The Council meeting held on Wednesday 11th March was attended by four Councillors, the Clerk and the County Councillor. The following are extracts from the minutes that the Council need to approve at the April meeting.

Mr David Turner commented on the HGV vehicle count that had been provided by Mr Peter Ronald of OCC and highlighted that the "hamburger" roundabout at Headington was completed in December 2006. This suggested that the volume of HGV vehicles on the A329 since December 2006 had been broadly static and did not support the claims of Stadhampton Parish Council. Mr David Turner agreed to write to Stadhampton Parish Council. The Council RESOLVED to support any initiative on this matter proposed by Mr David Turner if the situation required a co-ordinated response.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had raised the issue with SOHA and as a result there had been a visit to Old Field by one of SOHA’s technical officers and that SOHA had contacted the Area Crime Reduction Advisor for Thames Valley Police for a full survey of the area and to provide SOHA with recommendations for improving the security. The Clerk also stated that he had informed Abi Derbyshire our local Community Police Officer of the situation.

The Chair reported that he and the Clerk had attended a presentation on the new system at SODC on 5^th March 2009. The proposed changes will be extensively communicated by SODC in the forthcoming months. The Chairman informed the meeting that the Council had already been in touch with SODC to arrange a visit to the village to review the areas that need to be carefully examined to ensure that the new system does not cause unnecessary problems.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had raised a number of issues with OCC Highways and that he had followed up the progress on them with Tim Wilde at OCC. The continuing water leakage on Gold Street will hopefully be addressed within the 2009-10 maintenance budget. The loose material from the road close to the traffic lights on Church Hill will be swept up but it is unlikely that the road surface itself will be addressed at this stage. The large number of pot holes is a concern and particular attention was drawn to the two major pot holes on the road from Blenheim Lane to Rofford.

P08/W1347/LB & W1348: Pear Tree Cottage:

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

The Chairman briefed the Council on the up to date information on the electronic options as SODC seek to improve their methods of consultation on Planning. There is no intention to stop the current paper system that is currently used. The Council RESOLVED that the Clerk should send a letter to SODC in support of the current system as they did not believe that a change to electronic consultation would be practical for small councils.

The Chairman informed the meeting that the Council had received revised plans for Penn House from the applicant’s architect. The Council RESOLVED not to discuss the plans as they can only comment on plans received from SODC. The Clerk was asked to communicate this to the architect.

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

The Clerk explained that the Council were not quorate as there were only two members available to consider the agenda item. However as the Proper Officer of the Council he stated that following the agreement between Parish Council and IPS solicitors he had instructed Morgan Cole to issue the lease to the IPS solicitors for signature by his clients and this would allow the IPS to start any work on the site as there was pre-requisite that a signed lease existed before the commencement of any work. The Council would formally ratify the lease at the earliest opportunity.

Cllr. David Wakeling expressed the concerns of a resident about the speeding around the bend past the school. The Clerk stated that he had also spoken with the resident and suggested that he wrote a letter to OCC Highways with a number of possible options including a 20mph at the school.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 8th April 2009 at 8.15 p.m. in The Pine Lodge Little Milton unless there is a need to convene any planning or other meetings.

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.

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 April are as follows:-Tuesdays 7th, 21st

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

May Day 5th May 6th May

Spring Bank Holiday 26th May 27th May

It was a lovely sunny weekend for litter picking and although the village is fairly litter free but there are a couple of hot spots, the lay-bye at Frogmore and the verge at the build out as you approach the village from Thame. However thanks to the efforts of Mark Platts, Vaughan Sadler, David Wakeling Miles Wakeling and Myer Wakeling we managed to accumulate seven bags of litter as well as plastic leisure pool. We all have a dual responsibility and that is do not drop litter and if you do see litter in your neighbourhood pick it up. Once again many thanks to those individuals who help tidy up our village and to all of you who during the year pick up litter.

W/E 4th April - Mrs. G. Taylor/Mrs H Ridley

W/E 11th April - Mrs A. Hawkins/Mrs. S. Jones

W/E 18th April - Mrs. M. Davies/Mrs S A Dennis

W/E 25th April - Mrs L. Lovegrove/ Mrs C Coward

W/E 2nd May - Mrs E. Summers/ Mrs A Jones

Oops! You missed last month’s vacancy for an opportunity to join our fine Church Cleaning Team who work throughout the year in all seasons and in all weathers to keep Saint James’ Church looking lovely for everyone who enters its doors, but who also know how to party at Biannual social events open only to Team members…so don’t waste a moment and be the lucky one; call now and join ‘The Team’!

I will decorate the church on Saturday 11th April and would appreciate it if helpers would let me know if they are available. If anyone wants to help on Friday they can do so but please let me know so that I can make sure the flowers are ready.

W/E 4th April - - Raymond Fergusson

W/E 11th April - - Phil Jones

W/E 18th April - Tim Robinson

W/E 25th April - David Hawkins

W/E 2nd May - Stuart McGill

W/E 9th May - Dave Arnold

Tuesday 1st April - 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Saturday 4^th April - 11.00 am -12.30 p.m.

Sunday 12th April - 9.00 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.

Tuesday 14th April - 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 21st April - 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Tuesday 28th April - 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

FROM THE RECTORY.

EASTER 2009.

Palm Sunday falls on the 5th April, and the usual monthly pattern of Services will be followed.

On Maundy Thursday the 9th April, in the evening at 7.30 p.m. the Service of Communion will be commemorating The night that He was betrayed.

On Good Friday, there will be a devotional service, reflecting on the crucifixion, in St. Mary’s at 11.00 a.m. This Service will last about 45 minutes.

On Easter Day, we celebrate the Glorious Resurrection with

Holy Communion in St. Peter’s, Great Haseley at 8.00 a.m.,

Sung Communion in St. James’, Little Milton at 9.30 a.m. and

Sung Communion in St.Mary’s, Great Milton at 11.00 a.m.

I realize that many people will have friends and family with them over the holiday, and please do not hesitate, bring them with you to Church. We would love to see you.

May I wish you all a most blessed and joyous Easter.

Most meals are ordinary affairs. We endure them or enjoy them or hardly notice them at all. But some meals are special; they never leave our memory. On the evening of the 9th April, Maundy Thursday evening, the western Christian Church will celebrate a meal it has never forgotten, indeed, it lives by it.

When you love someone you never want to be parted from them: you want them always to be with you, to be part of you. Not in any cloying or possessive way, but just because you want to share yourself with them. You especially don't want to forget them or them

to forget you.

Of course, in the normal way of our lives we are parted, sometimes by work or circumstances or events. In the end, too, there's the separation of death. When we know this, we cling more intensely to the memories we have of being together and to the things that hold these memories for us. This is not living in the past or indulging in nostalgia, it's just because we're finite and we need finite things to hold on to. In doing so, even if it is only for a moment, it seems we can overcome time: we can be present to

each other again.

The things that do this best are those moments in which we remember giving ourselves and being accepted, held, received - such moments are almost written on our body's memory.

So it is with Christ, in his last Passover meal with the ones he loved. Christ has nothing left to give and so he gives himself. He does this in simple ordinary words and actions, in the ordinary things that memory can hold: bread and wine. "This is my body, given for you. This is my blood, poured out for you. This is me, my gift, do this in memory of me." No great poetry and yet the whole history of love, God's love, is spoken and enacted.

That is why in this meal, in these words and acts, in this memory, all our loves are gathered, forever. All we need to say in love is

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 will be a service on Monday 13th April in the Common Room at Fullers Field at 3.00 p.m. (NEW TIME)

Sunday April 5^th – 11.00 -12.30 A special Palm Sunday Teaching Session to be held at

Holly Cottage (on the High Street) the home of Guilia

and Sophia

Sunday April 19^th – 11.00 -12.30 Final Teaching Session in our current Spring series

In May we begin out new Summer term programme which incorporates a visiting speaker or two and our Annual Summer Outing and Picnic will take place on July 5^th to enable as may children, their families and PCC members to join us as are able…. We had a great outing last summer with a special blessing in French bestowed on each of us by a visiting Bishop from the Congo!

NB We will not be ‘taking a break’ over the Easter Holidays and will welcome both regulars and any other newcomers on the following dates and in these places:

This falls in the week beginning May 10^th and following on from the Lent Lunches held around the Benefice there will be house to house collections – thanks to our wonderful team of volunteer collectors in Little Milton – and a special School Assembly in Little Milton School. More news next month as to where the money goes and any other Christian Aid events etc.

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

1st Prize No 3 Kath Stacey £14.00

2nd Prize No 34 Mrs Metcalf £10.00

3rd Prize No 25 Mark Platts £6.25

The Sewing Group will meet next on Thursday 23rd April 2009 at Hilltop House.  Anytime from 11.30am all welcome. Please ring Pat Dugdale on 279242 to assist in catering if you wish to stay for a light lunch. 

I am delighted to say that groundworks have now started on the new Village Shop, Post Office and Coffee Shop !

The lease between the Parish Council and the IPS (Industrial and Provident Society for the Benefit of the Community) was signed on Friday, March 13^th, and groundworks began on Tuesday, March 17^th. We expect completion to be around the end of June/early July this year!

I am also delighted to say that we have so far received donations and loans amounting to £10,800 from the Village, against a total pledged last May of £13,200.

Thank you again for all those who have contributed.

The IPS are determined to ensure that that as many people in the village as possible receive a £1 share, so to that end we will be visiting households around the village who have not already given to see if we can tempt you to buy a £1 share !.

If you missed the chance, you can still make a larger contribution, either as a donation or a loan, by writing to or phoning me. As you will know, the shares cannot generate dividends (prohibited by the grant donors) but you will still feel part of a vitally important village amenity run for the benefit of the community, not as a private commercial venture.

Next Meeting: Well-known local musician, Laurelle Rond-Allison, will introduce us to Sound Therapy at our next meeting. Visitors are welcome to join us for her talk at

7:45 pm, 9th April at The Pine Lodge, Little Milton. On 23^rd April we will join with other local Wis at Watlington to listen to an account of life in the Land Army.

Our new programme for the year has many diverse topics: Travel – wild frontiers (Tibet), Painting, a Pampered Chef Cookery Demonstration, Scrap-booking, ‘Intriguing Oxford’, Stokenchurch Dog Rescue and social events such as a New Year Dinner and Safari Supper. Alongside the Oxfordshire Federation of WI’s programme of activities and events, there is so much to do and enjoy in the WI – come along and find out!

President: Anne Hawkins 279526 Secretary: Heather Peers 279352

Press Reports: Lyndell Dixon 279275

Firstly, thank you to all those who joined the work party last month as we managed to achieve nearly all the tasks. We even uncovered a nest of voles under some old lino! The weeds are appearing now which is a sure sign that the growing season has started. The birds are now very active, preparing for the exhausting next few weeks when they will have to feed the very hungry chicks.

On the allotments, BBOWT are installing some raised beds and creating wheelchair access to that part of the site. One of the beds will be used by the school and the others will become available for people who would like to grow vegetables, but would rather not take on a whole plot.

This month’s work party will be lead by Phil on Sunday 5th April at 10.30am until about 1pm. The following date will be Sunday 3rd May. Everyone welcome for a bit of exercise and fresh air! 

My, how things can change in a month. It hardly seems possible that when I wrote these notes some four weeks ago we were still in the grips of a rather long winter, this is not to say that by the time you read this it will or will not be back to winter again. Certainly the warmer weather in the middle of the month has brought everything to life. At a guess I would say that everything appears to be growing at about the right time. This must be a good thing; I never like to see nature too advanced at this time of year or any come to that.

The wildlife has certainly also now come to life with all creatures busy making their nests and homes ready for their forthcoming young. It is a time of great promise; let’s hope one not to be dashed. As far as us humans are concerned it is a great relief to have some warmer and dryer weather.

I have now to admit to an error I made in these notes a couple of months back, when I wrote about the "T sum". I find now that this guide is not used anymore, so to anyone who read that paragraph with (I hope) interest I apologise. This just shows how quickly one can get out of touch. Nowadays most people agree that the optimum time to apply the first application of plant nutrients is late February early March. In the past we have tended to apply artificial manures as and when the land would allow vehicles to travel. Now with modern machinery and the advent of large "floatation" tyres we can apply what we want when we want over any soil condition. As I say, in the past we could only get these jobs done when conditions allowed which often meant travelling on hard frosty ground. It was this practice that precipitated the concept of the T sum to illustrate the error of too early an application and of course the subsequent waste. That is why you see on the roads nowadays these farm vehicles with great big tyres.

Whilst on the subject of plant nutrients I do notice that the long and wet winter has taken its toll on crops in places where the ground is particularly wet. In these areas the crop will appear yellow, caused buy a lack of nitrogen. The reason for this is that nitrogen is free running in soils and thus easily washed or "leached" out ultimately ending up in the water supply. This is of course is like tipping money down the drain and can be detrimental to the environment. The result is that we are much more careful when we apply this nitrogen and why there are now strict regulations as to when we can apply these manures.

A great move forward for the food industry, is the news that the government at last seem to understand that there needs to be tighter regulation on food labelling. This of course is good news to us producers, especially in this day and age when the consumer wishes to buy British but cannot tell just by looking at the label if they are.

National farming bodies are keeping up the pressure on the government to take the issue of badgers and TB seriously. Whichever way you look at this it is very serious issue to the many affected, apart from the millions it is costing the tax payer. It seems that Hillary Benn our DEFRA minister is now looking into the possibility of vaccinating all badgers, not sure how he is proposing to do this, the thought of a Government minister trying to catch a badger could keep cartoonists in work for some time.

Our egg production has changed like the weather although I don’t think there is any connection. Last month I reported that we were getting about 2 eggs a week now we seem to be nearer 200 a day. I have to say on a personal note that it is very satisfying to be producing some thing tangible and supplying direct to those who are looking for quality at a reasonable price.

Monday 13th. Walk. Meet at the church in Nether Winchendon at 10:00am for a 7 mile circular walk via Waddesdon Manor Country Park. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. 01844 208517.

Saturday 18th. Walk. Meet at Russells Water at 09:30am for a 12 mile walk via Pishill and Stonor with a number of steep ascents and descents. Possible pub, but bring a picnic. 01869 249128.

Thursday 23rd. Walk. Meet in West Wycombe Garden Centre at 10:00am for a 6 mile walk via Hearnton Wood and Bradenham. Sorry, no dogs allowed. 01844 215624.

Thursday 30th. Walk. Meet at Watlington Hill NT car park at 10:00am for a 6½ mile circular walk in the Christmas Common area via Greenfield and Dame Alice Farm. Hopefully bluebells. 01844 213608.

A 20/20 Cricket Match has been organised for Thursday 16th July, starting at 6.30 pm, at Great Milton Rec. Ideally we could do with eleven players! - please ring me if you would like to be in the team.

Mark Willis 01844 279468

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.

_______________________________________________________________________ (name)

would like____________tickets for the Happy Circus

I enclose payment of ___________________ (amount, cheques payable to The Friends of Great Milton School)

Often called ‘Bogus callers,’ these people tend to target the more vulnerable older people of our community. Offenders often pose as officials such as police, council workers and utility providers in order to gain access to your home. Once inside the offender will distract the victim and commit burglary.

Remember, if you are not expecting a visit do not open the door. Always ask for identification before you open the door, genuine people will not mined passing an id card through the letterbox. Verify that person by telephoning the company involved. Finally, if you feel threatened call 999.

With neighbourhood policing becoming ever more successful, it has been recognised that we as a force are not engaging with our rural areas. More often than not crimes are not reported through lack of interest or lack of police faith. Thame sector is made up of a vast rural community. Your neighbourhood team are currently meeting farmers face to face and signing them up

Country watch is an intelligence system that works, costs nothing and combats crime!

Any suspicious persons or vehicles sighted (not yet committed a crime) are noted and are reported through the police non emergency number 08458 505 505. This information is then sent out as an automated message to surrounding farms. Local officers are also made aware and can develop the intelligence further.

For further information or to sign up contact your local officer.

After meeting a number of farmers, the concern of hare coursing was raised.

This is not a new issue, however one that does not always get reported.

Farmers are confronting them direct putting themselves in danger. Remember, Hare coursers often carry shot guns for poaching and become aggressive when challenged. Help us be pro active by instead getting information. THINK….call 999 crime in progress! Note times, locations, descriptions/ numbers of persons/ vehicles, registration number, colour, make and finally, a direction of travel. The people involved may travel across many acres of land before the police arrive.

It is an offence under Section 5 of the hunting act 2004. The police do have the power to arrest such persons involved along with seizing the vehicles and animals used.

*Notify country watch as the vehicle you see could be used in crime else where.

If a crime is being committed or about to be then call 999 emergency.

If it is suspicious or to pass information call, 08458 505 505 national non emergency.

You can E-mail your local officer with any questions or concerns or call the non emergency number Quote shoulder number C9422 Michelle Jacques

A big thank you to everyone who came along to our Spring Fair – an amazing £1200 was raised on the day. We are particularly grateful to Stuart, Mabel and Phyllis for giving up yet another Saturday morning to support us – their tea and bacon sandwiches always go down a treat! Thank you also to Dee for her wonderful baking.

We are delighted to have been chosen for the Waterperry Allotment Project this year. Children in Years 3 and 4 will be visiting Waterperry monthly to learn about growing fruit and vegetables. They will have their own plot to tend, and are looking forward to eating their own vegetables later in the year!

On Wednesday, the 11th March, thirty seven members and guests set out for our second outing in 2009.  This was a City and Village Tour entitled Tickets Please.  We met Sean our guide at Covent Garden where we had free time for a look round and an early lunch.  Then we headed over to the London Transport Museum for an extremely interesting time browsing around the various forms of public transport starting with the sedan chair through trains, trams and the big red buses.  Time then for a coach tour finishing at the magnificently restored St Pancras Station, the new home of the Euro star Service.  There we found the new statue of Sir John Betjeman gazing up at the glorious arch of the freshly restored train shed.  A short walk now to the British Library for a brief visit and a cup of tea before heading for home.

Our speaker on the 12th March was Sqd Ldr A Garrett M.B.E., a charming gentleman who was one of the pilots involved in the Berlin Airlift.  He gave a very interesting and entertaining talk about his experiences and the time flew by.  Our next meeting on the 26th March will be our fish and chip lunch.

Thurs 9th - Mrs Clifford and Easter Cake Competition - 2.15 p.m.

Wed 15th - Outing Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion

Thurs - 23rd - Air Ambulance Chiltern and Thames Valley - 2.15 p.m.

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.

In an emergency please call 999 to talk to the ambulance service.

Tuesday 2.00 – 7.00 p.m: Wednesday 9.30 am. - 1.00 pm.: 2.00 5.00 p.m.