Oct09Newsletter

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

The Clerk reported that SOHA had informed the Council that it had decided not to proceed with the security fencing behind six properties in Old Field as a result of its cost, its future maintenance and the fact that it was not supported by all the residents. SOHA did indicate that the existing fencing would be replaced with a like for like replacement when it was required.

The Clerk gave a brief report on the problems that had been experienced by the residents of Blenheim Lane after the introduction of the new refuse collection system albeit the current situation appeared to be more reliable. He explained that SODC had provided bulk bins that were sited opposite the lane but as yet there had been no official communication to the residents although they were being used by some residents. The Clerk stated that SODC were actively trying to establish a procedure in conjunction with Verdant covering all aspects of the waste collection and until that is has been completed the current arrangements will continue.

The Chairman reported that the audit for the year ended 31st March 2009 had been completed by BDO Stoy Hayward and that no matters had come to their attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulation requirements had not been met. The Council RESOLVED to approve the Annual Return.

P09/W0492: Brookside Cottage: Replacement of modern timber windows and replacement of garden shed

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

P09/W0519/LB: Replacement of modern timber windows and replacement of garden shed

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

The Council noted that Lawful Development had been granted by South Oxfordshire District Council

The Council noted that an appeal that had been lodged with the First Secretary of State following the refusal of SODC to grant planning permission.

The Chairman referred to the papers that he had circulated prior to the meeting and reported that he had now received four comparative quotes to re-grade the car park surface and related works. The related work included a new electricity meter enclosure, footpath, refurbish/replace 5 –bar gate, widen the entrance barrier, re-mark disabled bays and boundary edging on hedge and half of Orchard sides of car park. The Chairman also highlighted that the Village Hall had requested that an area be allocated for skips and that this should now be included in the scheduled work. The Chairman stated that he had informed the shop of this development. The financing of the additional cost of the compound was not agreed but in principle the Council RESOLVED that the compound area should be included in the specification.

The Clerk informed the meeting that there was no specific condition within the planning consent P04/W0929 that dictated a “rural surface” although the Council was conscious of the need to maintain a surface in keeping with the surroundings.

There was a lengthy discussion over the various options within the quotes as there was a wide spread in the costs. The Council RESOLVED the following:

The Council RESOLVED that Southern Construction offered the most flexibility in determining a solution and asked the Chairman to work with Southern Construction in an effort to produce an acceptable solution. The Council were seeking a solution that was fit for purpose and gave good value for money.

The Clerk stated that he had not yet applied for Borrowing Approval as there was uncertainty over the cost of the project. The Council RESOLVED to maintain its previous decision to seek approval for a maximum loan of £15,000 over a maximum ten year term. The Clerk informed the Council that if the application is granted that any drawdown on the facility would have to be before the 31st March 2010.

The Chairman requested that a copy of any sub-lease or similar legal agreement between the IPS and the Post Office should be supplied to the Parish Council.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he had a meeting with the owner and other interested parties in respect of the re-instatement of the Post Office as a result of it transferring to its new site. He stated that it was necessary for the owner to obtain planning consent for a change of use and any Listed Building consent before any work could commence. The Clerk indicated that the existing entrance would be kept as well as the cloakroom that was created when the Post Office was established. The Clerk will liaise with the owner/agent and report back to the Council.

The Chairman informed the meeting that OCC were carrying out a review of speed limits on “A” and “B” class roads in Oxfordshire in accordance with the guidance issued by the Department for Transport. The Clerk has requested that a reduced speed limit should be considered in the area of Little Milton School as the information received from OCC stated that no changes were currently recommended.

The Chairman stated that he felt that parts of the village were looking untidy as a result of vegetation growth on the kerbs and pavements. The Clerk informed the meeting that OCC had an insufficient budget to address this problem and thus the Highways Department would no longer maintain kerbs and pavements. The Council RESOLVED that it would ask residents to care for the areas adjacent to their properties, ask Mr David Turner to pursue support from the County Council and to consider funding weed clearance within the village.

Mr David Turner highlighted a number of issues and stated that he would send the relevant information to the Clerk. However there was a particular point about the 103 bus stop in Oxford that may be causing residents a concern and if so he would like to hear from them.

The Clerk informed the meeting that he was working with OCC, SODC and a resident in connection with the brook and other related water courses adjacent to Blenheim Lane and the Haseley Road following a request by the resident.

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday 14th October 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.

The Parish Council is conscious that the lack of funds available at OCC for the clearance of street vegetation means that parts of the village are looking a bit untidy. If we all did a little bit of clearance around our own properties it would make a huge difference Ed

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

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.

The Rectory Garden party was held on the 22^nd August, Great Milton, Little Milton and Great Haseley parishes were involved in supplying cakes for the teas and raffle prizes etc. and helping during the afternoon. Everyone who came along seemed to enjoy themselves, all donations received including monies taken on the raffle totalled £132.39 which has been passed on to the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary at Stadhampton.

A work party has been organised for the morning of Saturday 17th October. Please come along and help tidy up your churchyard. If you can help please contact Sarah Jones on 278120 or myself on 279150

I am writing these words on the eight anniversary of what has come to be known as 9/11. My mind flits back to that terrible day eight years ago. As I remember it, that day in New York broke as a perfect morning, clear and bright. But soon the vast twin towers were reduced to dust, and thousands of people were crushed in the fall. The Mayor of New York said the casualties would be more than any one of us could bear.

I recall thinking on that day that there were so many unanswered questions. Who did it? How would we all be affected? And rumbling from the ruins, the fear. This volcano didn’t come from below but above, raining terror on Manhattan ; not a natural disaster but man-made. What just cause could possibly deserve such an evil and unjust response? Will the appetite for retaliation lead to indiscriminate reprisals? Can even the good in the human mind cope wisely and effectively in the face of such evil? As the bodies were recovered we were reminded that buildings can be replaced but lives cannot-they are beloved, and unique to those who love them.

Today in New York there will be commemorations and the names of the victims will be read out. But over the years the healing grace of God has moved people on, past their initial horror and fear and rage to what lies beyond. Sadly the threat of further terrorist attacks remains-in the United States and in many other places-but the site where the Twin Towers once stood in now a place of remembrance, not for evil acts of violence but honouring those who died and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of terrible tragedy. The rebuilding process has started and upon completion, No 1 World Trade centre will become one the tallest buildings in North America .

As Jesus prepared to leave his disciples he told them, “Peace is my parting gift to you, my own peace, such as the world cannot give. So set your troubled hearts at rest, and banish your fears.”

As we approach remembrance time, a prayer which we might find helpful is that God will indeed keep protection near and danger afar. Keep hope within and doubt without. Keep light near and darkness afar. And keep peace within and evil out. Amen.

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

The following is an updated extract from a report given at the recent PCC Meeting in September…

Saint James Church Sunday School was set up in October 1995 with the blessing of the then Rector Revd Nigel Bryan and retired Bishop Dick (Richard) Watson. The latter joined our first session leading us all with great enthusiasm into ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’. We have been and continued to be in God’s loving hands ever since that date, celebrating our 10^th Anniversary with another Bishop – Bishop Colin – in October 2005.

Since we began about100 different children have attended with a total of around 2,900 attendances. We began with 6 teachers then went to 4 and latterly 3. We are grateful to the many parents and helpers who have helped and assisted over the years including the teenagers who recently ‘graduated’ from Sunday School. Each of these was presented with a personally inscribed Youth Bible by Jenny Hyson, the Diocesan Children’s Adviser, at a lovely Family Service jointly planned with Victor.

We have enjoyed sharing our work at Family Services and helping to draw children and their families into the regular Family Service Worship.

Recently it has been increasingly difficult for the existing teachers to plan, run, evaluate and continue to be responsible for providing the regular twice monthly Sunday School teaching sessions. This is due to the personal circumstances of each of the teachers and has led us to decide that for the time being Sunday School in its current format would cease after 20th September 2009 – the date of our Annual Summer Outing and Picnic this year. We went, by popular request, to the Arboretum and everyone enjoyed themselves… and this year we only lost Katie! Our picnic will be followed by a Faith Portfolio Brunch Session on November 15th and then, with the support of the PCC an Advent Presentations Family Service on December 13th details of which will follow shortly but please all keep the date free. In the foreseeable future and going forwards we hope to offer Godly Play at some Family Services and possibly other ‘one off’ events. It is hoped in the not too distant future that Sunday School will be reinstated on a regular basis and we would like to stress that we will provide every support and encouragement to anyone wishing to run it. For now we’re putting it into the hands of God and we pray and know that his will will be done and in his timing not ours! If you’re reading this and are interested in running Sunday School then do give one of the current teachers, Amanda, Christine or myself a ring….

I would like to thank all those who acted as stewards on the day and to George & Ian Dennis who raised over £128 in sponsorship of which half goes to St James’ and half to Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust.

Echoes from the Orchard as our children practise their numbers this term. When you were at school, maybe you recited numbers but at The Orchard we sing them, role-play stories with them and even write them in shaving foam! The Orchard is full of creative ways to make learning fun for 2-5 year olds, come and see us in action! We’re busy learning Harvest songs too and these will be perfected at our Harvest Performance on Thursday 1^st October at 11a.m. Visitors are always welcome – whether you at 2 or 82 – we’d love to hear from you. Children come and play and adults come and help – if you have skills to offer – singing, languages or just life experience – we can find a way of using your talents to teach and have fun!

We’re also in need of equipment too. Do you have a working DVD player that you could donate to The Orchard? And more strangely, we are looking for an old bean-bag filled with polystyrene beads (we need the beads, not the bag!!)? If you can help please call The Orchard on 279989.

The Orchard is pleased to announce that we have a new Supervisor. Rose Walker will be taking over the role from Yvonne Brammer who has left to spend time at home with her son, Joss. Rose has been at The Orchard as Deputy Supervisor for 8 years and has latterly been Acting Supervisor during Yvonne’s maternity leave. We are delighted that she has taken the role and continues to be such a strong asset to the Orchard. Rose has a wealth of experience in childcare and is a highly qualified member of staff with specialist qualifications for children with Special Needs. All parents, staff and committee wish her very success and offer her their full support.

Was your child born between 1^st September 2005 and 31st August 2006? If they were, you should be actively seeking a school for them! We have copies of the “ Starting School ” booklet available for you to collect, which lists all of the primary schools in the County, giving details of catchment areas and admissions policies, and the relevant application forms.

Applications need to be with Oxfordshire County Council by 13^th November at the latest. We have spaces available in Reception, and would be delighted to show you around Little Milton School, and to give you a chance to see our children and staff in action - Please do ring if you would like to visit – our telephone number is 01844 279310.

We welcomed four new children this term - Nat Franklin, Olivia Shrimpton and Tally Simms have joined Reception, and Valentino Mayhew has joined Year 3. They appear to be settling in very happily!

We are looking forward to welcoming The Right Reverend Colin Fletcher OBE, Bishop of Dorchester in the Diocese of Oxford and John Howell M.P. to officiate at the opening of our new Outdoor Learning Area on Friday, 2nd October. Our Harvest Festival Service will be at 2.00 pm, in school this year, followed by a blessing and the official opening. We would love an opportunity to show you our new facilities – please do come along if you are able, join us for our celebrations, and enjoy a cup of tea and cakes afterwards! So many of you have kindly supported the Friends in this venture by way of donations etc, for which we are very grateful.

Next Meeting: At our next meeting on Thursday 8th October at 7.45 in the Pine Lodge, Little Milton , we shall welcome Jo Woodhead who will give a Pampered Chef Cookery Demonstration.

On Thursday 10th September, Joyce Marriott came to talk to us about the Stokenchurch Dog Rescue which is a registered charity, totally independent, formed in 1963. She brought her ex-rescue dog, Rory, a bearded cross border collie, which was very happy and very well behaved! Our members took to him straight away.

The Kennels are dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned, abused and unwanted dogs from around High Wycombe and the surrounding areas. They have a licence to house 60 dogs. Since opening, the Kennels have successfully re-homed hundreds of dogs. The rescue centre has a non-destruction policy, believing that somewhere there is the right home for each one of their dogs. All prospective homes are checked closely and the staff always tries to match the dog to its prospective owner. They try to re-home the dogs within a 20 mile radius so that they can pay a courtesy visit to each dog in its new home and ensure that it has settled well. Three cats live permanently at the Kennels too!

An animal behaviourist visits regularly to assess the needs of traumatised dogs. Also the centre’s veterinary surgeon visits frequently and no dog goes without medical treatment that it may require. At Stokenchurch there are exercise runs and a large fenced paddock area where the dogs can run free. These areas are also used for obedience and agility training that keep the dogs fit.

2pm - 4pm. And the dogs can be viewed in special viewing rooms. Being totally independent, the charity depends entirely on legacies, donations, bazaars, fetes, street collections and the goodwill of many members and volunteers.

If you would like to become a member of Stokenchurch Dog Rescue or adopt or foster a dog or help in any way, please telephone The Charity Co-ordinator for more information on 01494 482695 or visit : www.stokenchurchdogrescue.co.uk

This is the last draw for the 08/09 membership, thank you all for your support.

I will be stepping down as 200 Club organiser and the Club will be re-launching at a later date under the direction of a newly formed Friends Committee. Further details to follow in the next Newsletter edition.

The sewing group will meet on Thursday 15th October at Gill Taylor's house at 40 Chiltern View. You will be welcome with or without sewing for coffee and/or lunch but please let Gill know if you are staying for lunch. Look forward to seeing you from 11am onwards. Telephone 278617

NORTHMOOR TRUST – OCTOBER EVENTS

Unless stated otherwise, all events take place at Northmoor Trust, Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ and booking is essential: Please call 01865 407792 to reserve your place. See www.northmoortrust.co.uk for more information.

Find the fabulous fungi that are fruiting in the forest. Adults £5, Friends & under 16s free.

Sunday 4th & 11th October, 10am – 12noon: Northmoor Trust Big Draw Wild Illustration workshop Collect inspiration from the nature reserve and learn drawing and illustration techniques. Free. Just turn up!

Sunday 11th October – 29 November Sundays 2pm - 4pm: Northmoor Trust Art of Story Telling Course (8 week course) Learn the art of spinning a good yarn with master storyteller, Peter Hearn. Adults £85, Friends £68.

Sunday 18th October, 10am - 5pm: Northmoor Trust Apple Day Scrumping and bobbing to celebrate Apple Day. Activities from £1. Just turn up!

Sunday 18th October, 10.30am - 4.30pm: Northmoor Trust Basket Weaving Workshop Come and weave your own truly unique basket as part of our Apple Day celebrations. Adults £50, Friends £40.

Saturday 24th October, 2pm - 4.30pm: Northmoor Trust Fungal Foray at Wallingford Castle Meadows Discover the fabulous fungi fruiting in the heart of Wallingford . Adults £5, Friends & under 16s free.

Saturday 31st October, 5pm – 7:30pm: Northmoor Trust Halloween Hootenanny
Fiendish party games, spooky tunes and ghastly goodies. £7 per child.

Sunday 4th. Walk. Meet at Kingston Blount Village Hall at 10:00am (please park considerately in Bakers Piece or Pleck Lane ) for a 6 mile walk via Sydenham, Chalford, Postcombe and Aston Rowant. Slightly undulating, mixed farmland with some view points. 07767 647714.

Thursday 15th. Walk. Meet at Beckley (RSPB car park at the north end of Otmoor lane) at 10:00am for a 6 mile morning walk to Noke via the Oxfordshire Way . Sorry, no dogs allowed. 01865 358905.

Sunday 25th. Walk. Meet at rear of St. Mary’s Church Thame (Priest End) at 10:00am for a 9 mile walk to Shabbington, Rycote Chapel and Moreton. Picnic lunch. Contact the leader (07825 084976) if in doubt about the weather as the area is prone to flooding.

Thursday 29th. Walk. Meet at Great Haseley (the Plough PH) at 10:00am for a 7 mile circular walk via Great and Little Milton and Haseleys. Optional pub lunch at the end. 01844 213608.

Have a go at a variety of dance styles and you could be the winner of Strictly Live Tour tickets. If you secretly sashay across your living room, or long to learn cha-cha, you're in luck. ‘Two Left Feet’ is a variety dance programme launching across the county this autumn.

The programme offers something for everyone; all you need is a good sense of fun and two left feet! Here is what’s in store for South

10 Weeks of CEROC in Henley Town Hall – every Wednesday, starting 14 October, 8.00pm – 9.00pm

10 Weeks of having a go at all styles of Salsa (Cuban, New York , Columbian etc.) in Wheatley Park Leisure Centre – every Wednesday, starting 14 October, 8.00pm – 9.00pm

7 weeks of Jazz, Salsa, Tap, Street Dance, Adult Ballet, and Contemporary Dance in Thame Barns Centre – every Thursday, starting 15 October, 7.30pm – 8.30pm

4 weeks of Waltz, Cha-Cha, Foxtrot and Jive in Didcot Leisure Centre – every Monday, starting 12 October, 10.30am – 11.30am

6 weeks of Jazz Jive, Cha-Cha and Waltz in Castle Leisure Centre – every Friday, starting 9 October, 8pm – 9pm.

Classes cost only £2 for all first timers! Anyone attending will have the chance to win tickets for the Strictly Live Tour in 2010.

‘Two Left feet’ is being organised by GO Active (Get Oxfordshire Active), a project which aims to help adults lead more active lifestyles. To find out more contact Hendriette Thorn on 01491 823175, hendriette.thorn@southoxon.gov.uk or visit the GO Active website www.getoxfordshireactive.org

LITTLE MILTON CINEMA CLUB

at the Pine Lodge

Thursday 15th October

8pm

‘In the Loop’

Political comedy: following the US President and UK Prime Minister as they conspire to start a war. WARNING: contains swearing

Starring: Gina McKee, Chris Addison and

Tom Hollander

6 months membership available from:

Little Milton post office

Or on the door Adult/Child £10 OAP £7.50

On the 10th September twenty two of us gathered for our bring and share lunch. This is always a very popular occasion and this time was no exception. As always there appeared to be far too much food but somehow or other it all disappeared! After lunch Victor led us in our Harvest Festival service and this was followed by the sale of the various produce brought along. We made a total of £19.23 and a cheque for £20 has been sent to CLIC. Wednesday the 16th September was our outing to London and Buckingham Palace . Forty eight members and friends set off and we arrived at St Pauls bang on time at 10.30 a.m. Most people disappeared into the crypt for coffee before we were taken on a coach tour round the City and West End when our lady guide pointed out places with particular royal connections. We stopped off at South Bank for lunch before being taken on to Buckingham Palace where we explored at our own pace, admiring exhibitions of dresses and jewellery worn by the Queen on her Commonwealth visits. We enjoyed tea at the restaurant there before walking past the gardens back to our coach tired but happy.

SATURDAY 17th OCTOBER

7.00 for 7.30pm @ The Pine Lodge

Last month our work party of four cut the grass back in the orchard using the “BCS” which is a self propelled mower, but with what looks like an industrial strength hedge trimmer instead of a rotary blade. This machine allows us to also keep the paths cut back, which was also done at the time.

On the allotment, the grass was cut back to stop it from getting out of control. Hopefully this will be the last cut of the season.

Next month’s work party is planned for October 4th from 10.30am (meeting at Wells Farm yard). We hope to cut back some of the hedging and also clear the bramble from the manure pile on the allotment.

If you walk your dog regularly, please feel free to pull any nettles that are growing around the gates. One nettle each a day will soon get rid of them!

Last month it was too early to talk about harvest results but now that there are heaps of wheat and oilseed rape (all that we grow at the moment) in the barns I can give an indication of these yields. We have actually had quite a good harvest this year, although I am reliably informed that this is not the case for everyone in the area and that locally yields have been very variable possibly caused by the very dry period we had earlier in the growing season.

The rape was just above average which was a bonus considering how awful it looked earlier in the year. However, the wheat generally returned a better than average yield with the crops grown following a break crop showing the best quality. The second wheats i.e. wheat grown for the second year running had lower yields and reduced quality, however still a respectable outcome. This reduction in yield was to a large extent due to a common disease in continuous wheat cropping known as “takeall”, which as the name suggests takes everything from the plant until it just withers and dies. At the moment there is no cure and the only control is by crop rotation. The Canadian wheat I wrote about earlier has done us proud and although the yield was more than 50% lower than average, its high quality will attract a premium that far outweighs the lack of tonnage.

We now move to a different aspect of the calendar. With all being more or less safely gathered in we start all over again and it is time to “till and plant”. You will notice that a lot of the stubbles have been cultivated and are beginning to “green” up again; we want this to happen as the green is all growth of unwanted plants. The next cultivation in preparation for planting will kill a lot of this “volunteer” growth. By now most of the rape will be planted and the winter crops will follow towards the end of September in hopefully what will be a period of relatively dry weather. Speaking of dry weather, last month I wrote about “sods law” in that as soon as we saw the first combines move it started to rain and now as soon as they have been put into the sheds and finished with, it stopped! the end of the St Swithin’s period.

Changing policies and attitudes to the environment and global warming are beginning to have an effect on the way we grow our crops. The most noticeable aspect of this is the cleaning up of emissions from power stations like Didcot that has reduced the amount of sulphur in the air. Obviously this is laudable, however plants need a certain amount of sulphur for healthy growth and we now have to apply it artificially.

I have also read recently that agriculture is actually cleaning its own act up and that although we do not appear to be supported by the government in a bid to become more self sufficient and our food imports and therefore food miles, have risen, we have cut the emissions of methane by 12%, nitrous oxide by 18%, phosphate by 13% and total energy usage by 22%.

Whilst on the subject of pollution I would just like to comment on some current discussion re noise pollution. Some fingers are being pointed toward agriculture maybe not without reason. I would just like to say that in Great Milton we suffer far more from the M/A40 noise than from local farms. However I do accept that our large machines do kick up a fair racket and, depending on conditions, do so late into the night. But I do feel that this disturbance does not last that long and unfortunately produce prices dictate that we have to use ever larger and therefore noisier machines for longer hours at certain times.

It will not have escaped anyone’s notice that a recent report by the FSA “Food Standards Agency” stated that organic food is no better than any other despite any claims made to the contrary by some in the organic sector. The organisation I am involved with (Organic Farmers & Growers or OF&G) have always been very careful not to make these rash statements. All we do say is that organic food is more likely to be free of residual chemicals than most other foods. It is the evangelists that make these claims, having said that like all these reports they have to be taken with a little pinch of salt as they do tend to leave out certain key elements.

Some years ago I wrote of the troubles and indeed traumas we experienced when we had our farm maps scrutinised. These maps produced from OS maps have our field areas superimposed upon them using satellite imagery and are the basis for any area payments that we might receive from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). They have been notoriously inaccurate and we have consistently been penalised for these inaccuracies when most of them were in fact created by the RPA.

Well now new maps are being produced and, unbelievably, they seem to be even more inaccurate than the last attempt. In fact on seeing the draft new maps I see that the RPA appear to have given us one of a next door neighbour’s fields. However we are one of the lucky 10% whose areas are being physically checked and an RPA rep has been out to measure the farm and then explain his findings (unfortunately we are not one field better off), so now at least I think we understand and can finally agree it all. I won’t hold my breath!

5-a-side football continues on Wednesday nights 8.00 – 9.30 p.m. All welcome age 16 and over, whatever your skill level. Numbers are down at present so we would appreciate new blood!. GET FIT FOR CHRISTMAS

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.

GREAT MILTON SINGERS

Rehearsals for the next concert (on November 14th) will begin on

Thursday 10th September at 7.30pm

The Bell House, Great Milton

We are a friendly medium-sized choir and would welcome new members of all voices.

For more details contact

Kate Pattinson 01844 279204

Alex Kirkman 01844 278090

Construction work on the new library in North Street , Thame, is well underway, with the building's steel frame expected to be completed by the end of the month.

The 40-week programme by Oxfordshire County Council is on schedule and the two-floor library is expected to be open by summer 2010, offering people a modern style facility which is designed to be customer friendly.

The £1.7m project will provide a book shop-style quick choice area for people in a hurry, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, a first floor mezzanine study space, a dedicated area for teenagers and a new information display system designed for posters and leaflets to detail local events.

There will also be a children's area with a reading hideaway feature and a touch screen self service facility for visitors to access information. Staff will be on hand to assist users if required.

The library will also have a wider range of books than the current one in Southern Road.

FARMER’S MARKET

GREAT HASELEY VILLAGE HALL

Sunday, 11th October 10am -1.00 p.m.

(2nd Sunday of every month)

Many different tables selling; eggs, fruit, vegetables, meat, cakes, wine, cheese, bread, flowers, plants etc.

Why not have a bacon butty with a cup of tea or coffee whilst reading a Sunday newspaper!

Deirdre Mann 279334; Will Meadon 077162161

A revered Woodstock-born British war leader who maintained strong county military links throughout his illustrious political career is the topic of a new exhibition at the town's Oxfordshire Museum .

The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust's exhibition - Winston Churchill, Oxfordshire Hussar, 1910-1965 - chronicles the former Prime Minister's lesser known role in the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars, part of the Imperial Yeomanry, which he joined following his retirement from the regular army.

The exhibition includes photographs, books and replica documents illustrating Churchill's role within the regiment and a dispatch case which he used when he was a minister. Some of the items on show have never before been shown publicly.

In April 1905 Churchill was promoted to major and appointed to command of the Henley Squadron of the regiment. He was a staunch supporter of the regiment for the rest of his life, serving with them until the First World War - even whilst busy as a minister - and was its Honorary Colonel until the time of his death in 1965.

Churchill left detailed instructions for his funeral, which included the regiment marching immediately in front of his coffin at his state funeral. The Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars celebrated its bi-centenary in 1998 by being granted the Freedom of Banbury.

The one-year exhibition opens at the Oxfordshire County Council-run museum in Park Street on Saturday, September 26. Entry is free.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "This exhibition promises to be a fascinating insight into a lesser known side of one of the icons of recent British history. I am sure that it will prove interesting for people of all ages."

The county council's Museum Service and the Bicester based Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust are working towards creating a new building on the grounds of The Oxfordshire Museum which is intended to be the final home of the county's regimental collections. The building will bring the stories of Oxfordshire citizens and their part in the nation's conflicts to the public.

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.

Dr A Harnden and Partners

Morland House Surgery, London Road , Wheatley , OX33 1YJ

Telephone: 01865 872448

Surgery appointments times:

Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 11.00am and 3.30pm – 5.50pm

Saturday: 8.30am – 11.20am

On Saturday mornings we have a limited number of pre-bookable appointments and emergency ‘walk-ins’ until 11.00am on the day.

Please telephone 01865 872448, call at the reception if you wish to book an appointment, make an enquiry or register with the practice. Alternatively, visit our website www.morland-house.co.uk for further information on appointments and the full range of facilities and services that we offer.

The surgery is situated on London Road (just off the roundabout at the top of Holloway Road ). Car parking available.

The surgery is currently accepting new patients from the local area.

For the month of October tasks include lawns, storing vegetables, work on the pond and rose care. Continue to repair and re-seed the lawn where patches are worn, improve the drainage, by spiking and add autumn lawn food. Rake up fallen leaves and make a pile for leaf mould to put on the garden next year. Raise the mower blades, but continue to cut the lawn. If you are planning to sow bulbs in the lawn or a grassed area, scatter them then plant, this gives a more natural effect.

Keep clearing the vegetable patch, saving peas and beans to dry off for seed next year. Let the haulms dry off naturally then remove the seeds and store in a paper bag or envelope marked with the variety, ready to plant next spring. Continue to dig up main crop potatoes, and store in a cool place in a sack. Beetroot and carrots can be lifted and stored, or you can risk leaving them in the ground and harvesting as necessary through out the winter. Squashes and marrows should now be stored. Pick the last of the tomatoes, and cut the green ones off and bring into the warm to finish ripening. Add tomatoes to peppers, onions and aubergine to make a ratatouille to store in the freezer, or make chutney with any of the above.

Remove leaves and other debris from the pond, and thin out underwater oxygenating plants, and cut off dead water lily leaves. Lift and divide bog garden plants. Continue to feed fish.

Roses still need to be deadheaded and sprayed for black spot and rust. Check ties on climbers and prune any long shoots to stop them blowing in the winter winds., clear areas around rose beds, removing dead and diseased leaves, and burning them. If preparing new rose beds, double dig the site and add plenty of farmyard manure, roses love this organic matter!

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 November 2009 Newsletter should be with the Editor at 27 Chiltern View, Little Milton, by 8.00 p.m. on 20th October 2009. The Editor reserves the right not to print items submitted for publication and to edit those items, which are published.

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
6 October	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
13 October	No	Yes	No	Yes
20 October	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
27 October	No	Yes	No	Yes

4th	11.00 a.m.	Harvest Festival service led by Revd Derick Chambers
11th	9.30 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mrs. Susie Ingram
18th	11.00 a.m.	Morning Service led by Mr Anthony Page
25th	11.00 a.m.	Local arrangements

Monday Morning Monday Afternoon	10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. 1.30 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.	Open Door No appointment needed Appointments and phone advice
Tuesday Morning	10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.	Appointments and phone advice
Wednesday & Thursday	Closed
Friday	10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.	Appointments and phone advice