Newsletter  August  2008

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 9th July was attended by five Councillors, the District Councillor County Councillor and six members of the public. The following are extracts from the minutes that the Council need to approve at the September meeting.

OCC Highways

The Clerk reported that the OCC Highways had completed their work on the Haseley Road and the results to date would indicate that the problem with the spring water had been resolved. However the Council RESOLVED to monitor the situation before requesting the removal of the yellow salt bin. The drains on the High Street adjacent to the Lamb have been schedules for attention by OCC Highways .

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had spoken again with OCC Countryside in respect of the overgrown bridleway between Little Milton and Great Haseley and that he had been assured that it would be cut back in the near future.

Quality Parish Council

The Chairman was delighted to inform the Council that it had been accredited Quality Status following a meeting at the Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils on 4^th July 2008. The Chairman expressed the Council’s appreciation to the Clerk for all his hard work in helping the Council achieve this status. Didcot Town Council is the only other council in South Oxfordshire that has Quality Parish Status.

Youth Facilities

The Council RESOLVED that the Clerk should contact Mr Kevin Brophy at OCC for the forthcoming events programme. The Council also RESOLVED that it would like to set up a youth event in order to find out the sort of activities that would appeal to them as a better way to take this initiative forward. The Clerk was asked to raise this with Mr Kevin Brophy as it was considered that the help of a professional youth worker would be beneficial.

Recreation Ground

The Chairman read out a report from Mr Mark Willis. The report stated that the faulty light in the MUGA had been repaired and that new bark had been delivered and spread in the play area. The Council appreciated the work that had been done and asked the Clerk to communicate their appreciation to him. 

The report highlighted that two tables and a waste bin had been removed to accommodate the recent rose Ball but at the time of writing the report had not been reinstated and that as a result of the delay there had been some damage done to the equipment. Cllr. Alison Shelton informed the meeting that she had organised that the items would be re-fixed at the weekend. However the Council RESOLVED that consideration should be given to where the equipment is re-sited to avoid the removal of the equipment at a future date. Cllr. Alison Shelton stated that she would take this into account.

Planning

P08/W0666: 16 Old Field: Two Storey Side extension

The Chairman outlined the planning application to the Council and after some initial views were expressed by members the Chairman invited the residents from Old Field to express their concerns. The residents expressed major concerns over the number of parked vehicles, the dependency of the occupants of the surrounding bungalows on carer access and the current use of the property as one of rented out rooms. These factors they believed made the proposed extension to be inappropriate. The Council members agreed with the views expressed by the residents and RESOLVED to recommend to SODC Planning that the application should be refused planning permission.

P08/W0746 Cremar Cottages: Two storey rear and side extension and porch

The Council RESOLVED that this planning application should be approved by South Oxfordshire District Council

Extension to Village Hall

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 outlined the key points of the Shop Project Options paper that had been circulated to Council members in advance of the meeting. The Chairman of the Shop Steering Group stated that he expected the application to register the IPS to be submitted in the near future and that most of the key committee members had been identified. The Chairman of the Shop Steering Group also confirmed that there were sufficient volunteers to help run the shop and that there were sufficient people with the requisite skills on the management committee of the IPS to see the project through to successful completion.

The Clerk informed the Council that on advice from the National Association of Local Councils it did not have the necessary powers to build the extension under current legislation and would require the Power of Wellbeing to build the extension for the purposes of a shop/post-office. He reported that the latest information on Wellbeing was that it was unlikely to be made available to qualifying Councils before September 2008. The Clerk also informed the meeting that he had written to Mr Emmett in respect of the Restrictive Covenant and had advised him of the Council’s plans for the site.

The Council RESOLVED to adopt option 4, the Parish Council builds the extension and the IPS equips it for a shop/post-office. This decision was made after asking the Chairman of the Shop Steering Group if a delay in the project was acceptable. The Council also RESOLVED to ask Cllr Barry Coward to continue to lead the project on behalf of the Council. Although the building would be delayed it was recognised that there were a number of actions where the work could start immediately.

Councillors Stuart McGill and Alison Shelton re-joined the meeting.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 10th September 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 August are as follows:-Tuesdays 12th, 27th

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.

SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL

SODC is carrying out a Housing Needs Assessment in South Oxfordshire and questionnaires are expected to have been sent to randomly selected residents around 19^th July. To help this process and to get the maximum benefit from this work, it is important that residents complete and return the questionnaire. Although the postal questionnaires are numbered, this is only for data processing requirements and in no way can the identifier number be traced back to an individual household.

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Oxfordshire County Council’s Adult Learning has launched more than 1000 exciting new courses across the County, offering local people the opportunity to take on a new challenge. For more information, a brochure, or to enrol call 0845 351 0646 or visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/adultlearning

Local Involvement Network (LINk)

A new independent body called Local Involvement Network has been set up to ensure that Oxfordshire people have the opportunity  to voice their opinion and influence changes to how health and social care services are run in their area. If you would like to become involved with Oxford LINk or to find out more contact Help and Care 0845 4500 418 or visit www.helpandcare.org.uk

CHURCH CLEANING ROTA FOR AUGUST

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

W/E 9th August                                   -              Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones

W/E 16th August                                 -              Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

W/E 23rd August                                 -              Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward

W/E 30th August                                 -              Mrs E. Summers/ Mrs A Jones

CHURCH FLOWER ROTA FOR AUGUST

W/E 3rd August                                   -              Sylvia Taylor

W/E 10th August                                 -              Sylvia Taylor       

W/E 17th August                                 -              Shirley Leach                       

W/E 24th August                                 -             

W/E 31st August                                 -                             

BELL RINGING PRACTICE DURING AUGUST

Tuesday 5th August                                           -              7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Sunday 10th August                                           -              10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

Tuesday12th August                                          -              7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 19th August                                         -              7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 26th August                                         -              7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

GRASS CUTTING ROTA FOR AUGUST

W/E 2nd August                                  -               Tim Robinson

W/E 9th August                                   -               Stuart McGill

W/E 16th August                                 -               David Hawkins

W/E 23rd August                                 -               Raymond Fergusson

W/E 30th August                                 -               Phil Jones

FROM THE RECTORY

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 24th 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

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. There is no Service in August.

BENEFICE SERVICES FOR AUGUST

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

SUNDAY SERVICES IN AUGUST

For further information please ring Yvonne Cartwright on 01844 279205

NEWS FROM LITTLE MILTON SCHOOL

We have been reflecting on the last year – what a busy one it has been!  We spent an exhilarating adventure week at Kilvrough in South Wales, joined the Tudors at Sulgrave Manor, learnt to cook and garden at Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, watched red kites in their Aston Rowant habitat, counted and identified mini beasts at Cuttlebrook Nature Reserve, ridden on Thomas at the Didcot Railway Centre, climbed the Brookes University Climbing Wall, learnt about food and farming at Roves Farm,  and  explored our past at the Ashmolean and Natural History Museums in Oxford and the London Science Museum.

Activities closer to home have included various sports events – partnership rounders, rugby and hockey, and our older children have enjoyed visits from sports specialists in their multi sports activity sessions.  The Year 6 children moving to Wheatley Park have had a great introduction to their senior school – they have been on six transition days, and enjoyed working with staff from the Garsington Opera, and Year 6 children from other schools.

Cycling Proficiency sessions have been undertaken, and our older children have a much greater sense of safety on the roads.  We are very grateful to the parents who have assisted with this scheme.

Highlights of the year included our Christingle Service and the fabulous production of Ocean Commotion.  Guitar, Recorder, Violin and piano lessons continue, and we have enjoyed a tea time concert when pupils amazed us with their newly acquired techniques.

We owe a debt of thanks to a great many people – The Friends of the School have given us tremendous support with all of their fund raising efforts.  Maypole last weekend was a joyous event – in spite of the rain!  Everyone enjoyed the tasty supper – and the Pimms etc at the bar!  The Spring Fair was a great success – it was wonderful to welcome so many people to the Pine Lodge – current and past pupils and friends from the village.

We are grateful to Mr Victor Story for coming into school each week to take assembly, and to Mrs Sally Ann Dennis for being a regular visitor with her much appreciated Godly Plays.  We have enjoyed many visits to St James Church throughout the year – not only for services at Harvest, Christmas, Ascension Day, but also to look at the “fixtures and fittings” in our beautiful church.

Our Governors have, as always, given us great support throughout the year, and were rewarded with an “Outstanding” at the recent Ofsted Inspection.  Caroline Jones and her team have worked very hard on our behalf, and we thank them for all that they do. 

Parents and people in the village have been very generous in their support too.  With your help, we have raised valuable funds for Caesar Mlumbi Sick Bay , ROSY, The Children’s Society, Jeans for Genes Day, Mary’s Meals and Christian Aid.  Thank you!

We say a fond farewell to the seven children who are leaving us this year.  Huw Arnold, Matthew Bonnie and Chloe Whitton are transferring to Wheatley Park School, Kate Longshaw to Rye St Antony, Jayde Madle to Icknield School  and Digby Derrick to Wallingford School.  Tiggy Greenfield joins her older siblings at the Dragon School .

Mrs Sam Bell is leaving us for pastures new too.  Sam has been with us since September 2001, teaching mainly at the upper end of the school.  Sam has travelled from Buckingham, and will have a much shorter journey to her new school.  We hope she will be very happy with her new charges!  

On behalf of all the staff, we would like to wish the readers a very happy summer – and we will send in more news in September!

Eve Hunter

Head teacher

FRIENDS OF WELLS FARM

We next meet on the August 3rd at 10.30 a.m. on the allotments, when some tidying up grass cutting & a mammal survey will take place.

We plan to have Allotment holders BBQ, at the Allotments, on 17th August noon – 3.p.m.. The event is open to villagers (interested people who want to know more - potential allotment holders), allotment tenants and their families.

We will install a half barrel for the BBQ - so all you will need to bring is yourselves and something meaty, burgers, sausages, veggie burgers or whatever, to cook on the BBQ. BBOWT will provide salads, Buns, all the accompaniments and refreshments.

We could have a 'weirdest vegetable competition'!!!!!! now there’s a challenge!

We look forward to seeing you on the 17th.

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:

June 2008

1st Prize                 No 12                      Mrs D Metcalf                      £20.00

2nd Prize                No  1                       Teresa Quested                    £14.00

3rd Prize                No 43                       Barry Brooksbank                 £9.00

July 2008

1st Prize                 No 69                      Jo Greenfield                         £20.00

2nd Prize                No 43                      Barry Broooksbank                                      £14.00

3rd Prize                 No 67                      Diane Phillips                                                 £9.00                 

August 2008

1st Prize                 No  4                       Kathleen Fleck                      £20.00

2nd Prize                No 55                      Mrs M Smith                         £14.00

3rd Prize                 No 27                      John Heath                             £9.00

Sue Marriott 279124; For the Friends of Little Milton School

LITTLE MILTON VILLAGE HALL

Linda Lovegrove has taken over the role of bookings secretary for the Pine Lodge from Dee Waldron. Linda’s phone number is 01844 279535 or she can be contacted by email on jamesLovegrove113@btinternet.com. Dee has done a great job with the bookings and remains Treasurer of the Hall, dealing with payments and accounts. Please contact Linda if you would like to hire the Pine Lodge: we try and keep the rates for the village as low as possible. Saturdays in particular are sometimes booked well in advance so it is worth checking early. 

Dave Ponting

LITTLE MILTON CINEMA CLUB

at the Pine Lodge

Thursday 14th August

8pm

Be Kind, Rewind

Comedy about a man who unintentionally destroys every tape in his friend's video store. In order to keep the store's one loyal customer the pair re-create a long line of films including The Lion King, Rush Hour, Ghostbusters, Driving Miss Daisy and Robocop, putting themselves and their townspeople into it. They become the biggest stars in their neighbourhood.

Starring Jack Black, Mos Def, Mia Farrow & Danny Glover

********

6 months membership available from:

 Little Milton post office

or on the door

Adult/Child £10

OAP £7.50

FITNESS AND YOGA CLASSES, PINE LODGE ON MONDAYS AT 10.30 am  -

There will be no classes on 25th Aug (Bank Holiday) or 1st Sept.  Classes will resume as usual and Monday 8th September.

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2008

F E R R E T   R A C I N G

IN THE GARDEN AT

THE OLD RECTORY, ALBURY, TIDDINGTON

12.30 – 4.00 p.m.

TREASURE HUNT

CHILDRENS’ GAMES AND RACES

STALLS

PIG ROAST & HOT DOGS

TEAS & CAKES

PICNICKING WELCOME

COME AND HAVE A FLUTTER ON A FERRET

IN AID OF THE HEATING FUND, ST HELEN’S CHURCH

ENTRY: ADULTS £3   CHILDREN OVER 5 50P

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

SCIENCE OXFORD ST CLEMENTS, OXFORD

The Secret Life of Bacteria
Tuesday 5 August 7.30pm, £3 (SO Friends Free)

Joining us on the Science Oxford sofa will be Dr Mark Roberts. His research into how bacteria sense the world around them has implications for disease prevention and cure, and how we soon will be able to use this knowledge to custom-make life.

The Science of the Teenage Brain

Wednesday 13JAugust  7.30 pm, £3 (SO Friends Free)

Dr Sarah-Jayne Blakemore is a leading expert on adolescent brain development. She will explore the latest research into how the brain changes during the teenage years, and what this might mean for society as a whole.

The Biggest Experiment in the World

Thursday 21 August, 7.30pm £3 (SO Friends Free)

Science Oxford welcomes some of the world's top physicists as they bring us the first news from the Large Hadron Collider: an 17 mile long atom-smasher deep below the Alps which will recreate the conditions that existed in the first moments after the Big Bang.

GM Crops and Global Food Security

Thursday 28 August, 7.30pm  £3 (SO Friends Free)

What are genetically modified crops? Where are they being grown in the world today, and for what reasons?  What is the future of GM crops, and how can they contribute to global food security? Prof Chris Leaver will explain the science behind GM crops, and explore some of the topical issues surrounding them.

Hands On Science Gallery

The Air in There Every Saturday 19 July – 1 September 10.00am – 4pm
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

Family Events

Cartoon Science

Thursday 21 August, 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm

£3 per person or £6 combined with a visit to Hands On

How do the laws of science which operate in cartoons compare to what happens in the real world? Come and find out in this interactive show including optical illusions and reversible reactions.

Suitable for 7+. Booking recommended.

Science in the Kitchen

Friday 29 August, 2pm

£3 per person or £6 combined with a visit to Hands On

For modern scientists, chemicals, hi-tech equipment and specialised rooms are fairly standard. But often, complicated techniques can be replicated using everyday equipment. Join us to learn just how much science you can do in your own kitchen!

Suitable for 7+. Drop in. No booking required.

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

GREAT HASELEY & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

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

THAMES VALLEY POLICE     -   FORTHCOMING MILTON SURGERY

Thames Valley Police will be holding a Miltons surgery in the Pine Lodge on Wednesday 22 October, Tuesday 11 November and Tuesday 16 December. Full details will be included in the relevant newsletter but please note the dates now. This is an excellent opportunity to share any concerns you have about your community with Community Police Officers

THAME & WHEATLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION GROUP

The neighbourhood action group (NAG) consists of multi agencies (SODC parish Council, school representatives & anti-social behaviour officers), residents and the police. They represent Thame & Wheatley including the surrounding villages. The NAG is a dedicated team who deal solely with local concerns. They raise three priorities through public concerns and tackle them with a problem solving approach.

We would like to carry out a small survey in your village and have asked the Parish Clerk help find a couple of volunteers to complete a questionnaire. If you are interested in doing this please advice your Parish Clerk. This is not a request for NAG members but volunteers who could help complete the surveys

Many thanks

Michelle Jacques Thames Valley Police

BUCKS COUNTY SHOW THURSDAY 28 AUGUST 2008

This year the show will be held at Weedon Park Aylesbury between 8.00am – 6.30 p.m.

Ticket hotline 0845 2305177

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 on Tuesdays from 1.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. until further notice. See Post Office SOS above.

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