Aug09Newsletter

The Council meeting held on Wednesday 7th July was attended by five Councillors and the Clerk. The following are extracts from the minutes that the Council need to approve at the September meeting.

The Clerk reported that SOHA had consulted with the residents concerned with the proposed new fencing on 3 July 2009. The Council will be informed in due course of the decision made by SOHA in this matter. The Clerk stated that he had informed SOHA that if the proposals were supported by the majority of the residents that the Council would make a small financial contribution.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had sent a letter to Horwood & James requesting that the legal documentation in respect of the variation of the restrictive covenant on the use of the recreation ground land and that it should be available for completion within the next two weeks,

The Clerk reported that OCC Highways had replaced the mirror opposite Milton Manor Drive within 48 hours of it being reported. The Clerk had expressed the Council’s appreciation for the prompt action.

The Clerk stated that Blenheim Lane continued to be a problem area and that no regular collection had taken place since the new system had been introduced. The Council RESOLVED that the Clerk should write to SODC recommending that the households should revert to a bagged collection that would be collected from the end of Blenheim Lane .

The Chairman informed the meeting that he had received a quotation to form a new out-house to enclose the existing electric cupboard that would leave the current electrical installation undisturbed. The Council are committed to improving the current arrangement and RESOLVED to seek alterative quotes to replace the existing unit.

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

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

The Chairman informed the meeting that SODC Planning had advised that the proposed amendment to the approved scheme could not be dealt with as a minor amendment but would require a new planning application. The amendment related to the creation of a new agricultural vehicular access to the land adjacent to Plough House.

The Chairman invited Cllr. Barry Coward to chair this agenda item as he had recently chaired a meeting of interested parties on this matter.

The Chairman stated that there had been a meeting of representatives of the Parish Council, the IPS, the Village Hall and the Orchard to discuss the issues relating to the Car Park and other related matters in order to make recommendations to the Parish Council. There were three areas to be addressed

The major item that the Council required to address was the surface of the Car Park. This matter had been deferred until the shop was built but it was a planning condition from the Village Hall planning application in 2004. The chairman outlined four options:-

The Council RESOLVED to proceed with option (c) as it considered that option would provide a rural type surface and would provide a surface that would accommodate the load bearings expected.

The Council also RESOLVED to extend the current footpath in front of the Pine Lodge and Orchard on the ground leading from the entrance to the shop. It was anticipated that any car park membrane would be flush against the path. The ground in front of the hedge would require a solid border.

The Council RESOLVED to widen the existing barrier to at least 4.8m as well as to have a lead in fence on both sides of the existing entrance and to lower the hedge to 0.9m. The Council also RESOLVED to refurbish the existing 5 bar gate and to have it locked unless access to the recreation ground was required.

The Council discussed the likely timing of the work to minimise the disruption to the existing site users. It was unlikely that the work on the car park would not start before the end of August but work on the barrier, the fencing and the hedge could proceed faster.

The Council RESOLVED that Cllrs Barry Coward and David Wakeling would liaise with Mr Richard Alliston to enable the Council to specify the work package more precisely and then obtain the necessary quotes for the work and that this would be supported by the Cllr Stuart McGill and the Clerk.

The Clerk explained the process that the Council would need to adhere to if it decided that part of the funding of the overall cost would require the Council to borrow money. The Clerk explained that the Council need to submit an application for Borrowing Approval from the Secretary of State by way of the Department of Communities and Local Government. The Council RESOLVED after due consideration to apply for Borrowing Approval of £15,000 over a ten year term. Once the Council has the final cost of the project it will determine the actual level of borrowing required.

The Chairman outlined the key points from the report produced by TV Energy in respect of a possible wind-turbine behind the MUGA. The Council deliberated on the role of the Parish Council in respect of the proposal but made no decision. The Council RESOLVED that it would defer any further work on the project for three months as there was insufficient resource or time due to the work being done on the shop and the car park.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 9th September 2009 at 8.00 p.m. in The Pine Lodge Little Milton unless there is a need to convene any planning or other meetings.

Please note that the complete minutes of the Council are now included on the Council website www.littlemilton.org.uk after they have been approved by the Council.

The Freedom on Information Act 2000 (FOIA) provides rights of public access to information held by Public Authorities. The Parish Council adopted a new publication scheme on 1st January 2009. A version of the Publication Scheme will be available on the Council Website www.littlemilton.org.uk

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.

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 .

Please note that the Community Waste Vehicle Collection has been discontinued.

The Oxfordshire County Council Waste Recycling Centres at Redbridge, Drayton (near Abingdon) 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.

At last, a new member to our team – congratulations Sophie you have just subscribed to a wonderful team of cleaners for our beautiful church. Many, many thanks to Sarah Jones who spent many years on the team and owing to other commitments she has sadly resigned.

Someone who borrowed a flower pedestal has forgotten to return it to myself or the church. If you do recall borrowing a pedestal in the past please have a good look for it and hopefully it will be found. If you want too share the excitement when you find it please call me on 01844 278922.

The other night I seemed to be in another world. The night was clear, the air was still and warm. I looked up into the sky, and saw a myriad of stars dusting the heavens. I could see constellations, the Milky Way; the vastness of it all, the enormity too great to even begin to comprehend. I felt an almost religious sense of awe and wonder.

Then the moon began to rise. It’s amazing to think that we’ve actually been up there. Forty years ago to the day, in the early hours of the morning, Neil Armstrong first set foot on the Moon. He said the now, almost unforgettable words, “One small step for man: one giant leap for mankind”. A new era had dawned on human kind, and things haven’t been the same since. For one thing, the very far had become very near. But Neil Armstrong’s first footfalls on the moon, not only changed the world, but they changed something else as well. The experience of his first footfalls would also change his life.

When I hear interviews with those who’ve been there, it’s clear they all had a common, almost spiritual experience.

When they looked back and saw the planet Earth as a small blue marble suspended in the vastness of space, they had an overwhelming sense of how precious our life was and how unique we were, and how beautiful and precious was our world. That changed them forever.

We live in a world of increased movement. People are moving about in all directions.

In our busy lives, we don’t often pause for a moment or two to remember how precious we are. We are often so taken up with the dash and tear of trying to survive that we forget to really live.

The man who wrote the Psalms all those years ago said, “When I look up at thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars set in their place by thee, what is man that thou should remember him, mortal man that thou shouldst care for him?

We need to slow down and consider just how precious our own lives are, and to think on how our actins affect others and our environment and less on our own self-concerns.

If we pause to think of the big picture, we won’t get so worried about the petty details. And maybe now and again, we can look up and take time to see the stars.

Father, my life and the lives of others are very rare and very precious. Help me to take just a bit of time to consider the consequences of my actions and the effect I have on others so that my life will have more happiness and greater meaning.

At the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, the Benefice Festival Eucharist in Rycote Chapel will be held on Sunday 23^rd August at 10.00 a.m. Rycote Chapel is a very magic place, so steeped in English History and set in glorious English Countryside, and it is always an absolute joy to worship there. Please do make a note of this date NOW, and do come along on the 23^rd August.

You, your friends, family, neighbours and anyone you care to bring, are all invited to come along to the Rectory on SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST between 3 and 5, for a cup of tea and a cake. Yes, you are all invited to come along to what is now an annual event. So just come along and enjoy meeting your old friends and meeting new ones. We would all just love to see you.

The Thanksgiving Service for Lady Evans was held in St. James’ on Friday 3^rd July. To see so many of her friends at the Service spoke volumes of how highly she was regarded, and that was in itself a strength to Sir David and her family. At the Service , her Son, Miles, gave a moving account of her life from her early days through her wartime service in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, being very much the family person, and a tremendous support and companion to Sir David in his very distinguished career with the Royal Air Force. Miles spoke of her zest for life in all things and all circumstances, and her remarkable understanding of human nature. We send our sincere condolences to Sir David and all his family.

The Cremated remains of Lily were interred in St. James’ Churchyard on the 1^st July. She was related to the Slater family. She died in Coventry where she had lived for a number of years on the 13^th May at the age of 95. We extend our deepest sympathies to her sons and family.

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

Grateful thanks to everyone who supported Christian Aid Week this year. Specifically, thank you to all those who hosted Lent Lunches, to Mrs. Hunter for her excellent Assembly and to all the house-to-house collectors both in the Haseleys and in Little Milton. This year we raised a grand total of £1,660.56 which includes a Gift Aid total of £191.37. So an extra thank you to those who Gift Aided their envelopes. Finally, thank you to Ian who co-ordinated and organised everyone this year at short notice and to both our resident Accountants for counting all the money!

P.S. Special mention must be made of the wonderful cress seed donation complete with planting instructions which will be appropriately forwarded.

This is a sponsored event to raise money for St James Church and the Oxfordshire Historic Churches . If you are interested in obtaining sponsor forms please contact myself or Anne Hawkins 279526.

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

As we come to the end of another academic year, we say goodbye and good luck to our Year 6 children as they move on to their new schools, well prepared and ready for a new challenge.

We have a number of destinations this year – Abigail, Adele, Catherine and Matthew will be joining Wheatley Park School, Chloe, Holly , Luke and James are going to Icknield, Holly joins her brother at Lord Williams and Amy will be attending Rye St Antony.

We enjoyed welcoming so many of you to Maypole at the beginning of July – what a lovely evening it was. We are particularly grateful to Laurelle Rond Alliston and her fellow musicians for providing a wonderful accompaniment to the dancing, and to the Friends of the School for organising the refreshments. All in all, a very enjoyable evening!

A major triumph for Little Milton School this term was coming second in the Partnership Area Sports Evening! You may have heard the parents cheering (all the way from the Horspath Athletics Track). The first cheer was when we didn’t come last – our usual position and there was a resounding roar when we came in second position! All of that extra sports provision over the last year has definitely paid off.

We would like to wish everyone a healthy and happy summer, and will keep you up to date with our activities in the September newsletter.

A coffee morning with Bring & Buy will be held at 38 Chiltern View on Saturday 5^th September 10.00 a.m. to noon. The proceeds will be given to St James’ Church.

Next Meeting : At our August meeting on Thursday 13th August at 7.45 in the Pine Lodge, Little Milton we shall welcome Brian John Howe who will present to us ‘Intriguing Oxford’.

Several members of the group met on a June afternoon at Valerie’s to ‘assemble’ our Scarecrow - to be entered into a competition at Millet’s Garden Centre on the evening of Thursday 2^nd of July. We made the body out of a pillow, legs and arms from foam and tights. The head was a small pliable packet fruit bowl, stuffed and covered with material and a beautiful face painted on it - well, we thought so! We added wig, hat, lilac blouse and long purple swirling skirt, patent leather handbag, black leather boots, pearl earrings and choker and there she was - our Lady Bountiful. She didn’t win! But we had a lot of fun making her. There were some very witty entries, and Lady Bountiful stayed at Millets, so why not pop along and see her? The proceedings followed with a tasty barbecue and music.

On the cool and not so balmy summer evening of Thursday, 9^th July we held our Safari Supper in Little Milton. It was warm enough to have aperitifs in Eleanor’s garden. Then we walked to Shirley’s who provided the main course on tables and chairs in her home. On to Mary’s for dessert, finishing at Gill’s for coffee and biscuits. All those who attended provided food for a course each. Many thanks to Eleanor, Shirley, Mary and Gill and their behind the scenes helpers, all of whom extended a warm and welcoming invitation into their homes. It was a wonderful evening.

Are you new to the area? The WI is a great way to meet people. Do you live in Little Milton, Great Milton, Little Haseley, Great Haseley or other villages nearby? Why don’t you come along to our meetings and enjoy all the events like those above? As well as our monthly meetings we go on visits, coach trips, theatre trips, day trips to London , visits to lovely country houses along with many more events. We would love to see you, come along and ‘Give Us a Try! For further information ring Anne Hawkins, our President.

The level of demand for the service is relatively low in Little Milton but to those who need support it is vital and very much appreciated. Please give it some thought and ring me to find out more information if you are interested in helping or require transport to the surgery or hospital.

The sewing group will meet on Thursday 20th August at Mary Davis's house. Spring and Well Cottage Haseley Road , Little Milton . We meet at 11am. for coffee and have a light lunch. If anyone wishes to join us please telephone Mary on 279471.

Ben Thomas is a man at a crossroads searching for a way to redeem his heavy conscience. He discovers he has the power to change the circumstances of seven strangers who deserve a second chance.

Raise the Roof!

Come and raise the beautiful roof

of the Pine Lodge in song!

Join

Little Milton’s Community Choir

on Tuesday evenings from 8 – 9.30pm, starting on 8^th September.

We’ll be singing easy popular and folk songs from The Beatles to Joni Mitchell and

The Carpenters to Simon and Garfunkel.

Requests always welcomed.

Only £5 per session, £3 concessions.

No experience or reading of music necessary. Instrumentalists welcome if prepared to play by ear.

Please phone Laurelle on 278045 if you have any queries. Otherwise, see you there!

The Orchard is speeding towards the end of another school year with a super quick (between rain showers) sports day in May and a children’s End of Term Ball and Teddy Bear’s picnic to fit in before the end of term. There’s just been time for our busy team to fit in fabulous presents for Fathers’ Day (a big thank you to the staff from all the Dads who enjoyed a special Fathers’ day mug holding a pen, bookmark AND handmade transport shaped biscuit!). We’ve been blessed with lovely summer weather for walks to the nature reserve and lots of time camping in the Orchard garden (complete with campfire sausages and beans!). If you have a child under school age who is missing out on all this fun and would like to come and see us learn and play – do call The Orchard on 01844 278989, we’d be happy to show you around.

Just to keep you up to date on staff news, Yvonne Brammer has decided not to return to work after her maternity leave and wants to enjoy her time at home with her son, Joss. We wish her all the happiness of motherhood and look forward to receiving her application to send Joss to pre-school in the future!!! Yvonne joined the Orchard staff 10 years ago and has helped to shape the pre-school into the thriving, friendly place it is today. A hard act to follow, but fill her shoes we must. If you are interested in joining the staff team, please do contact Lesley McCaig (Chair of the Orchard Management Committee – 01844 278244) to talk through the opportunities that exist at The Orchard. We are very grateful to Rose Walker (Acting Supervisor) and Helen Lovegrove (Acting Deputy Supervisor) for their professional expertise in filling these positions during Yvonne’s maternity leave. They will continue to cover the supervisory roles whilst we recruit a replacement.

Last month, we spent most of the time cutting back the vegetation and repairing one of the gates at the top of Blenheim Lane . With all the rain recently, everything is growing fast and the animals are thriving. Butterfly numbers have increased significantly with abundant ringlets, meadow browns, small whites and skippers. Skippers are the small orange delta winged butterflies. We have also counted marbled whites, small tortoiseshells, commas and gate keepers. However, only one blue has been counted. These appear to have been in low numbers over the last couple of seasons at Wells Farm.

In August we plan to continue with the ongoing battle to keep the paths clear. If you are out walking, as you pass through a gate, please feel free to pull the odd nettle up. It saves us the trouble!

Children’s Centres are a one stop shop for all young children, their parents, grandparents, childminders and other carers. As well as running free and low cost play events for families, we also provide a range of information and advice about local children’s services, including health and education. The Maple Tree Children’s Centre serves Little Milton, Wheatley, and surrounding villages, and we will be running a new programme over the summer break from 20^th July – 4^th Sept 2009.

Thursday 13th. Walk. Meet at Chearsley village green at 09:00am for a 7 mile morning walk to the Winchendons. Hilly, but with lovely views. Pub or tea stop at the end. 01844 339969.

Saturday 15th. Walk. Meet at Cowleaze Wood Car Park at 10:00am for a 10 mile walk to Christmas Common and Watlington Park returning via the Ridgeway to Aston Rowant NR, hoping to see Chiltern Gentians. Picnic lunch. Sorry, no dogs allowed. 01865 358905.

Saturday 22ndMorning. Starting at 09:30am. An 8 mile walk to Wotton House, Ludgershall using part of the Bernwood Jubilee Way. Reasonable pace. Possible pub lunch or picnic at the end.

Afternoon. Starting at 02:00pm. Leisurely 4½ mile circular walk to Oakley and back by ancient green lanes.

For both walks, meet at the church Brill. Contact phone: 01844 339352 / 07796 661449

Thursday 27th. Walk. Meet at Sydenham (in the village near the church) at 10:00am for a 6 mile circular walk in the area. Sorry, no dogs allowed. 01844 215624.

Much of Thames Valley ’s countryside is peaceful and idyllic. However, although crime is much less common in rural areas, it does occur.

It can be easy for visitors and newcomers to the area to lower their guard against crime. But by considering crime prevention, you can make life much more difficult for opportunist criminals.

KEY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Age Concern 01844 279238 Janet Betts

Citizens Advice Bur. 01844 214827 Thame & District

Church: St James 01844 279498 Rev Victor Story (Rector)

01844 279150 Raymond Fergusson

(Churchwarden)

Doctors 01865 872448 Morland Surgery

0845 345 8995 NHS Helpline

999 Medical Emergencies

Milk Deliveries 01865 792221 Dairy Crest

MUGA Bookings for the courts are made at the Post Office

OCC 01865 792422 All enquiries

Parish Council 01844 279092 Stuart McGill (Chair)

01844 279150 Raymond Fergusson

(Clerk)

Pine Lodge 01844 278187 David Ponting (Chair)

01844 279535 Linda Lovegrove

(Booking Secretary)

Police 0845 8505 505 Thames Valley Police

Neighbourhood Watch 01844 279468 Mark Willis

Post Office 01844 279001 Annie Rogers (Postmistress)

Public Transport 01869 241500 Heyfordian Travel

01296 399500 Red Rose Travel

0870 6082 608 Arriva

SODC 01491 823000 All enquiries

Southern Electric 0845 770 8090 Emergency Number

Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Emergency Number

For all other numbers go to website www.littlemilton.org.uk

Councillor Stuart McGill ( Chairman)	01844 279092
Councillor Barry Coward (Vice Chair)	01844 278970
Councillor Mabel Wood	01844 279670
Councillor Alison Shelton	01844 278144
Councillor David Wakeling	01844 278014
Councillor Tim Robinson	01844 278343
Parish Clerk Raymond Fergusson	01844 279150 fergie.milton1@btinternet.com

	Garden	Non Recycle	Recycle	Food
4 August	No	Yes	No	Yes
11 August	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
18 August	No	Yes	No	Yes
25 August	Yes	No	Yes	Yes

2nd	11.00 a.m.	Local arrangement
9th	9.30 a.m.	Morning Service led by Rev Ann Henman
16th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mr Andrew Maisey
23rd	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mrs. Jennifer Thompson
30th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Rev Derrick Chambers

Sun	2nd	9.30 a.m.	Holy Communion CW – St James’
Mon	3rd	10.30 a.m.	Fitness/Yoga – Pine Lodge
Wed	5th	9.45 a.m. 8.00 p.m.	Babies and Toddlers Music Group Parish Council: Pine Lodge
Thurs	6th	10.15 a.m. 7.45 p.m. 2.35 -3.00 pm. 3.05– 3.15 pm	Great Haseley Baby and Toddler Group in Gt. Haseley Village Hall WI Meeting in the Pine Lodge Mobile Library – Village Hall Mobile Library – Old Field
Sun	9th	11.00a.m.	Family Service – St James’
Mon	10th	10.30 a.m.	Fitness/Yoga – Pine Lodge
Tues	11th	7.30 p.m.	No Bell Ringing Practice – St James’
Wed	12th	9.45 a.m.	Babies and Toddlers Music Group
Thurs	13th	10.15 a.m. 7.45 p.m.	Great Haseley Baby and Toddler Group in Gt. Haseley Village Hall WI meeting in the Pine Lodge
Frid	14th	7.30 p.m.	Pudding & Wine Evening , Spring & Well
Sun	16th	8.00 a.m.	Holy Communion – St James’
Mon	17th	10.30 a.m.	Fitness/Yoga – Pine Lodge
Tues	18th	7.30 p.m.	Bell Ringing Practice – St James’
Wed	19th	9.45 a.m.	Babies and Toddlers Music Group
Thurs	20th	10.15 a.m. 2.35 -3.00 pm. 3.05– 3.15 pm 8.00 p.m	Great Haseley Baby and Toddler Group in Gt. Haseley Village Hall Mobile Library – Village Hall Mobile Library – Old Field Cinema Club – ‘Seven Pounds’
Sun	23rd	10.00 a.m.	Holy Communion at Rycote Chapel
Mon	24th	10.30 a.m.	Fitness/Yoga – Pine Lodge
Tues	25th	7.30 p.m.	Bell Ringing Practice – St James’
Wed	26th	9.45 a.m.	Babies and Toddlers Music Group
Thurs	27th	10.15 a.m.	Great Haseley Baby and Toddler Group in Gt. Haseley Village Hall
Sat	29th	2.00 p.m.	Great Haseley & District Horticultural Show Chiselhampton House
Sun	30th	10.00 a.m.	Benefice Holy Communion: St James’

LITTLE MILTON

GREAT HASELEY