Jun08Newsletter

The Annual Parish meeting held on Wednesday 14th May was attended by five Councillors, the County Councillor and six members of the public. The following are extracts from the minutes that the Council need to approve at the June meeting.

Mr Stuart McGill presented the Chairman’s Report and extracts of his report are included in this Newsletter.

The Clerk presented the key aspects of the Council finances for the year ended 31st March 2008 and a full statement of the finances is included in the Annual Report of the Council.

Due to the absence of Mr John Nowell Smith there was no District Councillor report available.

Mr David Turner reported to the meeting his work on the Oxfordshire County Council. It covered key services including the Budget, education, bus services, road maintenance, traffic calming & weight restrictions on the A329, housing, major disruption on the A329 at Milton Common, older people’s homes, Youth Service and Neighbourhood Action Groups.

Mr David Ponting, Chairman of the Village Hall, gave a report on a number of aspects of the Village Hall including hall bookings, finance and he thanked all the committee members who have contributed to another successful year.

A report from the Governing Body of Little Milton School was read out by Cllr Alison Shelton. It covered various aspects of school life including the award of Primary School status that allows children to stay at the school until the end of year six, aged eleven, vision for the next five years, parking problem in Gold Street and long term plan to utilise the buildings and grounds to their full potential. The report concluded that “all in all this has been a great year for Little Milton School ”.

Mrs Leslie McCaig, Chair of the Orchard, gave a report on Orchard that included the celebration of the Orchard’s twenty first birthday, the patterns of term time sessions that now include a holiday club, major fund-raising activities, investment priorities and foreseen changes in school numbers as parents move their children into primary education at an earlier stage. She also thanked the village for all its support and her appreciation of the excellent staff who work at the Orchard.

Mr Raymond Fergusson gave a brief report on St James’ Church and stated that although attendance numbers were low it was refreshing to see the strong school links.

He also referred the strong community links through the fete as well as the number of church members involved in other village organisations and therefore playing a full role within the village. He ended on a sad note by reporting the theft of lead from the Church porch.

This year is the fifth year I have had the privilege of being Chair of Little Milton Parish Council, and it occurred to me recently that, to many in the Village, the Parish Council may seem like a rather boring irrelevance that “suck out” about £47 per annum per household from you and deliver nothing in return. And, if I am honest, I probably thought the same years ago. However, the longer I have held the role, the more I have become convinced that Parish Councils can and should take a leading role in their Community. I strongly believe that a forward thinking Council can make an enormous difference to the quality of life in the village, and should seek to preserve and enhance the assets of the Village and its environment for all However, I am sure this is not a view shared by some. Why not, they say, close the Parish Council, and abolish the Precept, giving the money back to the Village?

No communal blocked sewer investigations; No collective input to Planning Decisions

This is not to suggest that the Parish Council does all the work to maintain these benefits, but it does provide the focal point at which decisions can be made to sustain and encourage those individuals and groups who do. While I have been Chairman I have constantly looked for ways in which the Parish Council can make a positive difference to the lives of everyone in Little Milton, and I believe that so far we have succeeded. £10,000 as a Precept seems a small amount of money to spend, but in reality it can go a very long way.

However, you will no doubt be pleased to hear that after we have built the Post Office and Village Shop, I have no further building ambitions. Enough is enough. But it would be dishonest of me to say that I had no further aspirations for the village.

I would like to improve the natural aspects to the Village, for example. The entrance on the A329 from the North can sometimes not show off the Village at its best, or the section between Warren View and the High Street. It would be interesting to see what sympathetic treatment could be done to remove the nettles and brambles and encourage wild flowers and plants to grow in their place. I also feel we have not done enough for

the youth of the Village, or been able to assist the Lamb pub as much as we would like, although we are severely constrained by law.

Beyond any other issue, the one topic that has occupied the minds of the Parish Council most over the last 12 months has been the Village Shop and Post Office.

For reasons that are beyond me, Parish Councils are effectively legally prohibited from becoming involved with Village Shops, even if it is seen as a Village amenity and with a charitable purpose. This also, by the way, applies to Village Pubs.

We have tried to find a way in which the shop and Post Office can be built and run, which enables the shop to enjoy maximum grants, and a peppercorn rent, therefore giving it its best chance of survival, but after 12 months of debate and exploration of the options, the way forward seems even less clear now than when we started.

However, one thing that is crystal clear is your support for this project. As I write, we have now collected 166 returns, of which 163 are in favour-an incredible 98.4%, with 65% of the village participating. We have also had donations, loans, and offers to buy shares of over £12,000, and well over 30 volunteers. When I tell you that our Village Shops advisor, who covers the whole of Oxfordshire, had predicted we would raise £3,000 only, which says again how brilliant the people of this village are in support of this, and many other projects.

I do not believe that the shop could have a better level of support from its Village than you have given-a very sincere thank you.

You will note that the Precept has been held at £10,000 for the fourth year running. The budget is set every year and agreed by the Council, but it is Raymond Fergusson’s hard work and conservative accounting which keep us on an even keel We have increased revenues from the Newsletter, thanks again to Raymond, and earnings from the Multi Use Games Area of around £2,500 per year, which is popular with users from Wheatley and Chalgrove as well as Little Milton. Sadly however we had a serious incident where a number of cars were broken into owned by users of the MUGA, so they now park as close to the courts as possible.

The Recreation Ground is being maintained to a high standard, thanks to Mark Willis and his team, and we have recently spent £500 on mole control, although this is rather like painting the Forth Bridge , given the fields next door.

The Primary School, led by Eve Hunter and Caroline Jones as Chair of Governors has now increased pupil numbers to over 60, which I know is the highest they have ever been, and created a new superb classroom for years 5 & 6, proving yet again that we have an exceptional school in the village. We have recently been circulated with a paper of “Oxfordshire’s Strategy for Primary Education”, which I always view with deep suspicion, but in this case we appear to be safe. Congratulations and thanks go to all of the staff and governors for their achievement.

The Orchard Pre School is just as popular (and full!) as ever with over 40 children on the roll and a waiting list from next September, thanks to the efforts of Yvonne Brammer, Linda Lovegrove, Helen Lovegrove, and the new Chair, Lesley McCaig. Thanks to everyone who helps to support the Orchard in any way.

The Pine Lodge still thrives, under the very able Chairmanship of Dave Ponting, and with Dee Waldron as bookeeper, and the Quiz Nights recently set an all time attendance record of nearly 90. We have a very successful Cinema Club, run by Kath Stacey, with new members every month from not just the Village but the Haseley's and Great Milton. Thanks to all the trustees for their hard work

I cannot pass over the Pine Lodge without a mention of the National Award we won. According to WREN, a charitable organisation, we are the best Community Building in the

out of thousands they have helped to fund.

I would like to thank my fellow Councillors, Barry Coward , Alison Shelton, Mabel Wood and Tim Robinson for their commitment and dedication, and Raymond Fergusson, our Parish Clerk, without whom I for one, would completely cease to function. I would particularly like to thank Barry Coward for his work as Chairman of the Shop Liaison Committee, who job it is to negotiate the legal minefield of setting up the shop.

I would also like to thank John Nowell Smith our District Councillor, and David Turner , our County Councillor , for their continued support at District and County level. They are both a great asset and friend of the village Thanks to both of them for their hard work on our behalf on a wide range of issues.

I hope in the coming year we can successfully relocate the Post Office, and establish a viable and popular Community Shop which will be another asset to the Village.

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 14^th May was attended by five Councillors, the County Councillor and two members of the public. The following are extracts from the minutes that the Council need to approve at the June meeting.

Cllr. Mabel Wood proposed Mr Stuart McGill as Chairman and this was seconded by Mrs Alison Shelton . There were no other nominations for chairperson. Mr Stuart McGill was elected as chairman until the 2009 Annual Meeting.

Cllr. Stuart McGill proposed Mr Barry Coward as vice-chairman and this was seconded by Cllr. David Wakeling. Cllr. Barry Coward was elected as vice chairman until the 2008 Annual Meeting.

The Clerk informed the meeting that OCC Highways had repaired the pot holes on the Haseley Road and that work to address the water issue would commence imminently. However the Chairman highlighted a problem with the drain outside Brookside Cottage.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had corresponded with a school governor in respect of the re-classification of the slip road between the Haseley Road and Gold Street . He stated that he was seeking confirmation that the school’s Better Ways to School programme included a statement that the road should be re-classified. Such a statement would support any request by the school for funding from the Better Ways to School budget.

The Clerk reported that he had spoken to Mr Steve Phillips at OCC who had confirmed that the closure of the bridge on the A329 at Junction would take place at the end of September although this date may slip as contractors are still finalising their work schedules.

The Clerk stated that he would distribute an A5 leaflet, supplied by ActiveTEN20 to targeted households within the Village. The Council will attempt to seek the guidance of ActiveTEN20 to ascertain the effectiveness of their service in meeting the needs of the youth of the village. Mr David Turner suggested that contact should be made with Monica Hannaway, Head of Youth Services, to determine what help could be offered to the Council in addressing the needs of the young people of the village.

The Chairman read out a letter from SODC Planning enforcement team that the landscaping scheme in respect of the land adjacent to Plough House was to the satisfaction of the planning officer. The Council requested that the Clerk obtain a copy of the scheme as the members did not understand the scope of the scheme and the information would further their understanding.

The Chairman informed the meeting that the Planning Committee had unanimously agreed not to alter the current system of automatic referral of major and minor planning applications where the recommendation of the officers was different to that of the Parish Council. The Council welcomed this decision.

The Chairman updated the Council on the preliminary results of the Village Questionnaire. The results showed that over 98% of the residents that had submitted a form were in favour of the shop/post office relocation and about 65% of households had responded. The financial support from residents as either shares in the IPS, donations or interest free loans was just under £12,000. The Chairman also stated that 34 residents had indicated that they would assist in the shop and this information was being further analysed. Overall the results of the questionnaire were very encouraging.

The Clerk reported that he had spoken to Miss Jane Randall at SODC Planning who indicated that the planning permission granted for the extension to the hall and the incorporation of a shop and Post Office was valid for option 2, the Village Hall extend

the hall and the IPS fit out the extension or for Option 5, the IPS leases the land from the Parish Council and both builds the extension and equips it. The key points are that under both options the extension is as per the application in both materials and design and that any planning conditions are also met.

The Chairman reported that he had sent a letter to Jayne Bolton, the Grants Manager, at SODC requesting that the grant applied for on behalf of the Village Hall be transferred to the Shop Committee. He also informed the meeting that he had received a letter from Pat Connell, Legal and Democratic Services, at SODC requesting a copy of the draft lease to the Shop Charity (IPS) with a copy of the IPS constitution. The Council RESOLVED that a request should be made to Mr David Ponting, Chair of Little Milton Village Hall, to arrange a meeting with the Grants Officer and a member of the Legal and Democratic Services to resolve the transfer of the grant to the IPS and that the Parish Council should be represented at any meeting.

At this point in the meeting Cllr Alison Shelton and Cllr Stuart McGill declared a prejudicial interest in the next point on the agenda and vacated their places at the Council table.

The Council RESOLVED that its initial offer of grant funding of £15k stands in respect of Option 2 but it would be subject to the power of well-being if it was to be paid to the IPS under Option 5. The PC is also offering the land upon which to site the shop at a minimal cost and, within reason, is providing the car park improvements. The PC will also, particularly under Option 5, incur legal costs. However these together constitute the limit of the PC’s current financial commitment to this project.

The Council RESOLVED that any lease between the PC and the IPS should contain clauses which achieve the following:

1. Restriction as to use of the land – e.g. for a general village shop run for the benefit of the community as an Industrial & Provident Society

3. The building may not be offered as a security for any loans and no legal charges may be placed on the building

4. In the event of dissolution of the IPS, the premises are to be transferred to the VHMC at no cost to either the VHMC or the PC

5. The terms under which a sub-post office is allowed to occupy space within the premises must be by form of licence only, rent must not be accepted and no sub-tenancy is to be created. In the event of the dissolution of the IPS, the post office will have no automatic right to continue operating from the premises

6. The lease for the land cannot be assigned or otherwise disposed of to a third party

The Council RESOLVED that under Option 5, it would advise the SP that no contract for construction of the building could be placed until and unless the SP has successfully converted to an IPS and has completed registration with the FSA and in addition, under Option 5, before the land can be occupied and construction begin, the terms of the lease must be agreed and the lease signed by the PC and the IPS.

The Council also RESOLVED to seek a legal opinion on any lease that it would need to draw up between themselves and the IPS before instigating the preparation of a formal document. However this work would not be commissioned before the outcome of the meeting between the Village Hall and SODC referred to earlier in this minute. The IPS would need to provide the Parish Council with a copy of their constitution for their solicitors.

The Council RESOLVED to maintain its position to explore at the same time the option that would allow the village hall to build the extension and have a sub-lease with the IPS and the option that would set up a lease on the land designated for the extension with the IPS and the IPS building and equipping the extension.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 11th June 2008 at 8.15 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

For a charge of £68 residents can arrange for their unwanted vehicle to be collected from within the District and a charge of £20 for up to three bulky item e.g. fridge furniture etc. and a further £6.35 for each additional item. 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 June are as follows:-Tuesday 3^rd and Tuesday 17th

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.

The Parish Council have been notified that a temporary Traffic Order will be made to implement the temporary closure of the Haseley Road whilst essential tree felling works are carried out.

At this time of the year, the grass grows faster than I can keep up with it! And I need assistance with strimming around the gravestones etc. If anybody can help just once a month, that would be appreciated.

Flowers say the things we would want to say, which otherwise we ourselves couldn’t.

Their wonderful shapes and forms, their amazing colours-from rich colours to subtle pastel shades, and then when they are planted, in the right place-in shade or sun, depending on the variety, what a glorious sight, a true delight to the eye. I love the remark of John Masefield who said of a flower, ‘It has a beauty beyond poetry, and a pomp surpassing Kings’.

To most of us, a garden means flowers, but the gardeners of the Bible had little time or space for flowers, all their energies went into creating coolness and shade, and growing plants for food and for their medicinal properties. Life was hard in those days, and I can understand why they took no leisure to cultivate flowers for their own sake. They needed to live. And virtually all the flowers mentioned in the Bible are wild flowers. I don’t believe that they were oblivious to the beauty of flowers, indeed, they were acutely aware of it. And it was Jesus who implored his followers to consider the lilies of the filed which surpassed in loveliness even Solomon in all his glory. But all too brief is that beauty-here today-gone tomorrow.

It’s warm in the Middle East , hot even. The searing heat of the summer sun, soon burns up the strongest of blooms. The scorching wind sears the green leaves to a sombre brown. But there’s a thread of thought running through the Bible. It’s the transitoriness of flowers that is noticed repeatedly, from Job, the Psalmist, James, Peter and, of course by Jesus.

They all make the point that in the brevity of their flowering, they resemble man himself. It was the psalmist who wrote, that our days are but a grass, for he flourishes as a flower of the field. For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth for ever and ever upon them that fear him.

I’ve often thought that it’s a tragedy for such loveliness to perish so quickly. But then, I remind myself that without the flower of the field fading, there can be no seed, no fruit, no flowers next year-no resurrection. If this year’s petals hang on and don’t drop-no flowers next year.

The wife of my Dutch friend has a wonderful house plant, an Oxalis, in her living room, and every year that plant flourishes and grows. The leaves and flowers are quite delicate, and I asked what the secret was. She said as the leaves and flowers fall, I allow them to fall onto the soil in the pot, and that creates the necessary fertilizer for the following year.

Our Lord told a parable of a grain of seed falling to the ground, dying to bring forth a rich harvest. He not only told us that parable, but he lived it. His way was a way of love even to the end. Everywhere he went, he poured forth that love, so that others might taste the more abundant life. Supremely of course, revealed to us through the vulnerable love of the Cross. Christ Jesus gave himself away to bring life.

Christian Love is that quality where the more it is poured forth, the more it abounds. To live, for the Christian, is to love and to love is to die, die to self and live and love for others. Our Lord said, ‘Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single grain, but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest.

We pray that we shall be good soil, so that the seeds of the Spirit of Jesus, who lived that parable, will flourish and grow, and bear fruit in plenty, in us and through us.

That God will increase and multiply upon us his mercy that we may so pass through things temporal that we finally lose not the things eternal.

Our Church Fête will be held on Saturday 7^th June with the opening by M. Raymond Blanc at 2.00 p.m. at Little Milton Manor by kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Oddie . This is always a superb village community occasion when we all come together to have a most enjoyable afternoon. There will be all of the usual stalls, and many more attractions besides, and some new ones as well. Elsewhere in the Newsletter you will find the afternoon’s programme. A lot of people have undertaken a lot of hard work to put together the fête, and we are very grateful for that. But even more so do we all look forward to meeting you and your friends on the day.

This always takes place on the second Monday in the month in the Common Room at Fullers Field, Great Milton at 6.00 p.m. and lasts about 35 minutes. The service is a simple one of hymns, readings and prayers. If you are available then do come along and a warm welcome will always await you. The Service for June will be on the 9^th.

There will be an evening Service in St. James’ on Sunday 29^th June at 6.30 p.m. The PCC thought that to have an evening service might help some people, and against that background do come along.

This will be held in Christ Church Cathedral on Wednesday 2^nd July at 8.00 p.m. This year the service will play particular attention to remembering the remarkable ministry of The Revd. Martin Garner who was Rector of Ewelme and who died in January this year. Please do put this date in your diary and come along if you are free.

Thank you to everyone who collected money in Christian Aid Week, all the house to house collectors and all the Coffee Morning helpers! Thank you also to the children of Little Milton School who held a Home Clothes Day in aid of Christian Aid Week. The total raised will be published in next month's Newsletter.

In 2007 the annual event of Ride and Stride raised £100,476 and Gift Aid bringing in a further £12,614. This year the day set aside is Saturday 13th September. If you are interested in taking part or finding out more information on this very important event please give me a call on 01844 279150.

It was wonderful in May to welcome both some new children and some of our ‘oldies’ back following news of our possible closure in the Autumn. We meet next month to decide whether to continue our Sunday School with these positive signs in mind. However, it is still a question of ‘use it or lose it’ so if you’re considering whether to come along or not then come! Alternatively, phone and have a chat. Our dates this month are:

We enjoyed our Pentecost Birthday Party and look forward to our Annual Summer Outing and Picnic which will be on Sunday July 13^th following the Family Service in Saint James Church. Put this date in your diaries now to avoid any disappointment…

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

We plan to start survey work when we next meet on the 8th June. Weather permitting we plan to undertake a butterfly survey. We plan to meet at 10.30 a.m.in the farmyard.

Nearly all the Allotments available to rent are now taken, which is good news, though plot No 1 is still available

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.

Also a dog chased some sheep last week resulting in the death of one of the flock. There is no excuse for having your dog off the lead, when in a field containing animals. There are plenty of paths elsewhere on the farm for dogs to be let off the lead

Into the last few days before the Fete and it is not too late to support the stall-holders. Call them NOW and pledge some support. If you could spare an hour on the day relieving a stall holder let Sarah Jones know. Please come along and support this traditional village event.

Raymond Fergusson 01844 279150/ Sarah Jones 01844 278120

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

We have two cricket matches lined up against Great Milton – a 20/20 match on 26^th June at 6.30 and a full afternoon match on Sunday13^th July. If anybody wishes to play for Little Milton against Great Milton on either or both of the above dates please ring me on 01844 279468

Pony rides, children’s activities, teas, cakes, tombolas, brass band, bubble sculpture, and much more!

Once again I feel that I must vindicate myself over the subject of bird scarers. Obviously I would like to apologise to those affected but I hope that most now realise that in fact it wasn’t our bangers that were the problem. I omitted to say last month that, please, if any one has a grievance get in touch with us directly and not through the parish council. We can then alleviate the problem without having to involve a third party and any problems can be addressed much earlier. All appears peaceful now!

While on the subject, it does appear that in the particular problem field, the pigeon damage has led to a crop loss of about twenty percent. When harvest comes around this will amount to a substantial deficit and makes you realise why the bird scarer is a big part of pest control.

Apart from these patches of rape, every thing else is growing as if there is no tomorrow. Last month I mentioned that I thought that crops countrywide seemed poor, since then and due largely to the two weeks of “summer” that we enjoyed earlier in the month, things had appeared to improve. However, now that the winter barley has come into ear (right on cue first week in May or Oxford Show week for those that remember that great old country show) the bad patches are beginning to show again. It can be very easy to overestimate yield at this time of year and the prospect for the summers harvest may not be as rosy as once thought, not a good sign with global food shortages predicted

I have been saying of late that, at last, Farmers are receiving a more realistic price for their products. Unfortunately of course this increase is reflected in every day household costs. Not only are the household prices rising but has anyone noticed the price of fuel lately? It is a frightening fact that the combine harvester alone is going to cost, at current prices, around £500 a day in fuel, add to that two tractors and trailers in support and the harvest itself becomes an expensive pastime. So “what goes round comes around” as any price increase gained by the farmer is negated by ever escalating variable costs. A tonne of Wheat is now costing at least £120 per tonne to produce and talking to a neighbour (23rd May) saying he has been quoted £125 to £130 per tonne. It does not leave as good a margin that everyone is led to believe.

Those who pass our gate or are customers of our bio-diesel will have noticed that our fuel prices are, sadly, also on the rise. Unfortunately we too are victims of ever increasing prices. Our feedstock, the used cooking oil, is now (with substantial government pressure) very attractive option for power stations who have the ability to use this oil without any of the purifications that we require. They can therefore pay the collectors a better price for lower quality oil. However, even with all these increases the price advantage that we can offer over the conventional pumps is also widening.

I wonder if the exceptionally hot weather we had earlier in the month means that summer 2008 has already been and gone. Certainly it was nice to shed some clothes although, beware, as the saying goes “ne’r cast a clout ‘till May is out” and it almost turned back to winter over night. I think that this is perhaps why this year’s red and white may blossom is blooming simultaneously. Usually the white may comes out late April followed by the red in mid May. This year I reckon the white was held up by the cold and the red brought on by the warmth.

Whatever the weather, now is certainly the time to be in

England

as the countryside looks at its very best. Later on plants will begin to get “straggly” as they channel their energies into producing their fruit. The fickleness of our climate is what makes our country so different, and gives us this great variety of colours at this time of year.

Although the swallows were on time this year we only heard our first Cuckoo on the 12th or 13th^of May, somewhat later than usual.

Every summer flycatchers take up residence in a Virginia creeper on the wall of the house. They arrived this year mid May, late or early? I’m not sure. Always good to see them back and it never ceases to amaze me how these little birds can travel so far.

A few years ago I was forced to cut this creeper back quite severely. In doing so I lowered it below their usual nesting spot and was quite worried as to how this would affect them. So I waited for any sign of activity until, to my relief, they duly returned and carried on as if nothing untoward had happened. .

Unfortunately I will not be able to write these notes next month and as Great Milton has a summer holiday in August with no parish bulletin “View from Views” will not appear again until September. See you then.

This term our topic is growth. We have been busy looking at plants and animals including planting potatoes, tomatoes and sunflowers in our gardens. The recent warm weather has spurred our broad beans into growth and we have been recording their heights each week.

In June we will be turning our growing focus to animals. With a very special project involving our favourite Very Hungry Caterpillar and seeing real caterpillars turn into butterflies. We’ll be able to boost the village population of butterflies as we release them in our garden – watch out for over 30 Painted Lady butterflies fluttering soon!

We are all taking part in a sponsored bounce in aid of both the Pre-School and Happy Days Children’s Charity who fund and organise holidays, days out and theatre trips throughout the

for disadvantaged young people with special needs. We’re hoping to raise lots of money so please support our little ones! Yvonne has sponsorship forms at the Orchard

When we’ve come back down to earth, we’ll start training for the Orchard Sport’s Day on Saturday 21^st June between 11-2. It’s a great family day with races for everyone from the very small to even mums and dads – and medals too! Plus a reviving lunch (and bar!) for anyone needing to regain their strength. We challenge you to come along! Tickets available from The Orchard

Phew, after all that activity, you might need to sit down and relax. What better way than an outdoor Jazz Evening, listening to the James Fenn Quartet, whilst sipping Pimms and enjoying your picnic! All this is on offer on Saturday 12^th July in Great Haseley. Tickets available from The Orchard or call Viki Freear on 01844 278033 for more details

Next Meeting: In July our meeting will be about honey and bees – an important part of rural life, especially with the difficulties in maintaining bee numbers and their role in pollinating crops and our garden plants. Visitors are welcome to join us at our meeting at 7:45 pm, 10^th July at The Pine Lodge Little Milton to hear a bee-keeper talk about this subject. There is no meeting in June as we are going on a summer outing.

At our May meeting we supported 2 resolutions to go forward to our national conference in June. The first resolution calls for a ban on sea-bottom trawling in the fishing industry while the second seeks an end to the inappropriate imprisonment of seriously mentally ill people.

Our WI College, Denman in Oxfordshire, celebrates its diamond anniversary this year. Courses available to WI members cover a wide range – dance, the history and heritage of

Britain

, cookery such as Thai Cooking and craft subjects, science areas such as Astronomy for Beginners, walking, art at all levels and different types of music, even Rock Drumming for Beginners.

President: Sylvia Kirby, 279416; Secretary: Heather Peers 279352; Press Correspondent: Lyndell Dixon, 279275

The 24th April saw twenty-two of us sit down to our traditional fish and chip lunch. This is always very popular and as usual was enjoyed by all, not only for the fish and chips but also a lovely social occasion - always a joy.

At our next meeting on the 8th May we "kept fit with Viv". If laughing makes us fit then we are very fit indeed!!

Tim Burton brings his trademark sense of dark whimsy to this stage-to-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's classic musical. Johnny Depp reteams with the director to play the titular Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

LITTLE MILTON VILLAGE HALL

Annual General Meeting

The Management Committee AGM

will be held at the Pine Lodge

7.30 Tuesday 17^th June

Please come along

Ideas, comments and volunteers very welcome

Refreshments to be provided.

The Little Milton Village Shop Committee invites you to

Wednesday 4^th June 7.30PM

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

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.

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

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.

FARMERS’MARKET, GREAT HASELEY VILLAGE HALL

SUNDAY 8^th JUNE 10am to 12 noon

Many different tables selling; chicken, eggs, vegetables, meat, cakes, wine, cheese, bread, hanging baskets, flowers etc.

Also, why not come and have breakfast as well! Enjoy a bacon butty with a cup of tea or coffee whilst reading a Sunday newspaper!

Should you need more information about our science centre, visit www.scienceoxford.com.

Colourful Maths and Fluorescent Chemistry
Wednesday 4 June
7.30pm, £3 (SO Friends Free)
Sam Howison from Oxford University will talk about the elegant mathematics that underpins the measurement of colour. And John Wilkins from the Royal Society of Chemistry will describe the surprising history of ultramarine – where it comes from, what it does, and the search for a synthetic alternative.

Oxford Improvisers
Friday 6 June
7.30pm, £5 (SO Friends £3)
'Mel' is a unit of measure for the way the human ear perceives pitch, and it is the name given to a trio made up of members of Oxford Improvisers. Dominic Lash (contrabass), David Stent (guitar) and Chris Stubbs (percussion) will perform three pieces, each one an improvisation 'measured' by compositional constraints supplied by one of the three musicians.

The Supernatural Sense
Friday 13 June
7.30pm, £3 (SO Friends Free)
For Friday the 13^th, a special Science Oxford exploration of whether humans can ever become a truly rational species. Why do intelligent people believe in the “supernatural”? Why do reasonable people believe in the absence of reason? And is there a difference between religious and non-religious supernatural beliefs? Join Prof Bruce Hood as he looks for the answers.

Marcus du Sautoy - Finding Moonshine: A Mathematician’s Journey through Symmetry

Wednesday 18 June
7.30pm, £3 (SO Friends Free)
From the sphere to the swastika, from the pyramid to the pentagon, our eyes and minds are drawn to symmetrical objects. symmetry is central to the key ideas in subjects ranging from architecture to zoology.
Science Oxford favourite Marcus du Sautoy (The Music of the Primes) will take a unique look into the mathematical mind as he explores how research into symmetry has culminated in the discovery of “The Monster” a shape with more symmetries than there are atoms in the sun.

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

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.

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

Councillor Stuart McGill ( Chairman)	01844 279092
Councillor Barry Coward (Vice Chair)	01844 278970
Councillor Mabel Wood	01844 279670
Councillor Alison Shelton	01844 278144
Councillor David Wakeling	01844 278014
Councillor Tim Robinson	01844 278343
Parish Clerk Raymond Fergusson	01844 279150

Friday 20th June	Chalgrove	08.00 – 11.00
Sat 28th June	Wheatley Primary School	08.00 – 12.00

1st	9.30 a.m.	All Age Worship led by Rev Charlotte Collins
8th	11.00 a.m.	Morning service led by Mr s Ann Pape
15th	11.00 a.m.	Holy Sacrament led by Rev Derick Chambers
22nd	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mrs Jennifer Thompson
29th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Dr Richard Bainbridge

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

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

Raymond Fergusson 01844 279150/ Sarah Jones 01844 278120

Please come along

Ideas, comments and volunteers very welcome

The Little Milton Village Shop Committee invites you to

Wednesday 4th June 7.30PM

Wednesday 4^th June 7.30PM