-
indoor or outdoor |
|
Bric-a-Brac |
Mary
Davies 279471 |
Good
quality items |
|
Tombola |
Sarah
Wakeling 278014 |
Unwanted
presents, toiletries, etc etc |
|
Cakes |
Teresa
Quested 278922 |
Cakes,
pickles, jam…anything edible! |
|
Home
Entertainment |
Jeremy
Quested 278922 |
CD’s,
DVD’s, Computer Games, good quality toys |
|
Books |
Leslie
McCaig 278244 |
Good
quality books |
|
Children’s
Tombola |
Alison
Shelton 278144 |
|
|
Raffle |
Sarah
Jones 278120 |
Any
prizes towards main raffle or golf raffle |
The fete
will be opened by Raymond Blanc and we will be entertained by
The
scene is set and global warming permitting it should be an excellent day for the
village to enjoy.
We have
no work party for May; however we plan to start survey work when we next meet on
the 1st June. Weather permitting we plan to undertake a butterfly
survey.
Nearly
all the Allotments available to rent are now taken, which is good news.
Please
remember not to walk on areas away from the designated footpaths, such as in the
fields behind the Allotments. These have been fenced off specifically to protect
the ground nesting birds, as they do not like being disturbed. We are in the
nesting season, so please be respectful of their habitat.
Phil
Jones 27812
LITTLE MILTON CINEMA CLUB
at the Pine Lodge
Thursday 22nd May
8pm
‘St Trinian‘s’
St
Trinian's, a school for "young ladies" with its anarchic doctrine of
free expression, brings together a motley crew of ungovernable girls who, using
their wit and ingenuity, save the school from bankruptcy.
Starring
Rupert Everett, Colin Firth & Russell Brand
6 months membership available from:
Little Milton
post office
or on the door
Adult/Child £10
OAP £7.50
NEWS FROM
THE RECREATION GROUND
Spring
is here, and the recreation ground has been mowed several times.
The moles are under control and the surface is slowly improving.
Little Milton Primary School will be using the recreation ground every
Thursday afternoon for PE for the rest of the summer, so please dog walkers,
clean up after your dog.
Five-A-Side
Football continues on Wednesday evenings between 8.00 and 9.30 pm.
Anyone aged 16 and over is welcome. £2.00
per session. We have lost a few
players recently, who have moved away, and we welcome anybody, regardless of
their skill level!
Mark Willis
NEWS
FROM LITTLE
The
Spring Term ended on a very fishy note! After
the Easter weekend, we had a very enjoyable two weeks producing our school play.
This year’s production was “Ocean Commotion” – a wonderful
musical extravaganza set in the sea - and a dolphinarium where the poor
bottlenose dolphin was incarcerated, having ignored all the warnings of her
friends not to swim near to the nets!
With the
help of the children, a band of very talented parents painted a beautiful
backcloth, featuring brightly coloured fish, sea weeds and shells.
They also made giant shells which were displayed along the front of the
stage.
Auditions
were held, and parts awarded. The
children quickly learnt their lines, and enjoyed singing the songs of the
Hammerhead Shark, the Tuna, the Great White Whale and many other sea creatures.
The costumes were fantastic – from the “ready boiled” lobsters, to
the squid, red herring, barnacles and the beautiful shimmering pilot fish.
The
performance was excellent, and enjoyed by everyone in the audience!
We were delighted that Laurelle Rond Alliston was available to provide
the accompaniment – thank you for your patience in rehearsals Laurelle!
Thank you to the Sedgwick Coward family for organising the sound system,
and lastly, thank you to all of the parents who helped with the scenery and not
only came up with fantastic ideas for the costumes, but made them as well.
Eve Hunter
POST
OFFICE/VILLAGE SHOP PROJECT
YOUR
DECISION!
The
Post Office/Village Shop Project is moving very quickly towards a conclusion,
and you will have received by now a Village Referendum paper to give you a say
in whether we go ahead or not.
We
obviously hope that the village will support the Project, with both time and
money, so that we can build the new shop and be able to staff it properly.
Please help in any way you can-even if it is only an hour a week, after work,
that will do!
We
will collect all the votes and pledges we have received in the first week of
May, and then the Parish Council will meet on the 14th May to reach
its decision, with your votes and pledges having been counted.
We
will then have a Village Meeting on Wednesday, 4th June to which
everyone is invited and this will be your chance to ask questions about the
project and our hopes for the future. Please put this date in your diaries-it is
extremely important you understand what we are doing on your behalf!
ROSE
BALL- SATURDAY, JUNE 14TH
Based
on the interest received so far, we have decided to go ahead with the ROSE BALL
on 14th JUNE. This promises to be an amazing event, which we hope to repeat
every year. Raymond Blanc has kindly offered to provide the dessert course for
our sumptuous feast. Make sure you order your tickets now from Alison on 278144
or Paula on 279120 !
GRATEFUL
THANKS
Finally,
we have received the most amazing wonderful donation from Jeremy & Hilary
Mogford towards the Project of £30,000! I am sure everyone in the village is
grateful to them for this amazing gesture. After
we lost the grant from Wren, we were really struggling to see where the balance
of the funds required would come from. Now, thanks to Jeremy & Hilary, we
are within sight of the finish line, and with your help, we can make it!
I
would also like to thank James D’Albiac, who with Meg Hue Williams was our
saviour in 2000 in finding and buying the cottage where the Post Office
currently resides-he has been kindness and generosity personified throughout the
last 8 years.
LITTLE
Next Meeting:
At our May meeting we will welcome Julie Jones from West Oxfordshire
Animal Rescue at Wheatley as well as discuss the Resolutions for our national
conference of
The
national body for
While
the number of births in
Mr
Adrian Thornton spoke enthusiastically to our April meeting about the creation
and protection of the National Parks in this country and the considerable
efforts that are made to protect the special environments within them – from
threats that have included
developers, military operations, china clay quarrying
and port expansion. The recent (2005) protection given to the New Forest
as a national park will hopefully be extended to the
Next
meeting:
Adrian Thornton is coming to
talk to us about National Parks at
7:45 pm on Thursday, 8th May at The
Pine Lodge, Little Milton. Visitors
are very welcome.
President:
Pam Assiter,
278228; Secretary:
Heather Peers 279352;
Press
Correspondent: Lyndell Dixon, 279275
THE
ROSE BALL THE ROSE BALL THE ROSE BALL
THE ROSE BALL THE ROSE BALL THE ROSE BALL
Don't forget to buy your tickets for The
Rose Ball on SATURDAY
14TH JUNE
7.00PM 'til 1.00AM
at The Pine Lodge Little Milton. This prestigious event is being
supported by MONSIEUR RAYMOND
BLANC, LE MANOIR AUX QUAT' SAISONS. Monsieur Blanc
has generously offered to supply the desserts for the dinner which should make
this special event into a really fabulous night. The ticket price
of £60 includes:
WELCOME DRINK, CANAPES, THREE COURSE DINNER and
dancing to a LIVE BAND.
The Rose
Ball is a Black Tie event so get out your evening dresses and
dinner suits and come and have a fantastic night of champagne, wonderful
food and dancing. All proceeds go to the Little Milton Post Office and
Village Shop Fund.
Tickets
are available from:
Little
Milton Post Office
Paula
Cameron 01844 279120
Alison
Shelton 01844 278144
VIEW
FROM VIEWS
To
comment on my remarks last month about old sayings March did just manage to go
out like a “lamb”, but only just. The rest of March was hardly lamb like,
and the winds sure did blow! As the clocks have now gone forward it must be
summer time although the middle part of April was depressingly cold with all
those night frosts. I do not think the climate has actually heard of global
warming. My weather book says that on average the first Swallows appear around
the 13th April and the first ones at Views Farm were sighted on the
14th so that’s not far out, but as they say “one Swallow does not
make a summer”. I think the rainfall in March was about average, the ground is
still certainly quite wet and all the springs are running well, this all bodes
well for plant growth in the coming months.
The
crops in this area are all looking well except patches in the oil seed rape that
have been decimated by the pigeons; these will usually recover with the warmer
weather. The prolonged cold spell as well as the above mentioned Pigeons have
held up the flowering. This is evident by the fact that only a few flowers
appeared to start off with, giving the fields is very patchy appearance, and
just what effect this will have on the eventual yield time alone will tell.
This period generally known as Blackthorn Winter caused by the wind
coming from the east, where it has been known to stay for forty days and forty
nights. I have noted, on a recent trip that the crops on other areas are looking
terrible, due I expect to this cold spell following a fairly wet winter. Crops
which we would expect at this time of year to look a lovely rich green are also
patchy, bare, and sickly looking
It is at
this time of year that the profits all come out with their predictions for the
coming season’s weather. This year one said that we would expect the rainfall
to be slightly higher than average but not likely to bring about a flood
situation, and that the temperatures could be higher. Not really a clear
picture. Then another has recently said that we shall see a welcome return to
traditional British weather with spring showers giving way to a familiar pattern
of sunny spells followed by heavy rain this summer. If you are any the wiser,
well done!
The dawn
chorus is now in full swing, which always heralds the warmer weather. This year
the cold weather seems to be never ending, maybe it is my age but I cannot wait
for the warmer days to come. All plant life will be feeling this way I am sure.
Talking of bird sounds, I have been so pleased of late to hear that most
evocative sound, woodpeckers tapping in the early morning quiet. This is
something that I do not remember hearing since I was a boy in Chiselhampton.
Then we could often hear their ratter tat tatting echoing all around the
parkland. I think that the larger numbers of woodpeckers in the Chislehampton
area was due to a higher density of elms and oaks, neither of which are abundant
in the
I have
made mention lately of the price of grain escalating and that at last farmers
may be getting a fair return for their produce. Of course this will be having an
adverse effect for the livestock industry. However, as always, things go full
circle and livestock prices have to a certain extent risen, the cost of
production has just gone thro’ the roof. The price of fuel that we all know
about has also affected the price of everything and now fertiliser is more than
twice what it was last year or at least two years ago.
A
comment to residents of Great Milton, Robert and I intended to attend the Annual
Parish meeting, but unfortunately due to circumstances at home we were unable to
get away. At this meeting I understand we were criticised, not unreasonably, for
the disturbance caused by our bangers, this I feel needs some explanation, as I
don’t believe it our bangers that were causing the problem. The Chairman of
the Parish council rang us to tell us of this problem, our farm manager was
immediately responded by only putting the banger on just for 10mins or so in the
morning and the occasional rope banger that is not so loud and does not go on
for ever, and then they have not been used at all since about a week before the
Parish Meeting as he was ill and did not come to work (“Not Us Gov’”). I
have to say as some will know because of the lack of viability in our size of
farm we now employ a contractor to farm for us, this because of his economy of
scale brings our cost down, and therefore we do not have direct control over
this sort of thing. As you will have read in our previous notes the Pigeons are
wrecking havoc in the Rape this year, I can never remember such marauding flocks
before.
Charles
& Robert Peers
NEIGHBOURS
CLUB
Our meeting on the 10th April caused a few laughs. We all brought
along photographs of when we were children (not babies) and tried to guess who
was who! Not very successfully I am afraid. The high spot of the
month was our outing on the 16th. This was a City and Village guided tour
to Wiltshire's Golden Triangle, the Titanic Exhibition and the
Forthcoming Events - May
8th Thur - Keep fit with Viv . 2.15 p.m.
21st Wed - Outing to Shuttleworth Collection of Historical Aircraft and
22nd Thur - Talk by Christine Donelly - 2.15 p.m.
Joyce Price
GREAT
CHURCH
FETE
Saturday
14 June 2008
In
the Recreation Ground
Programme
2.00
pm
OPENING by RAYMOND BLANC
Fancy Dress for Sevens and under
2.30
pm
The School performs
3.00
pm
The City of
Uncle Wiggy
3.15
pm
The Irish Dancers
3.40
pm
The Band
4.00
pm
The Grand Raffle and Garsington Opera Raffle are drawn
The City of
Come with the family for an afternoon of interest, fun and delicious food
Punch and Judy – Bubble Sculpture-Roundabout-Face painting
Shooting in a Box-Guess the Mileage-Aunt Sally-Bowling
Village Tent with items of Historic and
Irresistible Teas-Ice-Cream-Hot Dogs and Coke- And all those Wonderful
stalls
SCIENCE
There is a list of events that can be viewed on www.oxtrust.org.uk
or you can ring 01865 728953.
CAR SERVICE
TO THE
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.
Raymond Fergusson Parish
Clerk (279150)
BORIS
JOHNSON MP – SURGERY DATES AND VENUES
MAY
2008
Friday
23rd
4.00 –5.45pm
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
POST
OFFICE SOS
As I am
sure most of you know by now, we were not included in the Post Office closure
list this time, so there will remain a Little Milton Post Office for the
foreseeable future.
However,
this year Shirley is retiring, which leaves me with the problem of staffing.
Your Post Office would have had to become a part-time office a long time ago if
it had not been for Shirley’s dedication and commitment to help me keep open
and for that you should all be extremely grateful, but the fact remains if I
cannot find help to cover at best the hours that Shirley is working, then it
will have to become a mornings or afternoons only office, leaving it very
vulnerable if there are more closures.
I
therefore urgently need two
or three helpers to work a few hours a week each, to be trained by the Autumn,
so that it will help me to still keep Little Milton Post Office a full time
office, with potentially more footfall when it moves to the new site.
If you
feel that you can help please come in and have a word with us. We look forward
to seeing you.
Sincerely
Annie R
WHEATLEY
SWAP SHOP
The
next Wheatley SWAP SHOP at the Merry Bells, is on
Sat
17th May 2008, 9:30am 12:00pm,

Bar:
Excellent ales, lagers & wines
Includes
superb dinner
Raffle
Amusement
guaranteed
Everyone
welcome!
Tickets
on sale at the Post Office:
£6
in advance
£7
on the door
Proceeds
in aid of Village Funds
SEE
YOU THERE!
FUN
RUN
Five
Miles run (or walk!)
In
aid of the Gareth John Bonner
Memorial
Cup and tree
Sunday 11th May
10.00am
Start point: Old Field Little
£2.00 to register
Sign up at Little Milton Post Office or 7 Chiltern
View
to collect your sponsor pack
TALKING
SCIENCE – Events at
CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
The
CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory carries out world leading research ranging
from the vastness of space to the invisibly small world of nanotechnology. All the lectures are free and many are suitable for families – age
guidelines are shown for each lecture. If
you are interested in what might be available please contact 01235 445959 or
Email talkingscience@rl.ac.uk
GREAT HASELEY & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
We
have arranged some garden visits for 2008 open to members and non members
Learn
more about flower and vegetable growing, join your local gardening society,
membership only £5 a year.
Contact
Membership Secretary Sally Orriss at: The Old Stores, Great Milton OX44 7NL or
on 01844279231
PLANT
Friends
of Oxford Botanic Garden
Harcourt Arboretum
Nuneham Courtenay
Oxford
Free parking and entrance
Saturday
17th May 2008
From 12 noon
The
Friends Of
ACTIVE
TEN20
The Parish Council have organised a further visit from ACTIVE
TEN20 on May 30th between 4.00 – 7.00 pm.
In addition to the Bus there will be activities in the Recreation Ground. A
flyer will be circulated nearer the time. Please contact me for more information
on 279150
WHEATLEY
LIBRARY
Our new
e-mail address is wheatley.library@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
The telephone number is unchanged at 01865 – 875267.
A
reminder of the opening times:
Tuesday 2.00 – 7.00 p.m: Wednesday 9.30 am. - 1.00 pm.:
2.00 5.00 p.m.
Thursday
2.00 – 5.00 p.m. :Friday 9.30
a.m.- 1.00 p.m. : 2.00p.m.- 6.00 p.m
Saturday
9.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m
GETTING
THE RIGHT TREATMENT
NHS
Direct
If you
want advice or general information call NHS Direct on 0845
46 47. This is a 24 hour service staffed by nurses who can
give confidential advice and information on what to do if you are unwell, have
any health concerns and give contact details or self help or support
organisations. You can also visit their website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
What to do when your GP practice is closed
If you
need to visit a GP or health professional outside of normal working hours you
can call our service on 0845
345 8995. We
will then arrange for you to see the right health professional in the right
place. This service runs from 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 a.m. weekdays and 24 hours over
weekends and bank holidays.
In an emergency
please call 999 to
talk to the ambulance service.
THAME
AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
We are looking
for a Social Policy Volunteer.
|
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 |
Advice
line 01844 214827 Appointment Line 01844 217186
thamecab@cabnet.org.uk
For more information and advice on consumer rights go to www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact your local CAB
|
Little
Services
and goods at your local Post Office ü
Full
Postal Services
Banking Services
Information Services
Local Papers ü
Stationery
/Books
Toys
Dry Cleaning
Confectionery
ü
Fresh
Bread/Milk & Cakes
Free Range Eggs
ü
Ice
Creams
Special Jams & Preserves GODWIN’s
ice cream in 500g tubs made at manor Farm – Weston –on- the- Green. (Flavours
include chocolate, strawberry, blackcurrant, coffee, vanilla and mango!) PET INSURANCE: FIND OUT MORE TODAY AT THE POST OFFICE With cover of up to £5,000
per condition No time limit during
period of cover No maximum age limit for
vet fees cover FOREIGN CURRENCY NEW- EURO’s ON DEMAND From
Monday 26 November we will have Euro’s
for sale on demand, Over 70 foreign
currencies available at your local Post Office THANK
YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT EVERY
TRANSACTION COUNTS |
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 June 2008
Newsletter should be with the Editor at 27 Chiltern View, Little Milton, by 8.00
p.m. on 20th May 2008.
The Editor reserves the right not to print items submitted for publication and
to edit those items, which are published.