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.

OCC Highways & related matters

The Clerk reported that he had spoken with OCC Highways on the outstanding matters in respect of the water on the Haseley Road and the various pot holes around the village and had been informed that the work was scheduled although it had not yet been started. The Clerk could not give the Council a starting date but stated that he would continue to liaise with OCC Highways .

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: Brookside Cottage Haseley Road : Demolition of existing conservatory & replacement cloakroom with sun room.

The Council noted that planning permission had been refused by South Oxfordshire District Council.

    P08/W0323: 6 Cremar Cottages: Thame Road : Proposed two story rear extension with side extension incorporating integral garage.

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

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 England . Unfortunately not all requested bus passes have been issued and if you are having any problems please contact the Concessionary fares Team on 01491 823413 or email concessionary-fares@southoxon.gov.uk.

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 7^th May and not Tuesday 6^th 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 7^th 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 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.

Please note the new schedule for Community Waste Collection has been greatly reduced in line with the reduced demand.

LITTER BLITZ – THANK YOU

I would like to thank Helen and Mark Platts , Vaughan Sadler for supporting the annual litter blitz over the weekend of 19-20 April. A significant amount of refuse/rubbish was collected and was picked up on the Monday morning by SODC. I know that the village has some residents who pick up litter on their constitutional walk and for that the Council are very appreciative.

Raymond Fergusson (Parish Clerk)

CHURCH CLEANING ROTA FOR MAY

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 ROTA FOR MAY

W/E 3rd May                            -                                 

W/E 10th May                          -                                             

W/E 17th May                          -                     

W/E 24th May                          -

W/E 31st May                           -                     

BELL RINGING PRACTICE DURING 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 ROTA FOR MAY

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                                      -           Stuart McGill

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 20^th when neither of the current teachers was able to teach…

This month in May our dates are:

May   4^th 11-12.30 Brunch meeting in Chalgrove

May 18^th 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)

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

SUNDAY SERVICES IN MAY

BENEFICE SERVICES FOR MAY

FRIENDS OF LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL 200 CLUB

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

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 Little Milton School

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.