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

Golf Raffle

Winners:

Whisky bottle-up-a-tree!                                                          Mark Norton with 306 cm

Golf Putting                                                                               John Lewis

Sealed bid for 1 week in Normandy                     Maggie Wheeler

Main Raffle Prizes

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2008

The final total raised this year during Christian Aid Week in May is an amazing £2,453.39. This is made up of the following:

Thank you to everyone who gave, everyone who collected and everyone who hosted an event enabling the Benefice to beat last year’s total of £2,406.14 – Fantastic!!

S.A. Dennis

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

Following our meeting in June we now have a new set of teaching dates for the Autumn! Several new children have joined and/or expressed an interest in coming along to Sunday School so it does seem that you want to use it rather than lose it!! We’re therefore planning a brand new programme starting on Sunday September 7^th, meeting at 11.00 in Saint James Church….

This month in July there is one teaching date on July 6^th at 11.00 in Church. On Sunday July 13^th we are all meeting together at 11.00 for the Family Service before we travel to Dorchester for our Annual Summer Outing and picnic followed by a visit to the Abbey and possibly a chat with an overseas Bishop visiting for the Synod meeting !?

After our Summer Outing to which all families of Sunday School children are invited, together with the PCC members, we break for the summer holidays until that all important first date of the Autumn term September 7^th….

Sally Ann Dennis (278029)

NEWS FROM LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL

Little Milton School was recently inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).  We were delighted that they have judged us a good school with outstanding features

The Inspector found that the school sought to provide the best for each child both academically and socially, and as a result of consistently good teaching, pupils achieve standards well above the average.

The Inspector also found that no child was overlooked in little Milton School and that they are extremely well behaved and considerate towards others.  He felt that the head teacher and governors are innovative and always seeking ways to improve the school and was impressed with our links with the local community.

The inspector highlighted the following strengths in our school:

• Excellent Personal Development
• Exemplary pupil behaviour
• Children achieve well above average
• Head teacher and governors work very well together
• Effective leadership and management

Maypole Evening

Our annual Maypole Evening will take place on Friday 11^th July 2008.  We hope that many of you will be able to come to our traditional fun filled evening.  Tickets are available from the Post Office, or from school (01844 279310).

Eve Hunter

Head teacher

LITTLE MILTON CINEMA CLUB

at the Pine Lodge

Thursday 17^th July

8pm

The Bucket List

Corporate billionaire Edward Cole and working class mechanic Carter Chambers have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find the joy in life.

Starring Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman

********

6 months membership available from:

 Little Milton post office

or on the door

Adult/Child £10

OAP £7.50

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

We are writing to thank you for your generosity. On 31^st May we successfully raised £1,896 for Action Medical Research’s ‘Touching Tiny Lives’ campaign, in memory of our Granddaughter Lily.

We were overwhelmed by the response and involvement of people and businesses from our local area. A small community really can make a big difference. The auction itself raised £1,496. The locals were out-bidding each other for some great lots! It was an enjoyable night. The profits from the evening’s meal were donated by The Lamb and we also had a raffle to achieve the total.

Action Medical Research is now well on the way to achieving its target for the Touching Lives Campaign, thanks to your support.

Pauline Kinch and Douglas Smith

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

We plan to start survey work when we next meet on the 6th July and weather permitting to undertake a butterfly survey. We meet at 10.30 a.m. in the farmyard.

All the Allotments available to rent are now taken, which is good news & there is also a waiting list.

The paths have become a little overgrown of late, due to the BBOWT mower being out of action. The Council by- ways Dept are going to cut some of the paths especially the Haseley path.

For the diaries, we plan to have Allotment holders BBQ, at the Allotments, on 17^th August. I will give a time in the next newsletter

Phil Jones 278120

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: Details in August Newsletter.

June 2008

1st Prize                 No                                                                           £20.00

2nd Prize                No                                                                           £14.00

3rd Prize No                                                                            £9.00

Sue Marriott 279124; For the Friends of Little Milton School

LITTLE MILTON VILLAGE HALL

The Village Hall AGM was fairly sparsely attended, so the committee hopes that this means people are not too unhappy with the Pine Lodge. At the AGM there were reports on the last year, the finances of the Hall and the Film Club. Over the last year the Village Hall has attempted to contribute to village life, providing a useful venue for events such as the recent Rose Ball and the 50’s and 60’s evening for Sobell House. Hiring the hall out to people from outside the village provides income to run and maintain the building. Rates to external hirers have been increased but those to the village held constant. The management committee also puts on events such as the popular Quiz Nights. The Film Club run by Kath Stacey has become well established, running once a month and showing a variety of newly released films. Junior Judo club, organised by Gary Marcham, has also been successful and runs on Monday evenings. The Children’s Christmas event by the Oxford Touring Theatre Company seems to have established itself as a regular event – Hansel and Gretel has been booked for February 2009.

The finances remain very capably run by Dee Waldron: overall in the Financial Year to 31st March the Village Hall made a small operating profit, about half of that in the previous year, and maintained a steady cash balance to cover contingencies and costs related to the upkeep of the building.

Dave Ponting

THE ROSE BALL-A GREAT EVENT !

On Saturday 14^th June the height of glamour came to Little Milton in the shape of The Rose Ball, which, even by the very high standards set by this village, exceeded all expectations!

From the moment you entered, you were regaled with canapes and as much pink fizz as you could drink. A miniature “bangers and mash” was one of the more unusual ! Then, at the appointed time, the announcement was made that dinner was served, and we entered a magical world of a marquee bedecked with flowers, a chandelier, and pink and purple ribbons of light, assisted by a beautiful sunset. Menu cards covered with roses adorned each table, with vases full of lilies and bouquets of roses prepared by the brilliant Catherine Leonidou.

The three course meal was superb, rounded off by Le Manoir’s own Tiramisu, beautifully prepared and served. Then, the auction, preceded by the sight of two Scotsmen in kilts who were paraded for general admiration, with optional shoe mirrors offered to the ladies! Then the dancing, with a great band, until finally at 1am the carriages arrived to transport the happy revellers back home.

The organisers of this magnificent event were Alison Shelton and Paula Cameron, and a huge thank you must go to both for their hard work and dedication. It is quite one thing to talk about an event like this, but quite another to deliver it so well, and they accomplished the feat brilliantly, despite sleepless nights, working to 2am etc. Thanks also to Catherine Leonidou for her incredible flowers, and to Lesley and Derek McCaig for buying the wine and helping to sell tickets. Thanks also must go to Simon & Sarah Oddie for their kind donation of a magnificent hamper, and to Tim and Victoria for their Picnic Hamper.I would also like to thank Raymond Blanc for his continued support for this village, and his PA, Leanda Pearman, who organised the desserts for us.

Will there ever be another? Watch this space in hope!

Stuart McGill

VILLAGE SHOP & POST OFFICE

PROGRESS REPORT

I am very pleased to say that we now have all of the finance necessary to build and run the new Village Shop and Post Office. We have had confirmation of a loan for £20,000 from Co-Operative Finance, which together with the brilliant offers of support from the village of £13,244, will bring us to our target .

We are still wrestling with the legal issues which seem to re-appear every time we think we have found a solution to them. However we do believe that by October at the latest we should be able to press buttons to begin the building, which should be completed early in 2009. We had hoped to complete before Christmas 2008, but we now know that the bridge at Milton Common over the M 40 is to close for 6 months from September 2008 until March 2009, so passing trade is likely to be halved for that period. It does however allow us to make sure we have everything in place for when the bridge re-opens.

We will be writing a personal letter very soon to everyone who kindly offered money or volunteered to work in the shop.

Thanks to everyone for your continued magnificent support.

Stuart McGill on behalf of the Village Shop & Post Office Committee

NEIGHBOURS CLUB

On the 12th June we were all invited to Mr & Mrs Hood's home where we were truly spoiled for the afternoon.  The rain held off to enable us to tour their beautiful garden and admire not only the array of plants but also the spectacular trees.  On going back inside we gathered in the dining room for a tea of all sorts of sandwiches and a super selection of cakes.  Afterwards we were presented with a quiz which our hosts had prepared to tease our brains - with varying degrees of success.

Our outing this month was a City and Village Guided Tour; we met our guide at Burford then continued to Cirencester for coffee and a guided walk round the town, once the second largest city in Roman Britain.  After lunch on to Bibury, stopping to explore Arlington Row (National Trust properties) and, of course, the trout farm.  Our next stop was Lechlade where we boarded a river cruiser for a two-hour trip up the River Thames, enjoying a lovely cream tea on the way.  Another successful trip!

Forthcoming Events - July

10th Thurs - Flower competition + school entertains - 2.15 p.m.

16th Wed - Outing to Stratford and Coughton Court

24th Thurs - Fish and Chip Lunch - 1.00 p.m.

Joyce Price

SCIENCE OXFORD

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 DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL

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)

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

CONGRATUALTIONS TO RICHARD DUNBABIN

Richard Dunbabin, a. resident of Little Milton, recently competed in the ITU World Championship in Vancouver with the British Team. He came in 6^th in his age group, a fantastic performance. The ITU Championship is a triathlon event. The conditions in Vancouver were said to be the worst ever with the water temperature at 11degs !!

Ed

WHAT’S ON

SCIENCE OXFORD ST CLEMENTS, OXFORD

Maths in the Weirdest Places
Thursday 3 July 7.30pm, £3 (SO Friends Free)

In the news we hear that scientists have created equations for things like the perfect holiday, how to pull a Christmas cracker, or how to use chopsticks. Why bother? And what does this say about the public perception of mathematics?  Paul Stevenson (the creator of one such equation) will explore the issues.

Rita Carter presents... The Three Faces of Eve

Wednesday 9 July  7pm, £3 (SO Friends Free)

Broadcaster and author Rita Carter will explore how the cinema has tackled multiple personality disorders and the concept of identity, and how films have depicted the social impacts of these illnesses. Rita's talk will be followed by "The Three Faces of Eve" (1957, PG) featuring Joanne Woodward's 1957 Oscar-winning performance as a woman coming to terms with her multiple personalities.

Specsavers Bionic Ear Show
Wednesday 16 July  7.30pm, £3 (SO Friends Free)

A unique interactive show that reveals the complex machinery that lies deep inside the ear, how it helps us hear sounds and music, what causes it to break down, and whether scientists can replace the parts to create an artificial ear.
http://www.bionicearshow.org/

Hands On Science Gallery

The Air in There Every Saturday until 19 July
Why is it that humans can’t fly? How do planes stay up in the sky? Why makes a hot air balloon rise? Come to Hands On and you’re in for a surprise! All there is to know about wonderful air, we just can’t wait to see you there!

Hands On is suitable for 5-12 year olds. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £3.50 child/OAP, £5 adult, £15 family

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

GREAT HASELEY & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

It is not too late to join and enter your exhibits in the show, there is a children’s schedule too.  Even if you are not an exhibitor come to the show for a wonderful afternoon.

Tips for July gardeners

Time to reap the rewards of your earlier labours in the garden and allotment, harvesting early fruit and vegetables but save some for the show.  Currant, strawberries, raspberries all make good jam for the show.

Herbaceous Borders -Keep dead heading all the plants for continuous flowering or leave if you want to collect the seed.

Containers - Check containers regularly, they dry out very quickly at this time of year.  If you are away this month and ask friends to keep an eye on the pots it will help if they can be put together in a cool shady place.  Use ‘grey’ water wherever possible, this is ‘eco’ washing up water or even bath water, then mulch the top with gravel to help prevent evaporation.

Herbs - Cut herbs now, the non flowering shoots with stems, tie in bunches and hang upside down in a warm, airy place to dry, then crumble and store in airtight containers.  Lavender can be dried like this too.  Many herbs, like basil and oregano, can be frozen.  Cut chives hard back and you will quickly get new fresh growth.

New Trees and Shrubs - These are easily lost in their first summer as their roots will not yet be well established and they suffer from a shortage of water.  Water round the roots in the evening and mulch.

All donations for tombola prizes gratefully received.  Prizes can be delivered to Mary Isaac, Latchford Lane , Great Haseley or Bridget Duncan, Little Haseley.

This year the show will be held at Church Farm, Great Haseley, in the historic tithe barn, on Saturday 23rd August at 2pm and we need lots of entries so have a go at growing for the Show!

Learn more about flower and vegetable growing, join your local gardening society, membership £5 a year.

Contact Membership Secretary Sally Orriss at:

The Old Stores, Great Milton OX44 7NL or on 01844 279231

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.

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

POST OFFICE: IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Unfortunately your Post Office will be closed the morning of Tuesday 22^nd July, the afternoon of Thursday 24^th July and the morning of Friday 25^th July and then on Tuesdays from 1.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. until further notice.

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