Newsletter  July 2008

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 11th June was attended by all Councillors, the District Councillor and one member of the public. The following are extracts from the minutes that the Council need to approve at the July meeting.

OCC Highways

The Clerk reported that work had commenced on the installation of additional drainage on the slip road between Gold Street and the Haseley Road to eradicate the surface water. The early results are encouraging. OCC will extend the work to other parts of the Haseley Road , opposite Four Trees and Woodbine Cottage, where water leakage is an issue.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had reported to OCC Highways the blocked drain opposite the Lamb as well as the collapsed drain adjacent to the Lamb at the top of Church Hill.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had reported to OCC Countryside a number of overgrown footpaths that were proving difficult to access.

Youth Facilities

The Chairman welcomed Mr Kevin Brophy from OCC Youth Services. The Chairman gave a brief outline of the Council’s initiatives with ActiveTEN20 in an effort to address the needs of the young people of the village. He informed the meeting that the uptake had been low although there was a benefit to the young people who had attended. The Chairman invited Mr Brophy to explain what the current support available from OCC Youth Services. Mr Brophy outlined the way that matched funding could be used to gain funds from the Chill Out Fund. He also explained how this approach could assist the funding of a qualified Youth Worker on a limited number of hours per week. Mr Brophy suggested that an approach of engaging the youth in one off events should be considered by the Council. The Council RESOLVED to allocate up to £1,000 towards supporting one-off events with a longer term objective of supporting the funding of a qualified Youth Worker on limited hours. The success of the long term objective would be dependant upon the support of suitably qualified volunteers.

Recreation Ground

Mr Mark Willis reported that major work was required on the clatter bridge as a result of usage over many years. The Council RESOLVED to have the bridge repaired at a cost of £300 excluding VAT. He also reported that a springer also required to be repaired but a low cost solution was available.

Mr Willis stated that the condition of the recreation ground was showing the benefit of regular grass cutting and mole control. He reported that a floodlight on the MUGA would be repaired in July. He also reported that the play-area required additional bark and that he had already approached the Orchard Pre-School to contribute to the cost. The Council RESOLVED to buy additional bark to ensure that the surface met the safety requirements of the ROSPA inspection in July.

Planning

P08/W0323 6 Cremar Cottages: Two storey rear and side extension and porch

The Council noted that the application had been withdrawn by the applicant.

Extension to Village Hall

The Chairman gave a brief report on the Village Meeting organised by the Shop Committee on 4th June 2008. He highlighted a concern that had been raised in connection with issue of shares and the inability to transfer or sell them. He stated that the Committee would review the situation.

The Chairman stated that Jayne Bolton, SODC Grants Manager, had indicated that the grant applied for on behalf of the Village Hall Committee could be paid in part or full to the IPS or Parish Council.

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. Cllr Barry Coward took the Chair.

The Chairman highlighted the key points from the Liaison Group meeting of 15th May 2008. He confirmed that the extension/annexe to the Village Hall would not qualify for the zero rate of VAT. He reported that the VHMC had now received various responses from the Charity Commission in respect of the peppercorn rent and most recently on a possible objection by the Charity Commission to the raising of funds by the Village Hall for the building of the annexe with a potential possibility that funds have to be returned to donors. Under the circumstances that now prevails the VHMC has a clear preference for Option 5. However a subsequent letter from the Charity Commission has made it clear that the Charity can extend its property but it would be required to charge an economic rent.

The Chairman invited the Clerk to explain the paper that he had circulated to the Council members in respect of Option 4. The Clerk stated that he considered that option was worthy of further consideration as it appeared to offer the shop a peppercorn rent and did not have the legal complexity of option 5. The Council RESOLVED to defer any decision until option 4 had been fully considered by the Shop Liaison Committee against options 2 & 5. The Council RESOLVED to hold an additional meeting to consider any recommendation made by the Shop Liaison Committee before the normal monthly meeting in July.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 9th July 2008 at 8.00 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

SODC: WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT

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

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 July are as follows:-Tuesdays 1st, 15th and 29th

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.

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HASELEY ROAD FROM 28 JULY 2008

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.

CHURCH CLEANING ROTA FOR JULY

W/E 5th July                                         -              Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones

W/E 12th July                                       -              Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

W/E 19th July                                       -              Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward

W/E 26th July                                       -              Mrs E. Summers/ Mrs A Jones

W/E 2nd August                                  -              Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley

CHURCH FLOWER ROTA FOR JULY

W/E 6th July                                         -              Anne Hawkins     

W/E 13th July                                       -              Sally Ann Dennis                                

W/E 20th July                                       -              Sally Ann Dennis

W/E 27th July                                       -                             

W/E 3rd August                                   -              Sylvia Taylor

BELL RINGING PRACTICE DURING JULY

Tuesday 1st July                                  -              7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 8th July                                 -              7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Sunday 13th July                                -              10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

Tuesday 15th July                               -              7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 22nd July                              -              7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Sunday 26^th July                                  -              9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.

Tuesday 29th July                               -              7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

GRASS CUTTING ROTA FOR JULY

W/E 5th July                                         -               Stuart McGill

W/E 12th July                                       -               David Hawkins

W/E 19th July                                       -               Raymond Fergusson

W/E 26th July                                       -               Phil Jones

W/E 2nd August                                  -               Tim Robinson

W/E 9th August                                   -               Stuart McGill

  UNDER THE TREES

I love to look out of my front door, and to see and delight in all the trees about me. Their lovely colours, all shades of green and rust colour, a real delight to the eye. Their shapes some narrow and tall, others branching out and then there is the delight of sitting under them,  especially on a warm day, giving  when we are weary, rest, refreshment and peace. As I say I love trees.

Now the biblical writers considered that a garden was not a garden unless it had trees. Right back when they came to describe the paradise garden of Eden there is no mention of flowers; the important fact is that 'the Lord God made to grow in every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food’.

Quite apart from their fruit and beauty, trees are essential to a garden for the shade they provide. To this day, in the hot lands of the Middle East and the Mediterranean , the

most valued feature of even the smallest garden is that carefully tended tree beside the house under which the household gather to rest and refresh themselves in the middle of the day, finding a deep, cool delight in the shade which shields them from the sun's heat and the blinding glare of the sun at noon. And it is under that tree, at the day's end; they relax and enjoy again a sense of homely security.

The prophet Micah wrote of a day when swords would be beaten into ploughshares and nations learn war no more- you remember that text from Remembrance Sunday, I'm sure, but less familiar is the next phrase of the verse, ' but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree'. That phrase reflects the golden days when Solomon was king.

But if we let our imaginations work for us, there is a great deal to set us thinking when Paul told the Corinthian Church 'you are God's Garden’. But what then are the trees under which we may rest and refresh ourselves from time to time before going on our way through the busy restless world or back to our work in the vineyard? I like to think that it is in our coming together in prayer, either together on a Sunday, or by ourselves, that we can find deep and reviving shade. For myself, I love to be in Church, this sacred space, this garden in the early mornings, in the stillness, accompanied by the angels and archangels- offering myself and each one of you to God. Receiving again my life.

There are also particular men and women we know who through the goodness, grace and stability of their Christian lives, are like trees planted by the waterside and in whose presence we always find peace and healing after the glare and heat of the busy confusing and hectic world. Should we not think of ourselves as planted by God to give such shade to others?

Above all, there is Him who said: I am the True Vine.

Victor Story

01844 279498

FROM THE RECTORY

St. James’ Church Fête.

Our Annual Church Fête, opened by Raymond Blanc, was held in lovely weather on the 7th June at the home of Sarah and Simon Oddie . It was a lovely and very happy occasion and we thank all of you by supporting us by your being there. As I understand it the net proceeds amounted to £3700 which is a wonderful result. So thank you all indeed.

The Fête takes a lot of hard work in its planning so that everything comes together on the day and we are all so grateful to all on the Committee who gave of their time and energy to make it so. But we need not just thank the Committee, valiant though their efforts were, we need to say a big thank you to all our stallholders who collected items, baked and made things, gathered their teams of helpers together and much more as well. To you and everyone involved our heartfelt thanks.

Rycote Chapel Service on Sunday 24^th August at 10.00 a.m..

Every year at then end of August, by kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. B. Taylor we are invited to hold our Festival Benefice in Rycote Chapel. This year the Service will be on Sunday 24^th at 10.00 a.m.. Rycote Chapel is a magical and holy place, and just being there, you sense that you are part of the very history of our country, and you quite expect a member of an  Elizabethan Court to enter its very doors any moment. Although the 24^th August may seem some way off, nevertheless it will soon be here, so please place that date in your diary now, and we look forward to your being with us on the day.

Rectory Garden Party.

Every year in August, I like to welcome everyone in our three parishes to a Garden Party at The Rectory here on a Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately because of various commitments, and people being away on holiday, it is felt best that the Garden Party be postponed this year to September. The date will be published in September’s Newsletter.

July and August are traditionally holiday months, and whether you will be away or staying here in the village, may I wish you all a most relaxing and refreshing time.

FULLERS FIELD SERVICE.

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.

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

SUNDAY SERVICES IN JULY

Circuit Service: Sunday 13^th July, 10.30am at Thame; led by Rev Charlotte Collins

For further information please ring Yvonne Cartwright on 01844 279205

BENEFICE SERVICES FOR JULY

LITTLE MILTON CHURCH FETE

There are some moments in my life when I really appreciate how lucky I am to live here in Little Milton and Saturday 7^th June was certainly one of them. Standing in the

 beautiful grounds of The Manor surrounded by familiar faces of other villagers working alongside each other towards a common goal: making our annual Church Fet

Despite the mixed forecast the weather was wonderful and to think there were torrential downpours the previous Monday, it was an absolute miracle. Thank you to

 everyone involved, every bit of help made such a difference. A special thank you goes to: Raymond Blanc, Morgan & Associates, Dee Waldron, Jen and Rob Gelling

 for sponsoring the band and finally Sarah and Simon Oddie for their generosity in allowing us the use of their wonderful gardens for the Fete and supporting us

 throughout. We should make around £3700 much needed funds for St James’, a fantastic result.

Remember as Victor said at the Fete:

‘……our Church is here for you. If you ever need us or our support, please feel free to contact me or a member of the Church. Do come along to one of our services, you will be made very welcome.’

Coordinating the fete is one of those monster tasks that hopefully turns into a fun event that comes smoothly together on the day. Luckily this year it seemed to work. It took over 100 people to make the fete happen and in a village the size of ours that really is impressive. To each individual that helped in any way: you are real stars, you are what helps to make this village such a great place. A year ago we were reputed to be the ‘village from hell’ -  look around now…… it is just ‘heavenly’!!

Sarah Jones on behalf of St. James’ PCC

The excellent Oxford City Band is always seeking new members. If you are interested in learning to play a brass instrument they offer individual tuition at very reasonable rates. www.cosb.co.uk

‘Gastronomic Delights’ quiz answers

The winner of the quiz was: Chris Post